writing-plans

Generate TDD implementation plans with exact file paths and code examples.

Updated Nov 5, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mikeyobrien/ghclip --skill writing-plans-mikeyobrien
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: writing-plans
Source: https://github.com/mikeyobrien/ghclip/tree/main/.claude/skills/writing-plans
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mikeyobrien/ghclip --skill writing-plans-mikeyobrien

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill automates the creation of highly detailed, bite-sized implementation plans for engineers, minimizing ambiguity and ensuring adherence to TDD principles. It saves significant time in planning, reduces implementation errors, and ensures consistent quality across development tasks.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Detailed Task Breakdown: Generates tasks in 2-5 minute increments, complete with exact file paths, locations, and full code examples.
  • TDD Integration: Ensures each task follows a rigorous write-failing-test → verify failure → implement → verify passing → commit cycle.
  • Structured Documentation: Saves plans to a standardized path (docs/plans/YYYY-MM-DD-<feature-name>.md) with mandatory architectural and technical headers.
  • Use Case: You need to implement a new API endpoint. Use this skill to generate a step-by-step plan that any engineer, even with minimal codebase familiarity, can follow precisely, complete with code snippets and verification steps.

Quick Start

Use the writing-plans skill to create an implementation plan for adding a new user authentication feature.

Frequently Asked Questions about writing-plans

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I create a detailed implementation plan with TDD tasks?

Implementation plans break down features into 2-5 minute TDD cycles: write failing test, verify failure, implement, verify passing, commit. This skill generates bite-sized tasks with exact file paths, complete code examples, and verification steps saved to docs/plans, reducing ambiguity and implementation errors.

What should an implementation plan include for code reviews?

Effective implementation plans contain exact file locations, runnable code samples, specific test commands with expected outcomes, and clearly defined commit points. This ensures any engineer, regardless of codebase familiarity, can follow the plan precisely and pass review without rework.

Can I use implementation plans to break down software architecture tasks?

Yes. Implementation plans work for projects requiring structured task breakdown following software architecture principles. They apply TDD rigor to architecture decisions, delivering detailed deliverables with mandatory technical and architectural headers stored in standardized documentation paths.

How does task breakdown improve project planning accuracy?

Task breakdown into 2-5 minute increments with exact deliverables and verification steps minimizes planning ambiguity and reduces implementation errors. Each task specifies file paths, code examples, and commit points, enabling consistent quality and faster engineer execution.

What file format do implementation plans use for documentation?

Implementation plans are saved as markdown files in docs/plans/YYYY-MM-DD-<feature-name>.md with mandatory architectural and technical headers. This standardized structure enables consistent project documentation and easy retrieval across teams.

When should I generate implementation plans instead of writing them manually?

Generate plans for features requiring TDD adherence, multiple team members, or minimal context sharing. Automated planning eliminates manual ambiguity, ensures consistent TDD cycles, and saves significant time compared to writing detailed step-by-step guides by hand.