Software Task Workflow
When starting any coding task, follow this workflow to ensure you have the right context and tools.
1. Read Project Documentation
Always read the project README first:
code
README.md README.rst README
Look in the working directory root. The README contains critical instructions for:
- •Building the project
- •Installing dependencies
- •Running tests
- •Development workflows
- •Project-specific conventions
2. Identify Required Skills
Load skills proactively - don't wait to be asked. If working on a Jira ticket, fetch the ticket details first. If writing code, know how to run tests.
3. Follow the Chain of Authority
When instructions conflict, follow this priority:
- •User instructions (highest priority)
- •Project README and
CLAUDE.md - •Loaded skills
- •General best practices
4. Before Writing Code
- •Understand the existing codebase patterns
- •Read related files to understand conventions
- •Check if there are existing tests to follow as examples
- •Know how to run tests for the code you're changing
5. After Writing Code
- •Run tests scoped to your changes
- •Build/compile if the project requires it
- •Follow commit conventions from the project
Key Reminders
- •Don't guess - read the README for project-specific commands
- •Don't assume - different projects have different conventions
- •Load skills early - have the right tools ready before you need them
- •Test your changes - always verify code works before committing