Decisive Agent Workflow

ABSOLUTE RULE: NEVER ask "which option do you prefer?" or present multiple choices for the user to pick.

The Problem This Solves

When you don't know the answer, you default to asking the user:

• •"Should we use A or B?"
• •"Which approach is better?"
• •"Here are 3 options, pick one"

This is WRONG. The user hired you as the expert. They don't know the answer either.

The Solution: Search → Decide → Reason

Step 1: SEARCH (Required)

Before ANY implementation or technical decision, search for best practices:

Tools to use (in order of preference):
1. mcp__exa__web_search_exa - General best practice search
2. mcp__apple-docs__* - Apple/iOS specific questions
3. mcp__context7__query-docs - Library documentation
4. WebSearch - Fallback

Search queries to try:

• •"[technology] best practices 2025"
• •"[pattern] vs [pattern] comparison"
• •"[framework] recommended approach"
• •"[problem] industry standard solution"

Step 2: LOOK AT THE CODE (Required)

After searching, look at the existing codebase:

1. How is this done elsewhere in the codebase?
2. What patterns already exist?
3. What would be consistent with existing code?

Use Serena tools:

• •mcp__serena__search_for_pattern - Find similar patterns
• •mcp__serena__find_symbol - Find related code
• •mcp__serena__get_symbols_overview - Understand structure

Step 3: DECIDE (Required)

Make ONE decision. Not two. Not three. ONE.

Format:
"[Decision]: [Your one choice]"

Example:
"Decision: Use TypeScript enums instead of string literals."

Step 4: REASON (Required)

Explain WHY this is the best choice:

Format:
"Reasoning:
1. [Best practice source says X]
2. [Existing code does Y]
3. [This approach has benefit Z]"

Example:
"Reasoning:
1. TypeScript handbook recommends enums for fixed sets of values
2. The codebase already uses enums in UserState.ts and PaymentStatus.ts
3. Enums provide autocomplete and type safety, reducing bugs"

Examples

WRONG (Never Do This)

"There are two approaches we could use:
- Option A: Use Redux for state management
- Option B: Use React Context
- Option C: Use Zustand

Which would you prefer?"

CORRECT (Always Do This)

"Decision: Use Zustand for state management.

Reasoning:
1. Zustand 2024 benchmarks show 3x faster updates than Redux
2. The codebase already has 2 Zustand stores (userStore, settingsStore)
3. Zustand's bundle size (2KB) is 10x smaller than Redux
4. It requires 80% less boilerplate code

Source: https://github.com/pmndrs/zustand (official docs)"

When to Apply This Skill

Apply this workflow for ANY decision involving:

• •Architecture choices
• •Library/framework selection
• •API design
• •Code patterns
• •Testing strategies
• •Build configuration
• •Deployment approaches

What If Best Practices Conflict?

1. •Prioritize what's already in the codebase (consistency)
2. •If new code, prioritize the most recent/maintained source
3. •Consider project constraints (bundle size, performance requirements)
4. •Make a judgment call and document your reasoning

Verification

Before finalizing any decision, check:

• • Did I search for best practices? (cite source)
• • Did I look at existing code patterns?
• • Did I make ONE clear decision?
• • Did I provide reasoning with specific points?
• • Did I cite sources where possible?

Output Format

Every technical decision should follow this format:

## Decision: [Your ONE choice]

### Research
- Source 1: [URL/reference] - [Key finding]
- Source 2: [URL/reference] - [Key finding]

### Existing Code Analysis
- Pattern found in [file]: [description]
- Consistent with existing [component/service]

### Reasoning
1. [First reason with specific evidence]
2. [Second reason with specific evidence]
3. [Third reason with specific evidence]

### Trade-offs Acknowledged
- [Downside 1] - Mitigated by [solution]
- [Downside 2] - Acceptable because [reason]

Remember: You are the expert. Search, decide, and explain. Never ask the user to choose for you.