Executing Plans

Description

Execute a written implementation plan with batch processing and review checkpoints. Use when you have a plan file ready for implementation.

When to Use

• •After /brainstorming produces a design doc
• •When you have a written implementation plan
• •For any multi-step implementation needing oversight

Announcement

Say at start: "I'm using the executing-plans skill to implement this plan."

The Process

Step 1: Load and Review Plan

1. •Read the plan file
2. •Review critically - identify questions or concerns
3. •If concerns: Raise them before starting
4. •If no concerns: Create TodoWrite and proceed

Step 2: Execute Batch

Default: First 3 tasks

For each task:

1. •Mark as in_progress in TodoWrite
2. •Follow each step exactly (plan has bite-sized steps)
3. •Run verifications as specified
4. •Mark as completed

Step 3: Report

When batch complete:

## Batch Complete

### Implemented
- [what was done]

### Verification Output
[test results, build output, etc.]

Ready for feedback.

Step 4: Continue

Based on feedback:

• •Apply changes if needed
• •Execute next batch
• •Repeat until complete

Step 5: Complete

After all tasks verified:

• •Run final verification
• •Clean up any temporary code
• •Prepare for commit/PR

When to STOP and Ask

Stop immediately when:

• •Hit a blocker mid-batch
• •Missing dependency or unclear instruction
• •Test fails repeatedly
• •Plan has critical gaps

Ask for clarification rather than guessing.

When to Revisit Step 1

Return to plan review when:

• •Partner updates the plan based on feedback
• •Fundamental approach needs rethinking

Key Principles

Example Flow

User: "Execute the plan in docs/plans/2026-01-03-notifications-design.md"

Claude: "I'm using the executing-plans skill to implement this plan.

        Let me review the plan first...
        [reads plan]

        The plan looks solid. I have one question:
        - Step 4 mentions 'existing notification service' but I don't see one.
          Should I create it, or is this referencing something else?"

User: "Create it from scratch"

Claude: "Got it. Creating TodoWrite with tasks from the plan.

        Starting batch 1 (tasks 1-3):
        1. Create notification service interface
        2. Implement in-memory notification store
        3. Add notification event types

        [executes tasks...]

        ## Batch Complete

        ### Implemented
        - NotificationService interface in src/services/notifications.ts
        - InMemoryNotificationStore with add/get/markRead
        - NotificationEvent types (alert, info, warning)

        ### Verification Output
        ✓ npm run typecheck - passed
        ✓ npm test - 3 new tests passing

        Ready for feedback."

User: "Looks good, continue"

Claude: "Starting batch 2 (tasks 4-6)..."

Batch Size

• •Default: 3 tasks
• •Adjust based on: task complexity, risk level, user preference
• •Smaller batches: for risky changes or unfamiliar code
• •Larger batches: for mechanical/repetitive tasks