Decomposing Tasks
Workflows
- • Understand Scope: What is the full scope of work?
- • Identify Components: What are the major pieces?
- • Break Down: Split into 1-2 day tasks
- • Order: Define dependencies and sequence
- • Validate: Can each task be demo'd/tested?
Task Size Guidelines
Too Big
- •"Build the authentication system"
- •Cannot be completed in 1-2 days
- •Cannot be tested independently
Just Right
- •"Create login API endpoint"
- •"Add password validation"
- •"Implement JWT token generation"
Too Small
- •"Add semicolon"
- •"Rename variable"
- •Not worth tracking separately
Decomposition Strategies
Vertical Slicing
Cut through all layers for one feature.
code
Feature: User Login ├── API endpoint (POST /login) ├── Input validation ├── Database query ├── JWT generation ├── Error handling └── Integration test
Horizontal Slicing
Complete one layer at a time.
code
Database Layer ├── Users table ├── Sessions table └── Indexes API Layer ├── Login endpoint ├── Logout endpoint └── Refresh endpoint
SPIDR Method
- •Spike: Research/investigation task
- •Path: Main flow implementation
- •Interface: API/UI contract
- •Data: Storage and schemas
- •Rules: Business logic and validation
Task Template
markdown
## Task: [Title] **Description**: [What needs to be done] **Acceptance Criteria**: - [ ] [Criterion 1] - [ ] [Criterion 2] **Dependencies**: [What must be done first] **Estimate**: [X hours/points]
Definition of Done
Every task should have:
- • Code complete and reviewed
- • Tests written and passing
- • Documentation updated
- • Deployed to staging