build-app-workflow
Convert the Skills + Shell + Compaction methodology into a reusable, stage-gated software delivery workflow.
When to use
Use this skill when the user is:
- •Implementing features or fixes that require real command execution, not advice only.
- •Running multi-step tasks likely to exceed short context windows.
- •Standardizing engineering workflow with verification and rollback gates.
- •Building reusable team SOPs across repositories or stacks.
Do not use this skill for:
- •Pure conceptual discussion with no repository changes.
- •One-off copywriting tasks without build/test requirements.
- •Highly specialized flows that already have a dedicated skill with tighter contracts.
Inputs to collect first
Collect these inputs before implementation:
- •Goal: one-sentence expected outcome.
- •Scope: files/modules that are in or out of scope.
- •Stack/runtime: Node/Python/Rust/Tauri/other and package managers.
- •Acceptance gate: what must pass (lint/test/build/smoke/etc.).
- •Rollback unit: the exact reversible boundary (single commit or file group).
If any input is missing, ask focused questions before execution.
Workflow (stage-gated)
Stage 1 - Plan
- •Define change scope and impact surface.
- •Define rollback point before edits.
- •Run
bash scripts/preflight.sh. - •Choose execution mode:
- •hosted shell for isolation/repeatability.
- •local shell for internal tools and fast iteration.
Reference: references/workflow.md sections Plan and Safety.
Stage 2 - Do
- •Apply minimal, reversible changes.
- •Keep API/type/caller/docs synchronized when interfaces change.
- •Produce concrete artifacts instead of narrative-only output.
Reference: references/workflow.md sections Do and Artifact Contract.
Stage 3 - Check
- •Run
bash scripts/verify.sh --stack auto(or forcenode|python|rustwhen needed). - •Validate against
templates/acceptance-checklist.md. - •If failed, run
bash scripts/postmortem.sh "<task-id>"and fix by failure category.
Reference: references/workflow.md sections Check and Failure Routing.
Stage 4 - Act
- •Summarize change, risk, and rollback path.
- •Record run outcome in
run-log.md. - •Apply compaction policy for long runs.
Reference: references/workflow.md section Act and Compaction.
Compaction policy
Use compaction when any condition is met:
- •8-12 consecutive implementation rounds.
- •Before major refactor or broad file edits.
- •Before release/handoff summary.
Do not compact repeatedly in short intervals without a milestone.
Stability gate and split policy
Treat this skill as "stable" only when all are true in the latest 5 real tasks:
- •verify pass rate >= 4/5.
- •zero process failures (missed required checks/docs/rollback notes).
- •ad-hoc prompt additions <= 1 per task.
- •acceptance records complete.
Split into sub-skills when two or more are true:
- •workflow spans >= 3 distinct phases with frequent branching.
- •
SKILL.mdbecomes long/ambiguous for routing. - •repeated process errors >= 2 in 5 tasks.
- •frequent skipped or misordered steps.
Governance details: ../docs/skill-lifecycle.md.
Output format required from assistant
Return outputs in this order:
- •Conclusion first.
- •Plan and impact surface.
- •Implemented changes.
- •Verification commands and outcomes.
- •Risks and rollback.
- •Optional next optimizations.
- •Sources used.
Use template: templates/agent-report.md.
Non-negotiables
- •Do not place secrets/tokens in code, logs, docs, or examples.
- •Do not invent unverified APIs or packages.
- •Every change must be reversible.
- •API changes require caller/type/doc updates together.
- •Prefer script execution evidence over natural-language claims.
Quick runbook
- •
bash scripts/preflight.sh - •Implement minimal scoped changes.
- •
bash scripts/verify.sh --stack auto - •
bash scripts/postmortem.sh "<task-id>"if verification fails. - •Fill
templates/acceptance-checklist.mdand appendrun-log.md.