Initialize Problem Tree

This skill helps you set up a new problem tree for recursive problem solving.

Instructions

When a user wants to start a new problem tree:

1. •

   Clarify the problem: Make sure you understand the root problem/question clearly. Ask for clarification if needed.

   • •If the problem is one of a subjective domain, e.g. a personal problem the user is facing or one that requires subjective preferences and personal details, query the user for these details. For example, if the user is trying to determine where to live, you should ask them questions about their life and preferences to help build the issue tree
2. •

   Choose/create the root directory:

   • •Ask the user where they want to create the problem tree, or suggest a name based on the problem
   • •Create the directory: mkdir -p issues/problem-name
3. •

   Create the root PROBLEM.md:

   markdown

   # Problem: [Title]
   
   ## Question
   
   [The main question or problem to solve]
   
   ## Context
   
   [Why this problem matters] [Any relevant background information] [Constraints or requirements]
   
   ## Success Criteria
   
   [What constitutes a good solution] [How will we know when this is answered]
   
   ## Notes
   
   [Any additional information]
   

4. •

   Create STATUS.md:

   markdown

   # Status: pending
   
   Created: [current date/time] Last updated: [current date/time]
   

5. •

   Create README.md (for navigation):

   markdown

   # Problem Tree: [Problem Name]
   
   ## Root Problem
   
   [Brief description]
   
   ## Structure
   
   This is a recursive problem-solving tree. Each node can either:
   
   -   Be decomposed into sub-problems (creates subproblems/ folder)
   -   Be solved directly (creates SOLUTION.md)
   
   ## Files
   
   -   `PROBLEM.md` - The problem/question at this node
   -   `STATUS.md` - Current status (pending/decomposed/solving/solved)
   -   `ANALYSIS.md` - Analysis and reasoning (created by solver)
   -   `SOLUTION.md` - The answer (created when solved)
   -   `subproblems/` - Child problem nodes (if decomposed)
   
   ## Usage
   
   To work on this problem tree:
   

   cd issues/problem-name

   Then invoke the solve-node skill or run:

   /solve-node

   code

   
   ## Current Status
   See STATUS.md for current state.
   

6. •

   Inform the user:

   • •Show them the structure you created
   • •Explain that they can now run /solve-node or invoke the solve-node skill to start solving
   • •Optionally offer to start the solving process immediately

Example

User: "I want to solve whether the German government should use Linux or Windows"

You should:

1. •Create issues/german-gov-os-decision/
2. •Create PROBLEM.md with the question clearly stated
3. •Create STATUS.md set to "pending"
4. •Create README.md with overview
5. •Tell the user the tree is ready and offer to start solving

Tips

• •Make directory names descriptive but concise (use lowercase and hyphens)
• •Make sure the problem is stated clearly and specifically in PROBLEM.md
• •Include any constraints or context the user provides
• •Set realistic success criteria