Todo List Management

When to Create a Todo List

Create a todo list when:

• •The task has 3+ distinct steps
• •Multiple files need modification
• •The task involves research, implementation, and verification phases
• •Dependencies exist between subtasks

Skip for:

• •Single-step tasks
• •Quick fixes or simple edits
• •Purely informational requests

Todo List Format

Use markdown checklists. Present the list, then work through items systematically:

## Task: [Brief description]

- [ ] Step 1: [Specific action]
- [ ] Step 2: [Specific action]
- [ ] Step 3: [Specific action]

Writing Effective Items

Each item should be:

• •Actionable: Start with a verb (Add, Update, Create, Fix, Test)
• •Specific: Include file paths or component names when relevant
• •Atomic: One logical unit of work per item
• •Ordered: Dependencies first, verification last

Progress Tracking

Update the list as you work:

- [x] Step 1: Create user model ✓
- [x] Step 2: Add validation logic ✓
- [ ] Step 3: Write unit tests ← current
- [ ] Step 4: Update documentation

Example

User request: "Add user authentication to the app"

Todo list:

## Task: Add user authentication

- [ ] Research: Review existing auth patterns in codebase
- [ ] Create auth middleware in `src/middleware/auth.ts`
- [ ] Add user model with password hashing
- [ ] Implement login/logout endpoints
- [ ] Add route protection to sensitive endpoints
- [ ] Write tests for auth flows
- [ ] Update API documentation

Workflow

1. •Analyze the request and identify all required steps
2. •Present the todo list before starting work
3. •Execute items in order, marking complete as you go
4. •Verify all items are checked before concluding