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Use Structured Plan Mode

For highly complex feature implementations requiring systematic planning and tracking, the structured-plan-mode skill provides a disciplined, phased approach to break down work into manageable pieces.

For complete the full skill specification, see the structured-plan-mode reference.

What is Structured Plan Mode?​

Structured Plan Mode is a skill that guides you through a 6-phase methodology for planning and implementing complex features:

When to Use​

Use Structured Plan Mode when:

  • Multi-component features: Work spans multiple integration points or systems
  • Extended timelines: Implementation will take several days with interdependent tasks
  • Multiple approaches: Need to evaluate different implementation strategies
  • Pattern-setting work: Decisions will guide future development
  • High complexity: Clear task decomposition and tracking are critical

Do NOT use for simple bug fixes, trivial features, one-off scripts, or work with a single obvious implementation path.

Key Principles​

Phased Progression​

The skill enforces strict phase ordering:

  1. Setup - Create .plans/[feature-name]/ structure with plan.md and research section
  2. Research - Explore codebase, propose strategies, and iterate with user
  3. Finalize Selected Approach - Document selected approach in plan.md
  4. Task Creation - Break down into task files (T01.md - T0N.md) in .plans/[feature-name]/tasks/
  5. Implementation - Execute and track tasks in individual task files
  6. Review - Document lessons learned in plan.md

Comparison with Extended Plan Mode​

AspectExtended Plan ModeStructured Plan Mode
Use CaseSmall/Medium featuresComplex implementations requiring systematic planning
ResearchUse Context PrimingDedicated Research phase with iteration
User InvolvementReview plan before implementation + AskUserQuestionActive iteration during research phase using AskUserQuestion
Task TrackingTodoWrite for tasks and milestonesTodoWrite for phases 1-4 only; tasks tracked in plan doc
Best ForProduction code with quality focusMulti-component features with multiple approaches

Benefits​

  • Systematic decomposition: Complex work broken into clear, manageable tasks
  • Reduced rework: Research and iteration happen before detailed planning
  • Clear progress tracking: Know exactly where you are in the implementation
  • Knowledge capture: Lessons learned documented for future reference
  • Collaborative decision-making: User input guides approach selection

Combining with Extended Plan Mode​

Structured Plan Mode and Extended Plan Mode are complementary, not exclusive. While Structured Plan Mode provides the framework for complex modules/components/features/tasks, Extended Plan Mode can be applied to individual tasks within Phase 5 (Implementation).

Nested Workflow​

Example Workflow​

Request: "Add real-time collaboration to document editor"

Phase 1: Create plan skeleton with Research section

Phase 2:

  • Research WebSocket libraries, existing features
  • Propose 3 approaches: WebRTC, WebSockets, Firebase
  • Ask clarifying questions with AskUserQuestion, iterate with user
  • Present trade-offs
  • User confirms the end of research

Phase 3: Document selected WebSockets approach with rationale

  • User confirms WebSockets
  • Document rationale and key findings for WebSockets approach

Phase 4: Create task files (T01.md: WebSocket server, T02.md: Client handling, etc.) in .plans/collaboration-feature/tasks/

Phase 5-6: Implement and track progress in individual task files, document lessons

Learn More​

For complete details, workflow diagrams, and the full skill specification, see the structured-plan-mode reference.