version: "1.0.0" name: executing-plans description: 'MUST USE when a plan.md exists and implementation needs to begin. Executes in controlled batches with verification checkpoints. Triggers on: "execute the plan", "start building", "follow the plan", "go". Routed by using-superpowers or writing-plans handoff.' category: process metadata: source: superpowers-optimized-main risk: safe

Executing Plans

Implement an approved plan in controlled batches with explicit verification.

Required Start

Announce: I'm using the executing-plans skill to implement this plan.

Process

digraph executing_plans {
    "Load and review plan" [shape=box];
    "Concerns?" [shape=diamond];
    "Raise with user" [shape=box];
    "Set up worktree" [shape=box];
    "Execute next task" [shape=box];
    "Run verification" [shape=box];
    "More tasks?" [shape=diamond];
    "Invoke finishing-a-development-branch" [shape=doublecircle];
 
    "Load and review plan" -> "Concerns?";
    "Concerns?" -> "Raise with user" [label="yes"];
    "Raise with user" -> "Load and review plan" [label="plan updated"];
    "Concerns?" -> "Set up worktree" [label="no"];
    "Set up worktree" -> "Execute next task";
    "Execute next task" -> "Run verification";
    "Run verification" -> "More tasks?";
    "More tasks?" -> "Execute next task" [label="yes"];
    "More tasks?" -> "Invoke finishing-a-development-branch" [label="no"];
}

Step 1: Load and Review Plan

1. Read the plan completely.
2. Review critically — identify any questions or concerns.
3. If concerns: raise them with the user before starting.
4. If no concerns: create task tracking and proceed.

Step 2: Set Up Workspace

If working on main/master branch AND the plan involves code changes:

• Set up isolated workspace via using-git-worktrees.

If already on a feature branch, or the plan is documentation/config only:

• Skip worktree setup. Confirm with user that the current branch is appropriate.

Step 3: Execute Tasks

For each task:

1. Follow each step exactly (plan has bite-sized steps with checkboxes).
2. Run verifications as specified.
3. Mark task complete.
4. For tasks involving UI/UX or frontend implementation, apply guidance from frontend-design.

Note: Superpowers works significantly better with subagent support. If subagents are available, use subagent-driven-development instead — the quality of work will be higher with fresh-context-per-task and two-stage review gates.

Engineering Rigor for Complex Tasks

When a task is architectural, high-risk, or touches cross-module boundaries:

• Validate the approach against requirements and constraints before coding.
• Identify edge cases and error paths specific to this task.
• Consider simpler architectures or alternative approaches.
• Ensure changes remain maintainable and don't create hidden coupling.
• If 2 implementation attempts fail, pause and reassess the approach rather than forcing a third attempt.

Execution Rules

• Do not skip plan steps unless user approves deviation.
• Never start implementation on main/master branch without explicit user consent — ensure isolated workspace is ready first.
• Keep edits scoped to the current task.
• Do not claim completion without fresh command output.

Stop immediately and ask for clarification — never guess — when:

• A dependency is missing or unavailable.
• The plan has a critical gap that prevents starting.
• An instruction is unclear or contradictory.
• Verification fails repeatedly (2+ attempts).

Context Hygiene

For each task, keep only:

• Current task details
• Constraints
• Relevant prior decisions
• Verification evidence

Do not carry long historical summaries. Never forward full session history to subagents — construct their prompts from scratch with only the items above.

Completion

After all tasks pass verification:

1. Announce finishing-a-development-branch.
2. Invoke finishing-a-development-branch.