Tasks Phase

Get Started: Tasks Template - Ready-to-use template
See Example: Simple Feature Tasks - Complete tasks example
Execute Tasks: Implementation Guide - How to work through tasks
Back to Start: Requirements Phase - Full workflow context

Purpose and Goals

The Tasks Phase is the final phase of the spec-driven development process, transforming the approved design into a structured implementation plan consisting of discrete, actionable coding tasks. This phase serves as the bridge between planning and execution, breaking down complex system designs into manageable steps that can be executed incrementally by development teams or AI coding agents.

As the third phase in the Requirements → Design → Tasks workflow, the tasks phase ensures that all the careful planning and design work translates into systematic, trackable implementation progress.

The tasks phase serves to:

Convert design components into specific coding activities
Sequence tasks for optimal development flow and early validation
Create clear, actionable prompts for implementation
Establish dependencies and build order between tasks
Enable incremental progress with testable milestones
Provide a roadmap for systematic feature development

Step-by-Step Process

flowchart TD
    A["Approved Design"] --> B["Step 1: Design Analysis & Task Identification"]
    B --> B1["Review Design Components"]
    B --> B2["Map to Code Artifacts"]
    B --> B3["Identify Dependencies"]
    B --> B4["Consider Testing Requirements"]
    B --> B5["Sequence for Early Validation"]

    B1 & B2 & B3 & B4 & B5 --> C["Step 2: Task Structuring & Hierarchy"]
    C --> C1["Two-Level Maximum"]
    C --> C2["Logical Grouping"]
    C --> C3["Sequential Dependencies"]
    C --> C4["Testable Increments"]

    C1 & C2 & C3 & C4 --> D["Step 3: Task Definition & Specification"]
    D --> D1["Clear Objective"]
    D --> D2["Implementation Details"]
    D --> D3["Requirements Traceability"]
    D --> D4["Acceptance Criteria"]
    D --> D5["Testing Expectations"]

    D1 & D2 & D3 & D4 & D5 --> E["Step 4: Dependency Management & Sequencing"]
    E --> E1["Foundation First"]
    E --> E2["Bottom-Up Approach"]
    E --> E3["Test-Driven Sequence"]
    E --> E4["Integration Points"]

    E1 & E2 & E3 & E4 --> F["Step 5: Task Validation & Refinement"]
    F --> F1["Actionable"]
    F --> F2["Specific"]
    F --> F3["Testable"]
    F --> F4["Incremental"]
    F --> F5["Complete"]

    F1 & F2 & F3 & F4 & F5 --> G{"Tasks Ready
for Implementation?"}
    G -->|No| F1
    G -->|Yes| H["Implementation Plan
Ready for Execution"]

    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style H fill:#e8f5e8
    style G fill:#fff3e0

Step 1: Design Analysis and Task Identification

Objective: Break down the design into implementable components

Process:

Review Design Components: Identify all system components that need to be built
Map to Code Artifacts: Determine what files, classes, and functions need to be created
Identify Dependencies: Understand what needs to be built before other components
Consider Testing Requirements: Plan for test creation alongside implementation
Sequence for Early Validation: Order tasks to validate core functionality quickly

Task Identification Guidelines:

Focus on concrete coding activities (writing, modifying, testing code)
Each task should produce working, testable code
Tasks should build incrementally on previous work
Avoid tasks that can't be completed by a coding agent

Step 2: Task Structuring and Hierarchy

Task Organization Principles:

Two-Level Maximum: Use only top-level tasks and sub-tasks (avoid deep nesting)
Logical Grouping: Group related tasks under meaningful categories
Sequential Dependencies: Order tasks so each builds on previous work
Testable Increments: Each task should result in testable functionality

Task Hierarchy Pattern:

- [ ] 1. [Epic/Major Component]
- [ ] 1.1 [Specific implementation task]
  - [Task details and requirements references]
- [ ] 1.2 [Next specific task]
  - [Task details and requirements references]

- [ ] 2. [Next Epic/Major Component]
- [ ] 2.1 [Specific implementation task]
  - [Task details and requirements references]

Step 3: Task Definition and Specification

Task Specification Elements:

Clear Objective: What specific code needs to be written or modified
Implementation Details: Specific files, components, or functions to create
Requirements Traceability: Reference to specific requirements being implemented
Acceptance Criteria: How to know the task is complete
Testing Expectations: What tests should be written or updated

Task Description Template:

- [ ] X.Y [Task Title]
  - [Specific implementation objective]
  - [Files or components to create/modify]
  - [Key functionality to implement]
  - _Requirements: [Requirement references]_

Step 4: Dependency Management and Sequencing

Dependency Considerations:

Foundation First: Core interfaces and data models before dependent components
Bottom-Up Approach: Lower-level utilities before higher-level features
Test-Driven Sequence: Tests alongside or before implementation
Integration Points: Plan for connecting components as they're built

Sequencing Strategies:

Core-First: Build essential functionality before optional features
Risk-First: Tackle uncertain or complex tasks early
Value-First: Implement high-value features that can be tested quickly
Dependency-Driven: Respect technical dependencies between components

Task Quality Criteria:

Actionable: Can be executed by a coding agent without additional clarification
Specific: Clear about what files, functions, or components to create
Testable: Results in code that can be tested and validated
Incremental: Builds on previous tasks without big complexity jumps
Complete: Covers all aspects of the design that require implementation

Validation Questions:

Can a developer start coding immediately from this task description?
Does this task produce working, testable code?
Are the requirements being implemented clearly identified?
Does this task build logically on previous tasks?
Is the scope appropriate (not too big, not too small)?

Task Categories and Patterns

Foundation Tasks

Purpose: Establish core structure and interfaces

Examples:

Set up project structure and dependencies
Create core data model interfaces
Implement base classes and utilities
Set up testing framework and configuration

Pattern:

- [ ] 1. Set up project foundation
- [ ] 1.1 Create project structure and core interfaces
  - Set up directory structure for models, services, and utilities
  - Define TypeScript interfaces for core data types
  - Create base configuration files
  - _Requirements: 1.1, 2.1_

Data Layer Tasks

Purpose: Implement data models and persistence

Examples:

Create data model classes with validation
Implement repository pattern for data access
Set up database connections and migrations
Write data access layer tests

Pattern:

- [ ] 2. Implement data layer
- [ ] 2.1 Create core data models with validation
  - Implement User, Document, and Settings model classes
  - Add validation methods for data integrity
  - Write unit tests for model validation
  - _Requirements: 2.1, 3.3_

Business Logic Tasks

Purpose: Implement core feature functionality

Examples:

Create service classes for business operations
Implement workflow and process logic
Add business rule validation
Write integration tests for business logic

Pattern:

- [ ] 3. Implement business logic
- [ ] 3.1 Create authentication service
  - Implement user registration and login logic
  - Add password hashing and validation
  - Create session management functionality
  - Write tests for authentication flows
  - _Requirements: 1.2, 4.1_

API/Interface Tasks

Purpose: Create external interfaces and endpoints

Examples:

Implement REST API endpoints
Create request/response handling
Add input validation and error handling
Write API integration tests

Pattern:

- [ ] 4. Implement API layer
- [ ] 4.1 Create user management endpoints
  - Implement POST /users for registration
  - Implement POST /auth/login for authentication
  - Add request validation and error responses
  - Write API endpoint tests
  - _Requirements: 1.2, 2.3_

Integration Tasks

Purpose: Connect components and external systems

Examples:

Wire up dependency injection
Implement external API integrations
Connect frontend to backend services
Add end-to-end integration tests

Pattern:

- [ ] 5. Integration and wiring
- [ ] 5.1 Connect authentication to user management
  - Wire authentication service to user endpoints
  - Implement middleware for protected routes
  - Add integration tests for complete auth flow
  - _Requirements: 1.2, 4.1_

Task Sequencing Strategies

Strategy 1: Foundation-First Approach

Best for: New projects, complex systems with many interdependencies

Sequence:

Project setup and core interfaces
Data models and validation
Data access layer
Business logic services
API endpoints
Integration and wiring

Advantages:

Establishes solid foundation before building features
Reduces rework from architectural changes
Clear dependency chain

Disadvantages:

Longer time before visible functionality
Risk of over-engineering foundation

Strategy 2: Feature-Slice Approach

Best for: MVP development, user-facing applications, agile development

Sequence:

Core user registration (end-to-end)
User authentication (end-to-end)
User profile management (end-to-end)
Advanced features and optimizations

Advantages:

Early user value delivery
Faster feedback cycles
Reduced integration risk

Disadvantages:

May require refactoring as features expand
Potential for technical debt

Strategy 3: Risk-First Approach

Best for: Projects with high technical uncertainty, proof-of-concepts

Sequence:

Most uncertain/complex components
External integrations and dependencies
Core business logic
User interface and experience
Polish and optimization

Advantages:

Early validation of technical feasibility
Reduces project risk
Informs architectural decisions

Disadvantages:

May not deliver user value early
Requires strong technical expertise

Strategy 4: Hybrid Approach

Best for: Most real-world projects

Sequence:

Minimal foundation (core interfaces, basic setup)
High-risk/high-value feature slice
Expand foundation as needed
Additional feature slices
Integration and polish

Advantages:

Balances risk management with early value
Flexible and adaptable
Pragmatic approach

Dependency Management Strategies

Dependency Types and Management

1. Technical Dependencies

Definition: Code components that must exist before others can be built

Examples: - Database models before services that use them - Authentication middleware before protected endpoints - Configuration setup before feature implementation

Management Strategy:

- [ ] 1. Core infrastructure setup
- [ ] 1.1 Create database connection and configuration
- [ ] 1.2 Set up authentication middleware framework
- [ ] 1.3 Create base error handling utilities

- [ ] 2. Foundation models (depends on 1.1)
- [ ] 2.1 Create User model with database integration
- [ ] 2.2 Create Session model with database integration

- [ ] 3. Authentication services (depends on 1.2, 2.1, 2.2)
- [ ] 3.1 Implement login service using User and Session models

2. Logical Dependencies

Definition: Features that build conceptually on others

Examples: - User profile editing requires user registration - Password reset requires user authentication - Advanced search requires basic search

Management Strategy:

- [ ] 1. Basic user management
- [ ] 1.1 User registration functionality
- [ ] 1.2 User login functionality

- [ ] 2. Extended user features (depends on 1.1, 1.2)
- [ ] 2.1 User profile editing (requires existing users)
- [ ] 2.2 Password reset (requires authentication system)

3. Data Dependencies

Definition: Tasks that require specific data or state to exist

Examples: - User dashboard requires user data - Reporting features require transaction data - Admin features require user roles

Management Strategy:

- [ ] 1. Data foundation
- [ ] 1.1 Create user registration and sample data
- [ ] 1.2 Create transaction recording system

- [ ] 2. Data-dependent features (depends on 1.1, 1.2)
- [ ] 2.1 User dashboard (requires user data from 1.1)
- [ ] 2.2 Transaction reporting (requires transaction data from 1.2)

Dependency Visualization Techniques

Simple Dependency Chain

Task A → Task B → Task C → Task D

Parallel Dependencies

Task A → Task C
Task B → Task C

Complex Dependency Graph

Task A → Task C → Task E
Task B → Task D → Task E
Task A → Task D

Handling Circular Dependencies

Problem: When tasks seem to depend on each other

User Service needs Auth Service
Auth Service needs User Service

Solutions:

Interface Extraction:

- [ ] 1.1 Create IUserService and IAuthService interfaces
- [ ] 1.2 Implement UserService using IAuthService interface
- [ ] 1.3 Implement AuthService using IUserService interface
- [ ] 1.4 Wire up dependency injection

Layered Approach:

- [ ] 1.1 Create User data model and basic CRUD
- [ ] 1.2 Create Auth service using User CRUD
- [ ] 1.3 Enhance User service with Auth integration

Event-Driven Decoupling:

- [ ] 1.1 Create event system for user/auth communication
- [ ] 1.2 Implement User service with event publishing
- [ ] 1.3 Implement Auth service with event listening

Examples of Well-Structured Implementation Plans

Example 1: User Authentication System

# Implementation Plan

- [ ] 1. Set up authentication foundation
- [ ] 1.1 Create project structure and core interfaces
  - Set up directory structure for auth, models, and API components
  - Define TypeScript interfaces for User, Session, and AuthRequest types
  - Create base configuration for environment variables
  - _Requirements: 1.1_

- [ ] 1.2 Set up testing framework and database
  - Configure Jest for unit and integration testing
  - Set up test database with Docker configuration
  - Create database migration scripts for user tables
  - _Requirements: 1.1, 2.1_

- [ ] 2. Implement core data models
- [ ] 2.1 Create User model with validation
  - Implement User class with email, password, and profile fields
  - Add validation methods for email format and password strength
  - Write unit tests for User model validation
  - _Requirements: 1.2, 2.1_

- [ ] 2.2 Implement Session model and management
  - Create Session class for tracking user sessions
  - Implement session creation, validation, and expiration logic
  - Write unit tests for session management
  - _Requirements: 1.2, 4.1_

- [ ] 3. Create authentication services
- [ ] 3.1 Implement user registration service
  - Create UserService with registration method
  - Add password hashing using bcrypt
  - Implement duplicate email checking
  - Write unit tests for registration logic
  - _Requirements: 1.2_

- [ ] 3.2 Implement login and session service
  - Add login method with password verification
  - Implement JWT token generation and validation
  - Create session management with refresh tokens
  - Write unit tests for login and session logic
  - _Requirements: 1.2, 4.1_

- [ ] 4. Create API endpoints
- [ ] 4.1 Implement registration endpoint
  - Create POST /auth/register endpoint
  - Add request validation and error handling
  - Implement proper HTTP status codes and responses
  - Write integration tests for registration API
  - _Requirements: 1.2, 2.3_

- [ ] 4.2 Implement login endpoint
  - Create POST /auth/login endpoint
  - Add authentication middleware for protected routes
  - Implement logout functionality
  - Write integration tests for login/logout API
  - _Requirements: 1.2, 4.1_

- [ ] 5. Integration and security hardening
- [ ] 5.1 Add security middleware and rate limiting
  - Implement rate limiting for auth endpoints
  - Add CORS configuration and security headers
  - Create middleware for JWT token validation
  - Write security-focused integration tests
  - _Requirements: 4.1, 2.3_

- [ ] 5.2 End-to-end integration testing
  - Create complete user registration and login flow tests
  - Test error scenarios and edge cases
  - Validate security measures and token handling
  - _Requirements: 1.2, 4.1_

Example 2: Data Processing Pipeline

# Implementation Plan

- [ ] 1. Set up data processing foundation
- [ ] 1.1 Create core data processing interfaces
  - Define interfaces for DataProcessor, Validator, and Transformer
  - Set up configuration for data sources and destinations
  - Create error handling and logging utilities
  - _Requirements: 1.1, 3.1_

- [ ] 2. Implement data validation layer
- [ ] 2.1 Create data validation engine
  - Implement configurable validation rules engine
  - Add support for required fields, data types, and custom rules
  - Create validation result reporting with detailed error messages
  - Write unit tests for validation engine
  - _Requirements: 2.1, 3.2_

- [ ] 3. Build data transformation pipeline
- [ ] 3.1 Implement data transformation service
  - Create transformation pipeline with configurable steps
  - Add support for data mapping, filtering, and enrichment
  - Implement error handling and partial failure recovery
  - Write unit tests for transformation logic
  - _Requirements: 2.2, 3.1_

- [ ] 4. Create data processing orchestrator
- [ ] 4.1 Implement processing workflow engine
  - Create orchestrator that coordinates validation and transformation
  - Add support for batch and streaming processing modes
  - Implement progress tracking and status reporting
  - Write integration tests for complete processing workflows
  - _Requirements: 1.1, 2.1, 2.2_

Example 3: E-commerce Product Management System

This example demonstrates complex dependency management and multiple sequencing strategies:

# Implementation Plan

- [ ] 1. Foundation and core infrastructure
- [ ] 1.1 Set up project structure and core interfaces
  - Create directory structure for models, services, repositories, and API layers
  - Define TypeScript interfaces for Product, Category, Inventory, and Order types
  - Set up configuration management for database, caching, and external services
  - Configure testing framework with unit, integration, and e2e test support
  - _Requirements: 1.1, 1.2_

- [ ] 1.2 Create database schema and migrations
  - Design and implement database schema for products, categories, and inventory
  - Create migration scripts for initial table creation
  - Set up database connection pooling and transaction management
  - Write database utility functions for common operations
  - _Requirements: 2.1, 2.2_

- [ ] 2. Core data models and validation (depends on 1.1, 1.2)
- [ ] 2.1 Implement Product model with comprehensive validation
  - Create Product class with name, description, price, SKU, and metadata fields
  - Add validation for required fields, price ranges, and SKU uniqueness
  - Implement product categorization and tagging functionality
  - Write comprehensive unit tests for all validation scenarios
  - _Requirements: 2.1, 2.3, 3.1_

- [ ] 2.2 Implement Category model with hierarchical structure
  - Create Category class supporting parent-child relationships
  - Add validation for category hierarchy depth and circular references
  - Implement category path generation and breadcrumb functionality
  - Write unit tests for hierarchy operations and edge cases
  - _Requirements: 2.1, 3.2_

- [ ] 2.3 Create Inventory model with stock tracking
  - Implement Inventory class with stock levels, reservations, and thresholds
  - Add validation for stock operations and negative inventory prevention
  - Create inventory adjustment logging and audit trail functionality
  - Write unit tests for stock operations and concurrent access scenarios
  - _Requirements: 2.2, 4.1_

- [ ] 3. Repository layer for data access (depends on 2.1, 2.2, 2.3)
- [ ] 3.1 Implement Product repository with advanced querying
  - Create ProductRepository with CRUD operations and complex queries
  - Add support for filtering by category, price range, and availability
  - Implement full-text search functionality for product names and descriptions
  - Write integration tests for all repository operations
  - _Requirements: 3.1, 3.3_

- [ ] 3.2 Implement Category repository with hierarchy operations
  - Create CategoryRepository with tree traversal and manipulation methods
  - Add support for finding all descendants, ancestors, and siblings
  - Implement category reordering and hierarchy restructuring
  - Write integration tests for hierarchy operations
  - _Requirements: 3.2_

- [ ] 3.3 Create Inventory repository with concurrency handling
  - Implement InventoryRepository with atomic stock operations
  - Add support for bulk inventory updates and reservations
  - Create inventory history tracking and reporting queries
  - Write integration tests including concurrent access scenarios
  - _Requirements: 4.1, 4.2_

- [ ] 4. Business logic services (depends on 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)
- [ ] 4.1 Implement Product management service
  - Create ProductService with business logic for product lifecycle
  - Add support for product creation, updates, and soft deletion
  - Implement product approval workflow and status management
  - Write unit tests for all business logic scenarios
  - _Requirements: 2.1, 2.3, 5.1_

- [ ] 4.2 Create Inventory management service
  - Implement InventoryService with stock allocation and reservation logic
  - Add support for automatic reorder point notifications
  - Create inventory adjustment workflows with approval processes
  - Write unit tests for inventory business rules
  - _Requirements: 4.1, 4.2, 5.2_

- [ ] 4.3 Implement Category management service
  - Create CategoryService with category hierarchy management
  - Add support for category merging, splitting, and reorganization
  - Implement category-based product assignment and bulk operations
  - Write unit tests for category management workflows
  - _Requirements: 3.2, 5.1_

- [ ] 5. API layer and external interfaces (depends on 4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
- [ ] 5.1 Create Product API endpoints
  - Implement REST endpoints for product CRUD operations
  - Add support for product search, filtering, and pagination
  - Create product image upload and management endpoints
  - Write API integration tests and documentation
  - _Requirements: 6.1, 6.2_

- [ ] 5.2 Implement Inventory API endpoints
  - Create REST endpoints for inventory queries and updates
  - Add support for stock reservation and release operations
  - Implement inventory reporting and analytics endpoints
  - Write API integration tests with proper error handling
  - _Requirements: 6.1, 4.2_

- [ ] 5.3 Create Category API endpoints
  - Implement REST endpoints for category management
  - Add support for category tree retrieval and manipulation
  - Create category-based product listing endpoints
  - Write API integration tests for hierarchy operations
  - _Requirements: 6.1, 3.2_

- [ ] 6. Advanced features and integrations (depends on 5.1, 5.2, 5.3)
- [ ] 6.1 Implement product search and recommendation engine
  - Create search service with Elasticsearch integration
  - Add support for faceted search, auto-complete, and typo tolerance
  - Implement basic recommendation algorithms based on categories and popularity
  - Write integration tests for search functionality
  - _Requirements: 3.3, 7.1_

- [ ] 6.2 Create inventory synchronization with external systems
  - Implement service for syncing inventory with warehouse management systems
  - Add support for real-time inventory updates via webhooks
  - Create conflict resolution for inventory discrepancies
  - Write integration tests with mock external systems
  - _Requirements: 4.3, 7.2_

- [ ] 6.3 Implement caching layer for performance optimization
  - Add Redis caching for frequently accessed product and category data
  - Implement cache invalidation strategies for data consistency
  - Create cache warming processes for popular products
  - Write performance tests to validate caching effectiveness
  - _Requirements: 8.1, 8.2_

- [ ] 7. End-to-end integration and testing (depends on 6.1, 6.2, 6.3)
- [ ] 7.1 Create comprehensive end-to-end test scenarios
  - Write e2e tests for complete product lifecycle workflows
  - Test inventory management scenarios including edge cases
  - Validate category management and product assignment flows
  - Create performance tests for high-load scenarios
  - _Requirements: 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2_

- [ ] 7.2 Implement monitoring and observability
  - Add application metrics and health check endpoints
  - Implement structured logging for all business operations
  - Create alerting for critical inventory and system events
  - Write tests for monitoring and alerting functionality
  - _Requirements: 8.3, 8.4_

Key Features of This Example:

Clear Dependency Chain: Each major section builds on previous work
Parallel Development Opportunities: Tasks 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 can be worked on simultaneously after 1.x is complete
Risk Management: Core functionality (models, repositories) before advanced features
Incremental Value: Each completed section provides working, testable functionality
Comprehensive Testing: Unit, integration, and e2e tests throughout
Real-world Complexity: Handles concurrency, external integrations, and performance concerns

Task Writing Best Practices

Writing Effective Task Descriptions

Good Task Example:

- [ ] 2.1 Create User model with validation
  - Implement User class with email, password, name, and createdAt fields
  - Add validation methods for email format (RFC 5322) and password strength (8+ chars, mixed case, numbers)
  - Create unit tests covering valid/invalid email formats and password requirements
  - _Requirements: 1.2, 2.1_

Poor Task Example:

- [ ] 2.1 Build user stuff
  - Make user things work
  - Add some validation
  - _Requirements: 1.2_

Task Scope Guidelines

Appropriate Task Scope:

Can be completed in 1-4 hours of focused work
Produces working, testable code
Has clear completion criteria
Builds incrementally on previous tasks

Too Large:

- [ ] 1.1 Implement complete user management system

Too Small:

- [ ] 1.1 Add semicolon to line 42

Just Right:

- [ ] 1.1 Create User model with validation methods

Requirements Traceability

Always Include: - Reference to specific requirements being implemented - Clear connection between task and user value - Traceability for testing and validation

Example:

- [ ] 3.2 Implement password reset functionality
  - Create password reset request endpoint
  - Add email sending for reset tokens
  - Implement secure token validation
  - _Requirements: 1.3, 4.2_

Common Task Planning Pitfalls

Pitfall 1: Tasks Too Abstract

Problem: "Implement user management"
Solution: "Create User model with email validation and password hashing"

Pitfall 2: Missing Dependencies

Problem: Tasks that can't be completed because prerequisites aren't built
Solution: Sequence tasks so each builds on completed work

Pitfall 3: Non-Coding Tasks

Problem: "Deploy to production", "Get user feedback"
Solution: Focus only on coding, testing, and implementation activities

Pitfall 4: Monolithic Tasks

Problem: Tasks that try to implement entire features at once
Solution: Break down into smaller, incremental steps

Pitfall 5: Missing Test Tasks

Problem: Only implementation tasks without corresponding tests
Solution: Include test creation as part of each implementation task

Quality Checklist

Before finalizing the task list, verify:

Completeness:

[ ] All design components are covered by implementation tasks
[ ] All requirements are addressed by one or more tasks
[ ] Testing tasks are included for all major functionality
[ ] Integration tasks connect all components

Clarity:

[ ] Each task has a clear, specific objective
[ ] Task descriptions specify what files/components to create
[ ] Requirements references are included for each task
[ ] Completion criteria are implicit or explicit

Sequencing:

[ ] Tasks are ordered to respect dependencies
[ ] Early tasks establish foundation for later work
[ ] Core functionality is implemented before optional features
[ ] Integration tasks come after component implementation

Feasibility:

[ ] Each task is appropriately scoped for implementation
[ ] Tasks can be completed by a coding agent
[ ] No tasks require external dependencies or manual processes
[ ] Task complexity increases gradually

Task Execution

Preparing for Implementation

Before beginning task execution, ensure you have:

Context Preparation:

[ ] Requirements document accessible and understood
[ ] Design document reviewed and internalized
[ ] Development environment set up and tested
[ ] Testing framework configured and ready
[ ] Version control system initialized

Task Selection Strategy:

Start with Foundation Tasks: Always begin with setup and core interface tasks
Follow Dependencies: Don't skip ahead to tasks that depend on incomplete work
One Task at a Time: Focus completely on a single task before moving to the next
Validate Before Proceeding: Ensure each task is fully complete and tested

Step-by-Step Task Execution Process

Phase 1: Task Analysis

Before starting any task:

Read Task Details Thoroughly: Understand exactly what needs to be implemented
Review Requirements References: Understand the user value being delivered
Check Dependencies: Ensure all prerequisite tasks are complete
Plan Implementation Approach: Decide on specific technical approach
Identify Success Criteria: Know how you'll validate completion

Phase 2: Implementation

During task execution:

Update Task Status: Mark task as "in progress" before starting
Create Tests First (when applicable): Write failing tests that define success
Implement Incrementally: Build functionality step by step
Test Continuously: Validate each piece as you build it
Document as You Go: Add comments and documentation inline

Phase 3: Validation and Completion

Before marking task complete:

Run All Tests: Ensure new and existing tests pass
Review Against Requirements: Verify the task delivers required functionality
Check Integration: Ensure new code works with existing components
Code Quality Review: Check for maintainability and best practices
Update Task Status: Mark as complete only when fully validated

Integration with Spec-Driven Development Workflow

Connection to Previous Phases

From Requirements Phase:

Each task should trace back to specific requirements
User value should be clear for every implementation task
Acceptance criteria inform task completion validation

From Design Phase:

Task structure follows architectural decisions
Implementation approach aligns with design patterns
Component boundaries respect design interfaces

Feedback to Earlier Phases

When Implementation Reveals Issues:

Update design document if architecture needs adjustment
Clarify requirements if user needs are misunderstood
Revise task plan if dependencies were missed

Continuous Improvement:

Document lessons learned during implementation
Update task planning process based on execution experience
Refine estimation accuracy for future projects

Next Steps

Once tasks are complete and approved:

Begin Implementation: Start executing tasks in sequence using the guidance above
Track Progress: Update task status as work is completed
Maintain Quality: Follow testing and validation practices throughout
Stay Flexible: Adjust tasks if implementation reveals issues
Validate Against Requirements: Ensure completed tasks satisfy original requirements
Document Learnings: Capture insights for future spec-driven development

Tasks Phase

Quick Navigation

Purpose and Goals

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Design Analysis and Task Identification

Step 2: Task Structuring and Hierarchy

Step 3: Task Definition and Specification

Step 4: Dependency Management and Sequencing

Step 5: Task Validation and Refinement

Task Categories and Patterns

Foundation Tasks

Data Layer Tasks

Business Logic Tasks

API/Interface Tasks

Integration Tasks

Task Sequencing Strategies

Strategy 1: Foundation-First Approach

Strategy 2: Feature-Slice Approach

Strategy 3: Risk-First Approach

Strategy 4: Hybrid Approach

Dependency Management Strategies

Dependency Types and Management

1. Technical Dependencies

2. Logical Dependencies

3. Data Dependencies

Dependency Visualization Techniques

Simple Dependency Chain

Parallel Dependencies

Complex Dependency Graph

Handling Circular Dependencies

Examples of Well-Structured Implementation Plans

Example 1: User Authentication System

Example 2: Data Processing Pipeline

Example 3: E-commerce Product Management System

Task Writing Best Practices

Writing Effective Task Descriptions

Task Scope Guidelines

Requirements Traceability

Common Task Planning Pitfalls

Pitfall 1: Tasks Too Abstract

Pitfall 2: Missing Dependencies

Pitfall 3: Non-Coding Tasks

Pitfall 4: Monolithic Tasks

Pitfall 5: Missing Test Tasks

Quality Checklist

Task Execution

Preparing for Implementation

Step-by-Step Task Execution Process

Phase 1: Task Analysis

Phase 2: Implementation

Phase 3: Validation and Completion

Integration with Spec-Driven Development Workflow

Connection to Previous Phases

Feedback to Earlier Phases

Next Steps