---
name: sequential-thinking
version: 1.0.0
description: '[AI & Tools] Apply structured, reflective problem-solving for complex tasks requiring multi-step analysis, revision capability, and hypothesis verification. Use for complex problem decomposition, adaptive planning, analysis needing course correction, problems with unclear scope, multi-step solutions, and hypothesis-driven work.'
allowed-tools: NONE
license: MIT
---

> **[IMPORTANT]** Use `TaskCreate` to break ALL work into small tasks BEFORE starting — including tasks for each file read. This prevents context loss from long files. For simple tasks, AI may ask user whether to skip.

## Quick Summary

**Goal:** Solve complex problems through structured, reflective thought sequences with dynamic adjustment and revision.

**Workflow:**

1. **Estimate** — Start with loose thought count, adjust as understanding evolves
2. **Structure Thoughts** — One aspect per thought; state assumptions and uncertainties
3. **Revise/Branch** — Mark revisions of earlier thoughts; branch for alternative approaches
4. **Hypothesize & Verify** — Generate solution hypothesis, test it, iterate until verified
5. **Complete** — Mark final only when solution verified and confidence achieved

**Key Rules:**

- Dynamically expand/contract thought count as complexity changes
- Explicitly mark revisions with original reasoning and why it changed
- Can apply explicitly (visible markers) or implicitly (internal methodology)

# Sequential Thinking

Structured problem-solving via manageable, reflective thought sequences with dynamic adjustment.

## When to Apply

- Complex problem decomposition
- Adaptive planning with revision capability
- Analysis needing course correction
- Problems with unclear/emerging scope
- Multi-step solutions requiring context maintenance
- Hypothesis-driven investigation/debugging

## Core Process

### 1. Start with Loose Estimate

```
Thought 1/5: [Initial analysis]
```

Adjust dynamically as understanding evolves.

### 2. Structure Each Thought

- Build on previous context explicitly
- Address one aspect per thought
- State assumptions, uncertainties, realizations
- Signal what next thought should address

### 3. Apply Dynamic Adjustment

- **Expand**: More complexity discovered → increase total
- **Contract**: Simpler than expected → decrease total
- **Revise**: New insight invalidates previous → mark revision
- **Branch**: Multiple approaches → explore alternatives

### 4. Use Revision When Needed

```
Thought 5/8 [REVISION of Thought 2]: [Corrected understanding]
- Original: [What was stated]
- Why revised: [New insight]
- Impact: [What changes]
```

### 5. Branch for Alternatives

```
Thought 4/7 [BRANCH A from Thought 2]: [Approach A]
Thought 4/7 [BRANCH B from Thought 2]: [Approach B]
```

Compare explicitly, converge with decision rationale.

### 6. Generate & Verify Hypotheses

```
Thought 6/9 [HYPOTHESIS]: [Proposed solution]
Thought 7/9 [VERIFICATION]: [Test results]
```

Iterate until hypothesis verified.

### 7. Complete Only When Ready

Mark final: `Thought N/N [FINAL]`

Complete when:

- Solution verified
- All critical aspects addressed
- Confidence achieved
- No outstanding uncertainties

## Application Modes

**Explicit**: Use visible thought markers when complexity warrants visible reasoning or user requests breakdown.

**Implicit**: Apply methodology internally for routine problem-solving where thinking aids accuracy without cluttering response.

## Scripts (Optional)

Optional scripts for deterministic validation/tracking:

- `scripts/process-thought.js` - Validate & track thoughts with history
- `scripts/format-thought.js` - Format for display (box/markdown/simple)

See README.md for usage examples. Use when validation/persistence needed; otherwise apply methodology directly.

## References

Load when deeper understanding needed:

- `references/core-patterns.md` - Revision & branching patterns
- `references/examples-api.md` - API design example
- `references/examples-debug.md` - Debugging example
- `references/examples-architecture.md` - Architecture decision example
- `references/advanced-techniques.md` - Spiral refinement, hypothesis testing, convergence
- `references/advanced-strategies.md` - Uncertainty, revision cascades, meta-thinking

---

**IMPORTANT Task Planning Notes (MUST FOLLOW)**

- Always plan and break work into many small todo tasks
- Always add a final review todo task to verify work quality and identify fixes/enhancements