Feature Planning

Systematically analyze feature requests and create detailed, actionable implementation plans.

When to Use

• Requests new feature ("add user authentication", "build dashboard")
• Asks for enhancements ("improve performance", "add export")
• Describes complex multi-step changes
• Explicitly asks for planning ("plan how to implement X")
• Provides vague requirements needing clarification

Planning Workflow

1. Understand Requirements

Ask clarifying questions:

• What problem does this solve?
• Who are the users?
• Specific technical constraints?
• What does success look like?

Explore the codebase: Use Task tool with subagent_type='Explore' and thoroughness='medium' to understand:

• Existing architecture and patterns
• Similar features to reference
• Where new code should live
• What will be affected

2. Analyze & Design

Identify components:

• Database changes (models, migrations, schemas)
• Backend logic (API endpoints, business logic, services)
• Frontend changes (UI, state, routing)
• Testing requirements
• Documentation updates

Consider architecture:

• Follow existing patterns (check CLAUDE.md)
• Identify reusable components
• Plan error handling and edge cases
• Consider performance implications
• Think about security and validation

Check dependencies:

• New packages/libraries needed
• Compatibility with existing stack
• Configuration changes required

3. Create Implementation Plan

Break feature into discrete, sequential tasks:

## Feature: [Feature Name]

### Overview
[Brief description of what will be built and why]

### Architecture Decisions
- [Key decision 1 and rationale]
- [Key decision 2 and rationale]

### Implementation Tasks

#### Task 1: [Component Name]
- **File**: `path/to/file.py:123`
- **Description**: [What needs to be done]
- **Details**:
  - [Specific requirement 1]
  - [Specific requirement 2]
- **Dependencies**: None (or list task numbers)