name: executing-tasks description: >- Use when working through any task checklist (not just OpenSpec). Complete one task, verify, mark done, then next. No skipping, no adding, no reordering.
Executing Tasks
Work through task lists systematically.
Announce: "I'm using executing-tasks to work through this checklist systematically."
Iron Law
ONE TASK AT A TIME - VERIFY BEFORE MOVING ON
Process
Step 1: Identify Current Task
Find the first incomplete task:
- [x] Completed task
- [x] Completed task
- [ ] ← THIS ONE (current)
- [ ] Pending task
Step 2: Announce
Working on: [Task description]
Step 3: Execute
Do EXACTLY what the task says:
- If it says "create file X" → create file X
- If it says "add function Y" → add function Y
- If it says "run command Z" → run command Z
Do NOT:
- Add things the task didn't ask for
- Skip steps you think are unnecessary
- Combine with other tasks
- "Improve" the approach
Step 4: Verify
Run any verification specified in the task.
If no verification specified, at minimum:
- Did I do what the task asked?
- Did I break anything else?
Step 5: Mark Complete
Update the task list: - [ ] → - [x]
Step 6: Report
Completed: [Task description]
Result: [Brief outcome]
Next: [Next task] or "All tasks complete"
Step 7: Repeat
Go to Step 1 for next task.
Handling Blockers
If a task cannot be completed:
BLOCKED: [Task description]
Reason: [Why it can't be done]
Options:
1. [Possible resolution]
2. [Alternative approach]
3. Skip and continue (if independent)
Awaiting guidance.
Do NOT:
- Guess at the solution
- Skip without reporting
- Change the task scope
Task Dependencies
If tasks have dependencies:
- [ ] 1.1 Create database table
- [ ] 1.2 Add RLS policy (depends on 1.1)
- [ ] 2.1 Create frontend component (independent)
- Complete dependencies first
- Independent tasks can be done in any order
- If blocked by dependency, report it
Progress Tracking
Keep a running count:
Progress: 3/10 tasks complete
Current: Task 1.4
Completion
When all tasks are [x]:
All tasks complete: [X/X]
Summary:
- [Category]: [What was done]
- [Category]: [What was done]
Verification:
- [What was verified]
Ready for: [Next step - usually review]
Red Flags - STOP
If you catch yourself:
- Working on multiple tasks at once
- Skipping "obvious" tasks
- Adding unrequested work
- Not verifying before marking complete
STOP. One task. Verify. Mark complete. Next.