planning-with-files

# Planning with Files

Work like Manus: use persistent markdown files as your working memory on disk.

This is not just an optional planning style. It should be the default persistence layer for complex Codex work.

Use it proactively when:

- the task will likely take more than a few tool calls
- progress needs to be tracked across phases
- findings or evidence must be preserved while working
- the task may branch, pause, or resume later
- relying on chat context alone would be fragile

## Quick Start

Before ANY complex task:

1. **Create `task_plan.md`** in the working directory
2. **Define phases** with checkboxes
3. **Update after each phase** - mark [x] and change status
4. **Read before deciding** - refresh goals in attention window

## The 3-File Pattern

For every non-trivial task, create THREE files:

| File | Purpose | When to Update |
|------|---------|----------------|
| `task_plan.md` | Track phases and progress | After each phase |
| `notes.md` | Store findings and research | During research |
| `[deliverable].md` | Final output | At completion |

## Core Workflow

```
Loop 1: Create task_plan.md with goal and phases
Loop 2: Research → save to notes.md → update task_plan.md
Loop 3: Read notes.md → create deliverable → update task_plan.md
Loop 4: Deliver final output
```

### The Loop in Detail

**Before each major action:**
```bash
Read task_plan.md  # Refresh goals in attention window
```

**After each phase:**
```bash
Edit task_plan.md  # Mark [x], update status
```

**When storing information:**
```bash
Write notes.md     # Don't stuff context, store in file
```

## task_plan.md Template

Create this file FIRST for any complex task:

```markdown
# Task Plan: [Brief Description]

## Goal
[One sentence describing the end state]

## Phases
- [ ] Phase 1: Plan and setup
- [ ] Phase 2: Research/gather information
- [ ] Phase 3: Execute/build
- [ ] Phase 4: Review and deliver

## Key Questions
1. [Question to answer]
2. [Question to answer]

## Decisions Made
- [Decision]: [Rationale]

## Errors Encountered
- [Error]: [Resolution]

## Status
**Currently in Phase X** - [What I'm doing now]
```

## notes.md Template

For research and findings:

```markdown
# Notes: [Topic]

## Sources

### Source 1: [Name]
- URL: [link]
- Key points:
  - [Finding]
  - [Finding]

## Synthesized Findings

### [Category]
- [Finding]
- [Finding]
```

## Critical Rules

### 1. ALWAYS Create Plan First
Never start a complex task without `task_plan.md`. This is non-negotiable.

### 2. Read Before Decide
Before any major decision, read the plan file. This keeps goals in your attention window.

### 3. Update After Act
After completing any phase, immediately update the plan file:
- Mark completed phases with [x]
- Update the Status section
- Log any errors encountered

### 4. Store, Don't Stuff
Large outputs go to files, not context. Keep only paths in working memory.

### 5. Log All Errors
Every error goes in the "Errors Encountered" section. This builds knowledge for future tasks.

## When to Use This Pattern

**Use 3-file pattern for:**
- Multi-step tasks (3+ steps)
- Research tasks
- Building/creating something
- Tasks spanning multiple tool calls
- Anything requiring organization

**Skip for:**
- Simple questions
- Single-file edits
- Quick lookups

## Anti-Patterns to Avoid

| Don't | Do Instead |
|-------|------------|
| Use TodoWrite for persistence | Create `task_plan.md` file |
| State goals once and forget | Re-read plan before each decision |
| Hide errors and retry | Log errors to plan file |
| Stuff everything in context | Store large content in files |
| Start executing immediately | Create plan file FIRST |

## Advanced Patterns

See [reference.md](reference.md) for:
- Attention manipulation techniques
- Error recovery patterns
- Context optimization from Manus

See [examples.md](examples.md) for:
- Real task examples
- Complex workflow patterns