Keep the spec visible
Planning should retain a clear link to the original desired outcome and constraints. That makes it easier to see when a task solves a local problem but drifts from product intent.
Answer page
How do you turn a product spec into safe agent-sized tasks?
Trace the specification through planning, then create tasks that have a single verifiable outcome, bounded paths, and explicit validation.
Direct answer
Break a product specification into ordered tasks that each deliver one reviewable behavior. Every task should preserve the spec trace, limit implementation paths, name dependencies and acceptance criteria, and include a validation command that proves its own outcome.
Practical guidance
Make the next review decision easier.
Prefer one observable outcome
A task should be small enough that a reviewer can recognize its result and validation. Split work when the task combines unrelated behavior, risks, or code ownership boundaries.
Order dependencies explicitly
Place enabling work before the behavior that relies on it. This gives agents a clear sequence and prevents them from improvising around missing prerequisites.
Verified demo evidence
A public CLI result, not a completion claim.
This command and result are from the website’s checked-in synthetic repository demo. Substitute your own repository paths and validation command when you apply the workflow.
$ day-shift slice new --spec-id tic-tac-toe-demo
Created slice: 01-tic-tac-toe-demoAuthorship and sources
Trace this guidance to maintained product evidence.
- Maintainer
- Tianna McCoy ↗Day Shift maintainer; responsible for the repository-native workflow and release evidence referenced here.
- Last updated
- Tested Day Shift
- v0.1.24
Keep exploring
Follow the next question, not a generic funnel.
What Should a Coding-Agent Task Definition Include?
The objective, scope, acceptance criteria, and validation a coding agent needs before changing code.
Read nextHow to Introduce Coding Agents into an Existing Repository Safely
A safe, evidence-led way to begin coding-agent work in an existing repository.
Read nextHow Multiple Coding Agents Work in the Same Repository
Coordinate multiple agents through task boundaries, dependencies, and shared repository evidence.
Read nextFind your answer
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