planning
Break down a coding task into a structured implementation plan with clear steps, file identification, and risk assessment.
- Installs
- 223
- Last 24h
- —
- Trending rank
- —
- Security
- Not audited
Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/langchain-ai/deepagents --skill planning- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads planning automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Planning Skill
Use this skill when starting a new coding task to create a thorough implementation plan.
Steps
1. Understand the Task
- Read the issue/task description completely
- Identify the expected outcome and acceptance criteria
- Note any constraints or requirements mentioned
2. Explore the Codebase
- Find the repository root and read the project structure
- Identify the tech stack (language, framework, test runner)
- Read README, CONTRIBUTING, or similar docs if they exist
- Find existing tests to understand testing patterns
3. Identify Relevant Files
- Use
grepto find code related to the task - Read the most relevant files (entry points, related modules)
- Identify which files need to be modified vs. created
- Check for existing patterns you should follow
4. Write the Plan
Use write_todos to create a structured plan:
write_todos([
"1. <specific change in specific file>",
"2. <next specific change>",
"3. Write tests for <feature>",
"4. Run test suite and fix failures",
"5. Review all changes"
])
5. Assess Risks
- Are there breaking changes?
- Are there edge cases to handle?
- Does this affect other parts of the codebase?
- Flag anything uncertain for review
Guidelines
- Plans should have 3-10 concrete steps
- Each step should be specific enough to execute without further planning
- Include test writing and test running as explicit steps
- End with a review/verification step
FAQ
What does the planning skill do?
Break down a coding task into a structured implementation plan with clear steps, file identification, and risk assessment.
How do I install planning?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/langchain-ai/deepagents --skill planning in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/planning/ (personal) or .claude/skills/planning/ (project).
Which AI agents can use planning?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is planning safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains planning?
It is published by langchain-ai in langchain-ai/deepagents, and it is an official skill from the maker of the technology it covers. It has 223 recorded installs.
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