sequential-thinking
Use when complex problems require systematic step-by-step reasoning with ability to revise thoughts, branch into alternative approaches, or dynamically adjust scope. Ideal for multi-stage analysis, design planning, problem decomposition, or tasks with initially unclear scope.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/mrgoonie/claudekit-skills --skill sequential-thinking- 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 sequential-thinking 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.
Sequential Thinking
Enables structured problem-solving through iterative reasoning with revision and branching capabilities.
Core Capabilities
- Iterative reasoning: Break complex problems into sequential thought steps
- Dynamic scope: Adjust total thought count as understanding evolves
- Revision tracking: Reconsider and modify previous conclusions
- Branch exploration: Explore alternative reasoning paths from any point
- Maintained context: Keep track of reasoning chain throughout analysis
When to Use
Use mcp__reasoning__sequentialthinking when:
- Problem requires multiple interconnected reasoning steps
- Initial scope or approach is uncertain
- Need to filter through complexity to find core issues
- May need to backtrack or revise earlier conclusions
- Want to explore alternative solution paths
Don't use for: Simple queries, direct facts, or single-step tasks.
Basic Usage
The MCP tool mcp__reasoning__sequentialthinking accepts these parameters:
Required Parameters
thought(string): Current reasoning stepnextThoughtNeeded(boolean): Whether more reasoning is neededthoughtNumber(integer): Current step number (starts at 1)totalThoughts(integer): Estimated total steps needed
Optional Parameters
isRevision(boolean): Indicates this revises previous thinkingrevisesThought(integer): Which thought number is being reconsideredbranchFromThought(integer): Thought number to branch frombranchId(string): Identifier for this reasoning branch
Workflow Pattern
1. Start with initial thought (thoughtNumber: 1)
2. For each step:
- Express current reasoning in `thought`
- Estimate remaining work via `totalThoughts` (adjust dynamically)
- Set `nextThoughtNeeded: true` to continue
3. When reaching conclusion, set `nextThoughtNeeded: false`
Simple Example
// First thought
{
thought: "Problem involves optimizing database queries. Need to identify bottlenecks first.",
thoughtNumber: 1,
totalThoughts: 5,
nextThoughtNeeded: true
}
// Second thought
{
thought: "Analyzing query patterns reveals N+1 problem in user fetches.",
thoughtNumber: 2,
totalThoughts: 6, // Adjusted scope
nextThoughtNeeded: true
}
// ... continue until done
Advanced Features
For revision patterns, branching strategies, and complex workflows, see:
- Advanced Usage - Revision and branching patterns
- Examples - Real-world use cases
Tips
- Start with rough estimate for
totalThoughts, refine as you progress - Use revision when assumptions prove incorrect
- Branch when multiple approaches seem viable
- Express uncertainty explicitly in thoughts
- Adjust scope freely - accuracy matters less than progress visibility
FAQ
What does the sequential-thinking skill do?
Use when complex problems require systematic step-by-step reasoning with ability to revise thoughts, branch into alternative approaches, or dynamically adjust scope. Ideal for multi-stage analysis, design planning, problem decomposition, or tasks with initially unclear scope.
How do I install sequential-thinking?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/mrgoonie/claudekit-skills --skill sequential-thinking 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/sequential-thinking/ (personal) or .claude/skills/sequential-thinking/ (project).
Which AI agents can use sequential-thinking?
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 sequential-thinking 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 sequential-thinking?
It is published by mrgoonie in mrgoonie/claudekit-skills. It has 1,783 recorded installs.
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