sequential-thinking
Structured reflective problem-solving methodology. Process: decompose, analyze, hypothesize, verify, revise. Capabilities: complex problem decomposition, adaptive planning, course correction, hypothesis verification, multi-step analysis. Actions: decompose, analyze, plan, revise, verify solutions step-by-step. Keywords: sequential thinking, problem decomposition, multi-step analysis, hypothesis verification, adaptive planning, course correction, reflective thinking, step-by-step, thought sequence, dynamic adjustment, unclear scope, complex problem, structured analysis. Use when: decomposing complex problems, planning with revision capability, analyzing unclear scope, verifying hypotheses, needing course correction, solving multi-step problems.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/samhvw8/dot-claude --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
Structured problem-solving via manageable, reflective thought sequences with dynamic adjustment.
When to Apply
- Complex problem decomposition
- Adaptive planning with revision capability
- Analysis needing course correction
- Problems with unclear/emerging scope
- Multi-step solutions requiring context maintenance
- Hypothesis-driven investigation/debugging
Core Process
1. Start with Loose Estimate
Thought 1/5: [Initial analysis]
Adjust dynamically as understanding evolves.
2. Structure Each Thought
- Build on previous context explicitly
- Address one aspect per thought
- State assumptions, uncertainties, realizations
- Signal what next thought should address
3. Apply Dynamic Adjustment
- Expand: More complexity discovered → increase total
- Contract: Simpler than expected → decrease total
- Revise: New insight invalidates previous → mark revision
- Branch: Multiple approaches → explore alternatives
4. Use Revision When Needed
Thought 5/8 [REVISION of Thought 2]: [Corrected understanding]
- Original: [What was stated]
- Why revised: [New insight]
- Impact: [What changes]
5. Branch for Alternatives
Thought 4/7 [BRANCH A from Thought 2]: [Approach A]
Thought 4/7 [BRANCH B from Thought 2]: [Approach B]
Compare explicitly, converge with decision rationale.
6. Generate & Verify Hypotheses
Thought 6/9 [HYPOTHESIS]: [Proposed solution]
Thought 7/9 [VERIFICATION]: [Test results]
Iterate until hypothesis verified.
7. Complete Only When Ready
Mark final: Thought N/N [FINAL]
Complete when:
- Solution verified
- All critical aspects addressed
- Confidence achieved
- No outstanding uncertainties
Application Modes
Explicit: Use visible thought markers when complexity warrants visible reasoning or user requests breakdown.
Implicit: Apply methodology internally for routine problem-solving where thinking aids accuracy without cluttering response.
Scripts (Optional)
Optional scripts for deterministic validation/tracking:
scripts/process-thought.js- Validate & track thoughts with historyscripts/format-thought.js- Format for display (box/markdown/simple)
See README.md for usage examples. Use when validation/persistence needed; otherwise apply methodology directly.
References
Load when deeper understanding needed:
references/core-patterns.md- Revision & branching patternsreferences/examples-api.md- API design examplereferences/examples-debug.md- Debugging examplereferences/examples-architecture.md- Architecture decision examplereferences/advanced-techniques.md- Spiral refinement, hypothesis testing, convergencereferences/advanced-strategies.md- Uncertainty, revision cascades, meta-thinking
FAQ
What does the sequential-thinking skill do?
Structured reflective problem-solving methodology. Process: decompose, analyze, hypothesize, verify, revise. Capabilities: complex problem decomposition, adaptive planning, course correction, hypothesis verification, multi-step analysis. Actions: decompose, analyze, plan, revise, verify solutions step-by-step. Keywords: sequential thinking, problem decomposition, multi-step analysis, hypothesis verification, adaptive planning, course correction, reflective thinking, step-by-step, thought sequence, dynamic adjustment, unclear scope, complex problem, structured analysis. Use when: decomposing complex problems, planning with revision capability, analyzing unclear scope, verifying hypotheses, needing course correction, solving multi-step problems.
How do I install sequential-thinking?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/samhvw8/dot-claude --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 samhvw8 in samhvw8/dot-claude. It has 73 recorded installs.
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