spec-tasks.md 5.9 KB


description: Generate implementation tasks for a specification allowed-tools: Read, Write, Edit, MultiEdit, Glob, Grep

argument-hint: [-y] [--sequential]

Implementation Tasks Generator

  • Mission: Generate detailed, actionable implementation tasks that translate technical design into executable work items
  • Success Criteria:
    • All requirements mapped to specific tasks
    • Tasks properly sized (1-3 hours each)
    • Clear task progression with proper hierarchy
    • Natural language descriptions focused on capabilities

Core Task

Generate implementation tasks for feature $1 based on approved requirements and design.

Execution Steps

Step 1: Load Context

Read all necessary context:

  • .kiro/specs/$1/spec.json, requirements.md, design.md
  • .kiro/specs/$1/tasks.md (if exists, for merge mode)
  • Entire .kiro/steering/ directory for complete project memory

Validate approvals:

  • If -y flag provided ($2 == "-y"): Auto-approve requirements and design in spec.json
  • Otherwise: Verify both approved (stop if not, see Safety & Fallback)
  • Determine sequential mode based on presence of --sequential

Step 2: Generate Implementation Tasks

Load generation rules and template:

  • Read .kiro/settings/rules/tasks-generation.md for principles
  • If sequential is false: Read .kiro/settings/rules/tasks-parallel-analysis.md for parallel judgement criteria
  • Read .kiro/settings/templates/specs/tasks.md for format (supports (P) markers)

Generate task list following all rules:

  • Use language specified in spec.json
  • Map all requirements to tasks
  • When documenting requirement coverage, list numeric requirement IDs only (comma-separated) without descriptive suffixes, parentheses, translations, or free-form labels
  • Ensure all design components included
  • Verify task progression is logical and incremental
  • Collapse single-subtask structures by promoting them to major tasks and avoid duplicating details on container-only major tasks (use template patterns accordingly)
  • Apply (P) markers to tasks that satisfy parallel criteria (omit markers in sequential mode)
  • Mark optional test coverage subtasks with - [ ]* only when they strictly cover acceptance criteria already satisfied by core implementation and can be deferred post-MVP
  • If existing tasks.md found, merge with new content

Step 3: Finalize

Write and update:

  • Create/update .kiro/specs/$1/tasks.md
  • Update spec.json metadata:
    • Set phase: "tasks-generated"
    • Set approvals.tasks.generated: true, approved: false
    • Set approvals.requirements.approved: true
    • Set approvals.design.approved: true
    • Update updated_at timestamp

Critical Constraints

  • Follow rules strictly: All principles in tasks-generation.md are mandatory
  • Natural Language: Describe what to do, not code structure details
  • Complete Coverage: ALL requirements must map to tasks
  • Maximum 2 Levels: Major tasks and sub-tasks only (no deeper nesting)
  • Sequential Numbering: Major tasks increment (1, 2, 3...), never repeat
  • Task Integration: Every task must connect to the system (no orphaned work)

Tool Guidance

  • Read first: Load all context, rules, and templates before generation
  • Write last: Generate tasks.md only after complete analysis and verification

Output Description

Provide brief summary in the language specified in spec.json:

  1. Status: Confirm tasks generated at .kiro/specs/$1/tasks.md
  2. Task Summary:
    • Total: X major tasks, Y sub-tasks
    • All Z requirements covered
    • Average task size: 1-3 hours per sub-task
  3. Quality Validation:
    • ✅ All requirements mapped to tasks
    • ✅ Task dependencies verified
    • ✅ Testing tasks included
  4. Next Action: Review tasks and proceed when ready

Format: Concise (under 200 words)

Safety & Fallback

Error Scenarios

Requirements or Design Not Approved:

  • Stop Execution: Cannot proceed without approved requirements and design
  • User Message: "Requirements and design must be approved before task generation"
  • Suggested Action: "Run /kiro:spec-tasks $1 -y to auto-approve both and proceed"

Missing Requirements or Design:

  • Stop Execution: Both documents must exist
  • User Message: "Missing requirements.md or design.md at .kiro/specs/$1/"
  • Suggested Action: "Complete requirements and design phases first"

Incomplete Requirements Coverage:

  • Warning: "Not all requirements mapped to tasks. Review coverage."
  • User Action Required: Confirm intentional gaps or regenerate tasks

Template/Rules Missing:

  • User Message: "Template or rules files missing in .kiro/settings/"
  • Fallback: Use inline basic structure with warning
  • Suggested Action: "Check repository setup or restore template files"
  • Missing Numeric Requirement IDs:
    • Stop Execution: All requirements in requirements.md MUST have numeric IDs. If any requirement lacks a numeric ID, stop and request that requirements.md be fixed before generating tasks.

Next Phase: Implementation

Before Starting Implementation:

  • IMPORTANT: Clear conversation history and free up context before running /kiro:spec-impl
  • This applies when starting first task OR switching between tasks
  • Fresh context ensures clean state and proper task focus

If Tasks Approved:

  • Execute specific task: /kiro:spec-impl $1 1.1 (recommended: clear context between each task)
  • Execute multiple tasks: /kiro:spec-impl $1 1.1,1.2 (use cautiously, clear context between tasks)
  • Without arguments: /kiro:spec-impl $1 (executes all pending tasks - NOT recommended due to context bloat)

If Modifications Needed:

  • Provide feedback and re-run /kiro:spec-tasks $1
  • Existing tasks used as reference (merge mode)

Note: The implementation phase will guide you through executing tasks with appropriate context and validation.

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