Workflow Patterns

Reusable patterns for structuring workflows in skills and agents.

Sequential with Checklist

Use when steps must be completed in order with tracking:

## Form Processing Workflow

Track progress:
- [ ] Step 1: Analyze form (run analyze_form.py)
- [ ] Step 2: Create field mapping
- [ ] Step 3: Validate (run validate.py)
- [ ] Step 4: Fill form
- [ ] Step 5: Verify output

When to use: Multi-step processes where completion tracking matters.

Conditional Routing

Use when different paths apply based on context:

## Document Workflow

1. Determine task type:
   - **Creating new?** -> Follow Creation workflow
   - **Editing existing?** -> Follow Editing workflow

## Creation workflow
[steps for new documents]

## Editing workflow
[steps for existing documents]

When to use: Tasks with distinct modes or branches.

Validation Loop

Use when iterative refinement is needed:

1. Make changes
2. Validate: `python validate.py`
3. If errors:
   - Fix issues
   - Return to step 2
4. Only proceed when validation passes

When to use: Operations requiring correctness verification.

Progressive Disclosure Patterns

Pattern 1: Quick Start + References

Front-load common usage, defer details:

## Quick start
[Most common usage - get user productive fast]

## Advanced
- **Forms**: See [FORMS.md](references/forms.md)
- **API details**: See [REFERENCE.md](references/reference.md)

Pattern 2: Domain Organization

Organize by topic when multiple domains exist:

bigquery/
  SKILL.md (overview + navigation)
  references/
    finance.md
    sales.md
    product.md

Pattern 3: Conditional Depth

Provide escape hatches for advanced needs:

## Basic usage
[Simple approach that works 80% of the time]

**For tracked changes**: See [REDLINING.md](references/redlining.md)
**For batch processing**: See [BATCH.md](references/batch.md)

Degrees of Freedom

Match instruction specificity to the situation:

Combining Patterns

Patterns can be nested:

## Main Workflow

1. Determine mode:
   - **Quick fix?** -> Use Quick Fix workflow
   - **Full analysis?** -> Use Analysis workflow

## Quick Fix workflow
- [ ] Identify issue
- [ ] Apply fix
- [ ] Validate: `npm test`
- [ ] If fails, return to step 2

## Analysis workflow
See [DEEP_ANALYSIS.md](references/deep-analysis.md) for comprehensive steps.

Anti-Patterns