Execute Skill

When to Use

Use this skill to implement code changes defined in a plan step.

Triggers:

• You are invoked by the Orchestrator to work on specific stepIds.
• A plan exists with pending steps.

Prerequisites:

• Plan exists with clear step descriptions.
• You understand what needs to be built.

How to Do It

Repository Guidelines

Before implementing, check for project-specific guidelines:

1. Check for guideline files - Look for project guideline files at the repo root (e.g., CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md, COPILOT.md, or similar). Read and follow their working agreements (formatting commands, validation steps, changelog requirements, etc.)

1. Check Plan Notes - Read the plan's metadata.notes field for project-specific commands and conventions (testing commands, build commands, tool-specific notes).

1. Check CONTRIBUTING.md - If present, follow commit message conventions and coding standards.

These guidelines override generic examples in this skill. For example, if a guideline file says "run npm run fix after changes", do that instead of generic lint commands.

Git State

The orchestrator modifies plan and work directory files before you start (marking steps in_progress, creating temp files). This is expected. Ignore changes in the orchestrator work directory (e.g., .agent-work/ or the path from orrery plans-dir) when checking git status - these are orchestrator bookkeeping files, not unexpected changes.

Step 1: Read the Plan

Read the plan file provided in your instructions.

• Identify the steps you are assigned to (via stepIds).
• Read the description, criteria, files, and risk_notes for those steps.
• Do not edit the plan file.

Step 2: Implement the Change

Write the code:

• Follow project conventions and patterns.
• Keep changes focused on the step's scope.
• Write clean, readable code.
• Do not add comments to the plan file.

Step 3: Initial Check

Before handing off:

• Compile/Build: Ensure no syntax errors.
• Smoke Test: Does it run?

Step 4: Handoff to Verify

Once implementation is complete, invoke the orrery-verify skill using the Skill tool.

Important: Do NOT commit your changes. The orchestrator handles all commits after receiving your report.

Example

Plan Step:

- id: "2"
  description: "Implement backend API endpoint for CSV upload"

Execution:

1. Read the plan to understand Step 2.
2. Implement src/api/routes/upload.ts.
3. Run npm build -> Passes.
4. Invoke the orrery-verify skill using the Skill tool.

Error Handling

When Code Doesn't Work

1. Read error messages.
2. Fix specific issues.
3. If stuck: You may mark the step as blocked by invoking the orrery-report skill directly using the Skill tool with a "Blocked" status (see Report skill for details).

Rollback Strategy

If a change breaks things badly and you cannot fix it:

1. git stash or git checkout to revert.
2. Invoke the orrery-report skill using the Skill tool to report the blockage.