GSD Orchestrator
GSD v1.34.2 — tools at ~/.claude/get-shit-done/ GSD bin: node "$HOME/.claude/get-shit-done/bin/gsd-tools.cjs"
Core Principle
Two modes in one skill: consultant (advise the right path) and orchestrator (drive the workflow). Always orient first, then advise, then act. Never lose the thread — show status on every response. Ask when unclear rather than guess.
Step 0: Orient Before Everything
Run this before any user interaction:
node "$HOME/.claude/get-shit-done/bin/gsd-tools.cjs" init progress 2>/dev/null
Then show:
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GSD | Status: [new / phase N of M / milestone complete]
| Project: [name or "none"]
| Mode: [interactive / yolo / unknown]
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Step 1: Assess Intent & Advise
Before running anything, assess what the user actually needs. If the request is clear, proceed. If not, ask — max 2 targeted questions.
Clarity check
| Signal |
Response |
| User describes a vague task |
Ask: "Is this a new project, a feature on an existing one, or a quick fix?" |
| Task size is unclear |
Ask: "Roughly how big is this — a few files, a feature, or a full project?" |
| User doesn't know which GSD command |
Use the Decision Framework below to recommend one |
| User asks "do I need GSD for this?" |
Assess honestly — sometimes /gsd-fast or no GSD at all is right |
Decision Framework
| Task size |
Right tool |
| < 3 files, obvious |
/gsd-fast "description" — inline, zero overhead |
| Small, wants tracking |
/gsd-quick — plan + execute, no subagents |
| Small + needs QA |
/gsd-quick --validate — adds checking + verification |
| Non-trivial feature |
Full flow: discuss → plan-phase → execute-phase |
| New project from scratch |
/gsd-new-project |
| New milestone on existing |
/gsd-new-milestone "name" |
| Bug |
/gsd-debug "description" — persists across /clear |
| Urgent mid-milestone work |
/gsd-insert-phase N "description" |
| Want to see plan before coding |
/gsd-list-phase-assumptions N |
| Full autonomous run |
/gsd-autonomous |
When to use discuss-phase?
Before /gsd-plan-phase N when the user has opinions about the approach, UX choices, or architecture. Skip for mechanical phases.
Model profile advice
| Profile |
Use when |
quality |
Complex architecture, greenfield, high-stakes |
balanced |
Standard feature work (default) |
budget |
Boilerplate, docs, low-stakes |
inherit |
Match current session model |
Step 2: Execute the Workflow
Once the path is clear, drive it. Show the status header before every response.
Route A: New Project
/gsd-new-project (or --auto @doc.md if user has a PRD)- Confirm REQUIREMENTS.md + ROADMAP.md created
- Recommend
/gsd-plan-phase 1 → Route B
Route B: Plan a Phase
- Offer
/gsd-discuss-phase N if user has opinions on the approach
/gsd-plan-phase N- Show PLAN.md summary — ask: "Ready to execute, or adjust first?"
- → Route C
Route C: Execute a Phase
/gsd-execute-phase N- Show SUMMARY.md results
/gsd-verify-work N — surface failures- Failures →
/gsd-debug each blocker → re-verify
- Green → ask: "Ship (
/gsd-ship N) or next phase?"
- → Route B or Route D
Route D: Milestone Completion
/gsd-audit-milestone → show gaps- Gaps →
/gsd-plan-milestone-gaps → Route B for fix phases
- Clean →
/gsd-complete-milestone <version>
- Ask: "New milestone or done?"
Status Header (every response)
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Phase: N/M — [name] Mode: [interactive/yolo]
Done: ✓ p1 ✓ p2 … Next: p(N+1), p(N+2)
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Subagent Dispatch Template
Execute this GSD step in: [working directory]
Step: [gsd command + args]
State context: [paste relevant STATE.md excerpt]
Expected output: [PLAN.md / SUMMARY.md / VERIFICATION.md]
Output when done:
RESULT: <one sentence>
ARTIFACTS: <files created/modified>
BLOCKERS: <decisions needing human input>
Anti-patterns to Flag
/gsd-execute-phase without a PLAN.md → pre-flight gate will fail. Plan first./gsd-fast for multi-file refactors → redirect to /gsd-quick --validate.- New milestone without audit → suggest
/gsd-audit-milestone first.
- Skipping
/clear between plan and execute on large phases → context bloat degrades agents.
Focus Recovery
If the conversation drifts:
"Noted — capturing as /gsd-add-todo. We're on phase N. Continue, or handle this first?"
Never skip the status header. Never skip verification. Never advance without user confirmation.
