planning-with-files

Create and maintain task_plan.md, findings.md, and progress.md files for complex tasks.

Updated Aug 23, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dmcguire80/The-Forge --skill planning-with-files-dmcguire80
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: planning-with-files
Source: https://github.com/dmcguire80/The-Forge/tree/main/skills/planning-with-files
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dmcguire80/The-Forge --skill planning-with-files-dmcguire80

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a lightweight, on-disk memory system to manage complex, multi-phase tasks by creating and maintaining three persistent Markdown files: task_plan.md, findings.md, and progress.md.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Persistent on-disk planning with task_plan.md, findings.md, and progress.md
  • Templates and references located under references/ to guide planning
  • Ideal for multi-step research projects, large tasks, or tasks requiring many tool calls
  • Progress tracking and knowledge capture to support resuming sessions

Quick Start

Before starting any complex task, create these files:

  1. task_plan.md
  2. findings.md
  3. progress.md See references/ for starting templates.

Frequently Asked Questions about planning-with-files

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I maintain context for long-running tasks across multiple sessions?▼

You can maintain context for long-running tasks by using an on-disk memory system that creates and updates persistent Markdown files to track task plans, findings, and progress.

What is the best way to organize complex multi-phase research projects?▼

Organizing complex multi-phase research projects is best handled by creating dedicated task_plan.md, findings.md, and progress.md files to capture plans, knowledge, and step-by-step progress on disk.

How do I start planning complex tasks with on-disk planning files?▼

To start planning complex tasks, create task_plan.md, findings.md, and progress.md files in your project directory, using the provided templates under references/ to guide your initial setup.

Can I use on-disk planning for workflows requiring many tool calls?▼

Yes, on-disk planning is specifically ideal for workflows requiring many tool calls, as the persistent Markdown files ensure state and knowledge are preserved between each execution step.

When do I need persistent Markdown files for task management?▼

You need persistent Markdown files for task management when working on large tasks or research projects that require resuming sessions, tracking progress, and capturing knowledge over time.

Does on-disk planning work without external dependencies?▼

Yes, on-disk planning works without external dependencies, providing a lightweight memory system that solely relies on maintaining task_plan.md, findings.md, and progress.md files.