sdd-next

Extract the next actionable task from a specification and generate an execution plan.

9|3|Updated Oct 24, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/tylerburleigh/claude-sdd-toolkit --skill sdd-next
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: sdd-next
Source: https://github.com/tylerburleigh/claude-sdd-toolkit/tree/main/skills/sdd-next
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/tylerburleigh/claude-sdd-toolkit --skill sdd-next

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill eliminates ambiguity between planning and implementation by automatically identifying the next actionable task from a specification, gathering all necessary context, and generating a detailed, step-by-step execution plan. It ensures developers always know what to work on and how, preventing scope creep and rework.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Automated Task Identification: Finds the next unblocked task in a spec, prioritizing current phases and dependencies.
  • Comprehensive Context Assembly: Gathers task-specific details, dependencies, related files, and testing requirements from the spec and codebase documentation.
  • Detailed Execution Plans: Generates step-by-step plans with success criteria, potential issues, and testing strategies.
  • Use Case: After a specification is approved, use this skill to get the next task, a list of all files to modify, relevant code patterns, and a checklist of verification steps, allowing you to jump straight into coding with confidence.

Quick Start

1. Verify sdd CLI tools are available

sdd verify-tools

2. Prepare the next task automatically (recommended)

This command discovers specs, finds the next task, and generates a plan.

sdd prepare-task SPEC_ID

Example of manual task discovery (if prepare-task fails or for advanced use)

sdd next-task SPEC_ID

sdd task-info SPEC_ID TASK_ID

sdd check-deps SPEC_ID TASK_ID

Frequently Asked Questions about sdd-next

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I automatically identify the next task from a software specification?▼

Task extraction automatically finds the next unblocked actionable task from your spec, prioritizing current phases and dependencies. Use `sdd prepare-task SPEC_ID` to discover specs, extract the next task, and generate a detailed execution plan in one step.

What context does an execution plan include for the next development task?▼

Execution plans gather task-specific details, dependencies, related files, relevant code patterns, testing requirements, success criteria, and verification checkpoints from both your spec and codebase documentation.

Can I use task automation with spec-driven development workflows?▼

Yes. This Skill integrates into spec-driven single-task and autonomous phase workflows, handling task discovery, plan drafting, approval handoffs, and implementation handoffs within your project root.

How do I prevent scope creep when moving from planning to implementation?▼

Automated task identification eliminates ambiguity by pinpointing exactly what to work on next with dependencies mapped out, preventing scope creep and rework before you start coding.

What prerequisites do I need to prepare the next task from a specification?▼

Verify sdd CLI tools are available using `sdd verify-tools`, then provide a specification ID. The Skill reads specs via sdd commands and generates plans that integrate with existing guardrails and human-in-the-loop reviews.

Does task extraction handle dependencies and blocked tasks in my workflow?▼

Yes. Task identification prioritizes unblocked tasks in current phases, respects dependencies, and enforces functional requirements for reading specs and generating detailed execution plans with dependency metadata.