planning-with-files
Uses persistent markdown files for general planning, progress tracking, and knowledge storage (Manus-style workflow). Use for multi-step tasks, research projects, or general organization WITHOUT mentioning PRD. For PRD-specific work, use prd-planner skill instead.
How do I install this agent skill?
npx skills add https://github.com/zhaono1/agent-playbook --skill planning-with-filesIs this agent skill safe to install?
- Gen Agent Trust Hubpass
The skill implements a structured workflow using local markdown files for persistent task tracking and research notes. While primarily organizational, it introduces an indirect prompt injection surface by reading back research data that might contain untrusted content from external sources. Additionally, the skill enables the Bash tool, which provides the agent with significant command execution capabilities.
- Socketpass
No alerts
- Snykpass
Risk: LOW · No issues
- Runlayerpass
2 files scanned · No issues
What does this agent skill do?
Planning with Files
"Work like Manus" — Uses persistent markdown files for planning, progress tracking, and knowledge storage.
Description
A skill that transforms your workflow to use persistent markdown files for planning and progress tracking.
The Problem
Claude Code (and most AI agents) suffer from:
- Volatile memory — TodoWrite tool disappears on context reset
- Goal drift — Original goals get forgotten after many tool calls
- Hidden errors — Failures aren't tracked, mistakes repeat
- Context stuffing — Everything crammed into context instead of stored
The Solution: 3-File Pattern
For every complex task, create THREE files:
task_plan.md → Track phases and progress
notes.md → Store research and findings
[deliverable].md → Final output
The Workflow Loop
1. Create task_plan.md with goal and phases
2. Research → save to notes.md → update task_plan.md
3. Read notes.md → create deliverable → update task_plan.md
4. Deliver final output
When to Use
Use this pattern for:
- Multi-step tasks (3+ steps)
- Research tasks
- Building/creating projects
- Tasks spanning many tool calls
- Anything requiring organization
Skip for:
- Simple questions
- Single-file edits
- Quick lookups
Installation
This skill is typically installed globally at ~/.claude/skills/planning-with-files/.
From this repository:
ln -s /path/to/agent-playbook/skills/planning-with-files ~/.claude/skills/planning-with-files
If you prefer the standalone workflow, see the upstream repository in the Links section.
The Manus Principles
| Principle | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Filesystem as memory | Store in files, not context |
| Attention manipulation | Re-read plan before decisions |
| Error persistence | Log failures in plan file |
| Goal tracking | Checkboxes show progress |
| Append-only context | Never modify history |
Example
You: "Research the benefits of TypeScript and write a summary"
Claude creates:
# Task Plan: TypeScript Benefits Research
## Goal
Create a research summary on TypeScript benefits.
## Phases
- [x] Phase 1: Create plan ✓
- [ ] Phase 2: Research and gather sources (CURRENT)
- [ ] Phase 3: Synthesize findings
- [ ] Phase 4: Deliver summary
## Status
**Currently in Phase 2** - Searching for sources
Links
How can the creator link this skill?
Add the canonical catalog link to the repository README so users can inspect current installs and available audits. The publishing guide covers the complete discovery path.
<a href="https://skillzs.dev/skills/zhaono1/agent-playbook/planning-with-files">View planning-with-files on skillZs</a>