Workflow Patterns
Reusable patterns for structuring workflows in skills and agents.
Sequential with Checklist
Use when steps must be completed in order with tracking:
## Form Processing Workflow
Track progress:
- [ ] Step 1: Analyze form (run analyze_form.py)
- [ ] Step 2: Create field mapping
- [ ] Step 3: Validate (run validate.py)
- [ ] Step 4: Fill form
- [ ] Step 5: Verify outputWhen to use: Multi-step processes where completion tracking matters.
Conditional Routing
Use when different paths apply based on context:
## Document Workflow
1. Determine task type:
- **Creating new?** -> Follow Creation workflow
- **Editing existing?** -> Follow Editing workflow
## Creation workflow
[steps for new documents]
## Editing workflow
[steps for existing documents]When to use: Tasks with distinct modes or branches.
Validation Loop
Use when iterative refinement is needed:
1. Make changes
2. Validate: `python validate.py`
3. If errors:
- Fix issues
- Return to step 2
4. Only proceed when validation passesWhen to use: Operations requiring correctness verification.
Progressive Disclosure Patterns
Pattern 1: Quick Start + References
Front-load common usage, defer details:
## Quick start
[Most common usage - get user productive fast]
## Advanced
- **Forms**: See [FORMS.md](references/forms.md)
- **API details**: See [REFERENCE.md](references/reference.md)Pattern 2: Domain Organization
Organize by topic when multiple domains exist:
bigquery/
SKILL.md (overview + navigation)
references/
finance.md
sales.md
product.mdPattern 3: Conditional Depth
Provide escape hatches for advanced needs:
## Basic usage
[Simple approach that works 80% of the time]
**For tracked changes**: See [REDLINING.md](references/redlining.md)
**For batch processing**: See [BATCH.md](references/batch.md)Degrees of Freedom
Match instruction specificity to the situation:
| Situation | Freedom Level | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple valid approaches | High | "Analyze code structure and suggest improvements" |
| Preferred pattern exists | Medium | "Use this template, customize as needed" |
| Fragile/critical operation | Low | "Run exactly: python migrate.py --verify" |
Combining Patterns
Patterns can be nested:
## Main Workflow
1. Determine mode:
- **Quick fix?** -> Use Quick Fix workflow
- **Full analysis?** -> Use Analysis workflow
## Quick Fix workflow
- [ ] Identify issue
- [ ] Apply fix
- [ ] Validate: `npm test`
- [ ] If fails, return to step 2
## Analysis workflow
See [DEEP_ANALYSIS.md](references/deep-analysis.md) for comprehensive steps.Anti-Patterns
| Anti-Pattern | Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No clear entry point | User doesn't know where to start | Add "Quick Start" section |
| Too many branches | Decision paralysis | Provide sensible defaults |
| No validation step | Errors discovered too late | Add explicit verification |
| References too deep | Content hard to find | Keep one level from SKILL.md |