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 output

When 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 passes

When 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
• API details: See REFERENCE.md

Pattern 2: Domain Organization

Organize by topic when multiple domains exist:

bigquery/ SKILL.md (overview + navigation) references/ finance.md sales.md product.md

Pattern 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 For batch processing: See 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 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