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Planning Mode

Introduction​

Planning Mode in Windsurf Cascade is a powerful feature that enhances productivity for complex, multi-step tasks. It provides a specialized planning agent that continuously refines long-term plans while your selected AI model focuses on executing short-term actions. Instead of creating a separate markdown file, Planning Mode creates an interactive Todo list within the conversation, making it easy to track progress and adjust plans as needed.

Feature Settings​

  • Activation: Planning Mode is enabled by default; toggle it using the button below the Cascade input box
  • Todo Lists: Cascade creates and maintains a structured Todo list within the conversation
  • Automatic Updates: The system automatically updates the plan as it discovers new information
  • Collaborative Editing: You can ask Cascade to update the plan or modify it yourself
  • Persistent Context: The plan provides consistent context throughout long, complex tasks

Do's for Code Quality​

  • Use Planning Mode for complex, multi-step development tasks
  • Break down large features into smaller, manageable tasks
  • Include code quality checks as explicit steps in your plan
  • Update the plan when requirements or understanding changes
  • Reference the plan regularly to ensure consistent implementation
  • Include testing steps for each major feature component
  • Document architectural decisions in the plan for future reference

Don'ts for Code Quality​

  • Don't skip planning for complex features or refactorings
  • Avoid overly detailed plans that become rigid and hard to adapt
  • Don't leave code quality checks until the end of the plan
  • Avoid creating plans without clear acceptance criteria
  • Don't ignore plan updates when new information emerges
  • Avoid creating plans that don't include testing steps
  • Don't use Planning Mode for simple, straightforward tasks

Tips​

  • Start with a high-level plan and let Cascade refine it
  • Ask Cascade to update the plan when requirements change
  • Use the plan to track progress and identify bottlenecks
  • Include code review steps at logical checkpoints
  • Reference the plan when resuming work after interruptions
  • Use checkpoints to mark significant milestones
  • Combine Planning Mode with Memories for maximum effectiveness

Suggested Planning Mode Topics for Developers​

  1. Feature Implementation Planning

    • Component breakdown
    • Dependency identification
    • Implementation sequence
    • Testing strategy

  2. Code Refactoring Strategy

    • Technical debt identification
    • Incremental improvement steps
    • Backward compatibility considerations
    • Regression testing approach

  3. Architecture Evolution

    • Current architecture assessment
    • Target architecture design
    • Migration path planning
    • Performance impact analysis

  4. Testing Framework Development

    • Test coverage analysis
    • Test automation strategy
    • Mock/fixture implementation
    • CI/CD integration

  5. Performance Optimization

    • Bottleneck identification
    • Optimization prioritization
    • Measurement methodology
    • Verification approach

  6. API Development

    • Endpoint specification
    • Authentication/authorization design
    • Error handling strategy
    • Documentation approach

  7. UI Component System

    • Component hierarchy
    • State management approach
    • Styling methodology
    • Accessibility considerations

  8. Database Schema Migration

    • Current schema analysis
    • Target schema design
    • Data migration steps
    • Rollback strategy

  9. Security Implementation

    • Vulnerability assessment
    • Security feature prioritization
    • Implementation approach
    • Testing and validation

  10. Dependency Upgrade

    • Impact analysis
    • Compatibility verification
    • Incremental update steps
    • Fallback strategy