Lightweight Implementation Analysis Protocol

Quick understanding before implementation – just enough to guide TDD, no more.

When This Activates

Before creating implementation plans, fix plans, or TDD cycles for bugs/features.

The Protocol (3 Quick Steps)

1. Trace the Flow

Answer these:

• Which event/request triggers this?
• Which file:line handles it?
• Where does the error occur (file:line)?

2. Quick Diagram

Simple class.method() flow with relevant data:

Event: EventName
  ↓ (contains: relevant fields)
Class.method() [file:line]
  ↓ (what it does)
Class.method() [file:line] ← 💥 Error here
  ↓
Result: What happens

Keep it short – 5-10 lines max.

3. Verify

Ask: “Here’s the flow: [diagram]. Correct?”

Wait for confirmation, then proceed.

Example

Problem: Email validation failing

Event: user.email.updated
  ↓ (email: "invalid@")
UpdateUserEmailHandler.execute() [line 281]
  ↓ (validates email format)
EmailValidator.parse() [line 289] ← 💥 Throws ValidationError
  ↓
Result: Error response

Current: Throws
Should: Use safeParse(), return validation error

Rules

• Keep it lightweight – This isn’t detailed planning, just enough to know what to test
• Be specific – File:line, not abstractions
• Get confirmation – Don’t proceed without it
• Skip for trivial changes – Typos, formatting, docs

Anti-Pattern

❌ WRONG: “I’ll fix the validation. Here’s my plan…” ✅ RIGHT: “Let me trace where the error occurs… [diagram]. Correct?”