This skill implements a file-based planning system for complex, multi-step tasks by creating persistent markdown files to track goals, findings, and progress. It acts as an external working memory to maintain context and organization throughout long workflows or research projects.
# Kiro Setup
How to use planning-with-files with [Kiro](https://kiro.dev).
---
## Important: Kiro Uses Steering Files
Kiro doesn't use the standard `SKILL.md` format. Instead, it uses **Steering Files** — markdown documents in `.kiro/steering/` that provide persistent project knowledge.
See: [Kiro Steering Docs](https://kiro.dev/docs/cli/steering/)
---
## What This Integration Adds
```
.kiro/
├── steering/
│ ├── planning-workflow.md # Core workflow and quick start
│ ├── planning-rules.md # Critical rules and error protocols
│ └── planning-templates.md # Templates for task_plan, findings, progress
└── scripts/
├── init-session.sh # Initialize planning files (Bash)
├── init-session.ps1 # Initialize planning files (PowerShell)
├── check-complete.sh # Verify phases complete (Bash)
└── check-complete.ps1 # Verify phases complete (PowerShell)
```
---
## Installation (Workspace)
Copy to your project:
```bash
git clone https://github.com/OthmanAdi/planning-with-files.git
cp -r planning-with-files/.kiro .kiro
rm -rf planning-with-files
```
---
## Installation (Global)
Copy to your global Kiro config:
```bash
git clone https://github.com/OthmanAdi/planning-with-files.git
mkdir -p ~/.kiro/steering ~/.kiro/scripts
cp planning-with-files/.kiro/steering/* ~/.kiro/steering/
cp planning-with-files/.kiro/scripts/* ~/.kiro/scripts/
rm -rf planning-with-files
```
Global steering applies to all your projects.
---
## Usage
1. Start Kiro in your project
2. For complex tasks, create the planning files:
```bash
# Using the init script
bash .kiro/scripts/init-session.sh
# Or manually create:
# - task_plan.md
# - findings.md
# - progress.md
```
3. The steering files automatically guide Kiro to:
- Create plans before complex tasks
- Update findings after research
- Log progress and errors
- Follow the 3-strike error protocol
---
## How Steering Works
Kiro loads steering files automatically in every interaction. The planning guidance becomes part of Kiro's project understanding without you needing to explain it each time.
| File | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `planning-workflow.md` | Core pattern and quick start |
| `planning-rules.md` | Critical rules and error handling |
| `planning-templates.md` | Copy-paste templates |
---
## Helper Scripts
```bash
# Initialize all planning files
bash .kiro/scripts/init-session.sh
# Windows PowerShell
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .kiro/scripts/init-session.ps1
# Verify all phases complete
bash .kiro/scripts/check-complete.sh
```
---
## Notes
- Steering files are loaded automatically — no manual invocation needed
- Workspace steering (`.kiro/`) takes priority over global (`~/.kiro/`)
- Planning files (`task_plan.md`, etc.) go in your project root, not in `.kiro/`