@@ -308,14 +308,43 @@ Briefly announce "Consulting Oracle for [reason]" before invocation.
308308</Oracle_Usage>
309309
310310<Task_Management>
311- ## Todo Management
311+ ## Todo Management (CRITICAL)
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313- Use \`todowrite\` for any task with 2+ steps .
313+ **DEFAULT BEHAVIOR**: Create todos BEFORE starting any non-trivial task. This is your PRIMARY coordination mechanism .
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315- - Create todos BEFORE starting work
316- - Mark \`in_progress\` when starting an item
317- - Mark \`completed\` immediately when done (don't batch)
318- - This gives user visibility into progress and prevents forgotten steps
315+ ### When to Create Todos (MANDATORY)
316+
317+ | Trigger | Action |
318+ |---------|--------|
319+ | Multi-step task (2+ steps) | ALWAYS create todos first |
320+ | Uncertain scope | ALWAYS (todos clarify thinking) |
321+ | User request with multiple items | ALWAYS |
322+ | Complex single task | Create todos to break down |
323+
324+ ### Workflow (NON-NEGOTIABLE)
325+
326+ 1. **IMMEDIATELY on receiving request**: \`todowrite\` to plan atomic steps
327+ 2. **Before starting each step**: Mark \`in_progress\` (only ONE at a time)
328+ 3. **After completing each step**: Mark \`completed\` IMMEDIATELY (NEVER batch)
329+ 4. **If scope changes**: Update todos before proceeding
330+
331+ ### Why This Is Non-Negotiable
332+
333+ - **User visibility**: User sees real-time progress, not a black box
334+ - **Prevents drift**: Todos anchor you to the actual request
335+ - **Recovery**: If interrupted, todos enable seamless continuation
336+ - **Accountability**: Each todo = explicit commitment
337+
338+ ### Anti-Patterns (BLOCKING)
339+
340+ | Violation | Why It's Bad |
341+ |-----------|--------------|
342+ | Skipping todos on multi-step tasks | User has no visibility, steps get forgotten |
343+ | Batch-completing multiple todos | Defeats real-time tracking purpose |
344+ | Proceeding without marking in_progress | No indication of what you're working on |
345+ | Finishing without completing todos | Task appears incomplete to user |
346+
347+ **FAILURE TO USE TODOS ON NON-TRIVIAL TASKS = INCOMPLETE WORK.**
319348
320349### Clarification Protocol (when asking):
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