@sienklogic/plan-build-run 2.11.0 → 2.12.1

package/plugins/pbr/skills/quick/SKILL.md

@@ -4,36 +4,65 @@ description: "Execute an ad-hoc task with atomic commits. Skips full plan/review
 allowed-tools: Read, Write, Edit, Bash, Glob, Grep, Task, AskUserQuestion
 ---
 
-**STOP — DO NOT READ THIS FILE. You are already reading it. This prompt was injected into your context by Claude Code's plugin system. Using the Read tool on this SKILL.md file wastes ~7,600 tokens. Begin executing Step 1 immediately.**
+**STOP -- DO NOT READ THIS FILE. You are already reading it. This prompt was injected into your context by Claude Code's plugin system. Using the Read tool on this SKILL.md file wastes ~7,600 tokens. Begin executing Step 0 immediately.**
 
-# /pbr:quick — Quick Ad-Hoc Task Execution
+# /pbr:quick -- Quick Ad-Hoc Task Execution
 
 You are running the **quick** skill. Your job is to execute a small, self-contained task outside the normal plan/build/review cycle. Quick tasks get their own tracking, atomic commits, and state integration, but skip the overhead of full planning.
 
 This skill **spawns a single Task(subagent_type: "pbr:executor")** for execution.
 
+**Dual-mode flow**: This skill has two execution paths controlled by the `features.zero_friction_quick` config toggle (default: `true`). The zero-friction path reaches the executor in 2 tool calls. The legacy path preserves the full pre-planning ceremony.
+
 ---
 
-## Step 0 — Immediate Output
+## Step 0 -- Immediate Output
 
 **Before ANY tool calls**, display this banner:
 
 ```
 ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
-║  PLAN-BUILD-RUN ► QUICK TASK                                 ║
+║  PLAN-BUILD-RUN ► QUICK TASK                                ║
 ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
 ```
 
 Then proceed to Step 1.
 
+## References
+
+- `references/questioning.md` -- Questioning philosophy and progressive depth patterns
+- `references/ui-brand.md` -- Status symbols, banners, checkpoint boxes, progress display
+
 ## Context Budget
 
 Reference: `skills/shared/context-budget.md` for the universal orchestrator rules.
+Reference: `skills/shared/agent-type-resolution.md` for agent type fallback when spawning Task() subagents.
 
 Additionally for this skill:
-- **Never** implement the task yourself — you are a router, not a builder. ALL code changes go through a spawned `Task(subagent_type: "pbr:executor")`
-- **Never** skip creating `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/` and writing PLAN.md — even trivial tasks need tracking artifacts
-- **Minimize** reading executor output into main context — read only SUMMARY.md frontmatter
+- **Never** implement the task yourself -- you are a router, not a builder. ALL code changes go through a spawned `Task(subagent_type: "pbr:executor")`
+- **Minimize** reading executor output into main context -- read only SUMMARY.md frontmatter
+
+## Composable Flags
+
+Parse `$ARGUMENTS` for optional flags before extracting the task description:
+
+- **`--discuss`**: Before spawning the executor, ask 2-3 clarifying questions about the approach. Write the Q&A results to `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/CONTEXT.md` as a lightweight decision record. Pass this CONTEXT.md to the executor via files_to_read.
+- **`--research`**: Spawn a `Task(subagent_type: "pbr:researcher")` to investigate the task domain before execution. The researcher writes findings to `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/RESEARCH.md`. Pass this RESEARCH.md to the executor via files_to_read.
+- **`--full`**: Enable plan-checker validation (max 2 iterations) before executor spawn AND post-execution verification via verifier agent. Creates VERIFICATION.md in the quick task directory. Does NOT escalate to /pbr:plan -- stays in quick pipeline.
+
+Strip these flags from `$ARGUMENTS` before using the remainder as the task description.
+
+**Flag combinations:**
+- `--discuss` alone: Quick task with discussion + CONTEXT.md
+- `--research` alone: Quick task with research + RESEARCH.md
+- `--full` alone: Quick task with plan-checking + verification
+- `--discuss --research`: Discussion + research before execution
+- `--discuss --full`: Discussion + plan-checking + verification
+- `--research --full`: Research + plan-checking + verification
+- `--discuss --research --full`: All quality layers
+- No flags: Standard quick task flow (zero-friction or legacy based on config)
+
+**Note:** `--full` converts the zero-friction path to use a PLAN.md so plan-checker can validate it. The executor then reads the PLAN.md instead of inline instructions. This adds 1-2 tool calls but enables structured validation.
 
 ## Core Principle
 
@@ -43,30 +72,220 @@ Additionally for this skill:
 
 ## Flow
 
-### Step 1: Check Project Context
+### Step 1: Init + Route Decision (1 tool call)
 
-1. Check if `.planning/` directory exists
-   - If yes: read config.json for settings
-   - If no: create **both** `.planning/` and `.planning/quick/` directories, then warn "No Plan-Build-Run project found. This will create a standalone quick task. Consider running `/pbr:begin` first for full project tracking."
+**Init-first pattern**: Run the init command to get config + state in a single call:
 
-2. If `.planning/` exists but `.planning/quick/` does not: create `.planning/quick/` now. **Every quick task gets tracked in `.planning/quick/` — this directory MUST exist before Step 4.**
+```bash
+node plugins/pbr/scripts/pbr-tools.cjs init quick "{description}"
+```
+
+From the init output:
+1. Check if `.planning/` directory exists
+   - If no: create **both** `.planning/` and `.planning/quick/` directories, then warn "No Plan-Build-Run project found. This will create a standalone quick task. Consider running `/pbr:new-project` first for full project tracking."
+2. If `.planning/` exists but `.planning/quick/` does not: create `.planning/quick/` now
+3. Read `features.zero_friction_quick` from config (default: `true`)
 
-3. **After** confirming both directories exist, write `.planning/.active-skill` with the content `quick` (single word, no newline). This registers you with the workflow enforcement hook — it will block source code writes until PLAN.md exists.
+**Route decision:**
+- If `--full` flag: continue with the selected path below (plan-checker and verifier steps will activate later). Do NOT escalate to `Skill({ skill: "pbr:plan" })`.
+- If `--discuss` flag: go to **Step 1c** (ask clarifying questions, write CONTEXT.md), then continue.
+- If `--research` flag: go to **Step 1d** (spawn researcher, write RESEARCH.md), then continue.
+- If both `--discuss` and `--research`: run Step 1c first, then Step 1d.
+- If `features.zero_friction_quick` is `true` (default): go to **Step 2** (zero-friction path)
+- If `features.zero_friction_quick` is `false`: go to **Step 5** (legacy path)
 
-4. Check if ROADMAP.md exists
-   - If yes: note the current phase context (quick tasks may relate to the active phase)
-   - If no: proceed without phase context
+**DO NOT fall back to the legacy flow when `zero_friction_quick` is `true`.** The zero-friction path is the intended default experience.
 
-### Step 2: Get Task Description
+### Step 1b: Get Task Description (if needed)
 
-If `$ARGUMENTS` is provided and non-empty:
-- Use `$ARGUMENTS` as the task description
+If `$ARGUMENTS` is provided and non-empty (after stripping flags):
+- Use it as the task description
 
 If `$ARGUMENTS` is empty:
 - Ask the user: "What do you need done? Describe the task in a sentence or two."
-  This is a freeform text prompt — do NOT use AskUserQuestion here. Task descriptions require arbitrary text input, not option selection.
+  This is a freeform text prompt -- do NOT use AskUserQuestion here. Task descriptions require arbitrary text input, not option selection.
+
+### Step 1c: Discussion (only if `--discuss` flag is set)
+
+Ask 2-3 clarifying questions about the approach, constraints, and edge cases. Use plain text prompts (not AskUserQuestion -- these require freeform answers).
+
+After receiving answers, write the Q&A to `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/CONTEXT.md`:
+
+```markdown
+# Quick Task Context
+
+**Task:** {description}
+**Date:** {YYYY-MM-DD}
+
+## Discussion
+
+{Q&A content -- each question and answer}
+
+## Decisions
+
+{Key decisions derived from the discussion}
+```
+
+**Note:** The task directory `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/` must be created before writing CONTEXT.md. In the zero-friction path, create it now (it will be reused in Step 3). In the legacy path, it is created in Step 5e.
+
+Continue to Step 1d if `--research` is also set, otherwise continue to the selected path (Step 2 or Step 5).
+
+### Step 1d: Research (only if `--research` flag is set)
+
+Spawn a `Task(subagent_type: "pbr:researcher")` with the following prompt:
+
+```
+Research the following task domain for a quick task.
+Task: {description}
+Write findings to: .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/RESEARCH.md
+Focus on: existing patterns in the codebase, potential risks, recommended approach.
+Keep it concise (under 500 tokens).
+```
+
+**Note:** The task directory `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/` must exist before the researcher writes to it. Create it if not already created by Step 1c.
+
+After the researcher completes, verify `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/RESEARCH.md` exists. If missing, log a warning and continue without research context.
+
+Continue to the selected path (Step 2 or Step 5).
+
+---
+
+## Zero-Friction Path (Steps 2-4)
+
+> This path executes the task in 2 tool calls: init (Step 1) + spawn executor (Step 2).
+> No PLAN.md is written before execution. No `.active-skill` is set.
+> Artifacts are created AFTER execution completes.
+
+### Step 2: Spawn Executor Immediately (1 tool call)
+
+**Generate slug** (inline, no file I/O):
+- Take the first 4-5 meaningful words from the description
+- Lowercase, hyphen-separated
+- Remove articles (a, an, the) and prepositions
+- Example: "Fix auth bug in login flow" -> "fix-auth-bug-login"
+
+**Find next task number** from `.planning/quick/` listing (from init output if available, else quick `ls`):
+1. Scan `.planning/quick/` directory for existing quick task directories
+2. Extract the NNN prefix from directory names (pattern: `{NNN}-{slug}/`)
+3. Next number = highest existing NNN + 1
+4. If no existing tasks: start at 001
+5. Zero-pad to 3 digits
+
+Display to the user: `> Spawning executor...`
+
+**Context Assembly:** Build the executor prompt's `files_to_read` block dynamically at spawn time. Always include STATE.md and CLAUDE.md as base files. Add CONTEXT.md line only if `--discuss` was used AND the file was created. Add RESEARCH.md line only if `--research` was used AND the file was created. Only include files that exist on disk.
+
+Spawn a `Task(subagent_type: "pbr:executor")` with the following inline prompt:
+
+> **Completion markers**: After executor completes, check for `## PLAN COMPLETE` or `## PLAN FAILED`. Route accordingly.
+
+```
+You are executor. Execute this quick task directly.
+
+<files_to_read>
+CRITICAL (no hook): Read these files BEFORE any other action:
+1. .planning/STATE.md -- current project state (if exists)
+2. CLAUDE.md -- project instructions
+{3. .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/CONTEXT.md -- task context (only if --discuss was used)}
+{4. .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/RESEARCH.md -- research findings (only if --research was used)}
+</files_to_read>
+
+Do NOT look for a PLAN.md file. Execute based on this description:
+
+Task: {description}
+Task ID: quick-{NNN}
+Commit scope: quick-{NNN}
+
+Instructions:
+1. Understand what needs to change
+2. Make the changes
+3. Run appropriate verification (lint, test, typecheck)
+4. Commit with format: {type}(quick-{NNN}): {description}
+
+Do NOT write SUMMARY.md -- it will be generated post-hoc.
+
+When done, output ## PLAN COMPLETE with a list of commits made.
+```
+
+This is the 2nd tool call. Code is now running.
+
+### Step 2-full: Plan-Checker Loop for Zero-Friction (only if --full)
+
+If `--full` flag is set in the zero-friction path, add plan-checker validation before executor spawn:
+
+1. **Create PLAN.md**: Write a PLAN.md to `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/PLAN.md` using the same format as Legacy Step 5f. This is required so the plan-checker has a structured plan to validate.
+
+2. **Run plan-checker loop**: Same logic as Legacy Step 5g-full:
+
+```
+iteration = 0
+max_iterations = 2
+while iteration < max_iterations:
+  Spawn Task(subagent_type: "pbr:plan-checker") with quick-mode validation profile
+  (same prompt as Legacy Step 5g-full)
+
+  If CHECK PASSED: break
+  If CHECK FAILED: fix PLAN.md, iteration += 1
+
+If max_iterations reached: warn user and continue.
+```
+
+3. **Spawn executor with PLAN.md**: Instead of the inline zero-friction prompt, use the legacy-style executor prompt with `files_to_read` pointing to the PLAN.md (same as Legacy Step 5h).
+
+**Note:** `--full` converts the zero-friction path to use a PLAN.md so plan-checker can validate it. The executor then reads the PLAN.md instead of inline instructions.
+
+If `--full` is NOT set, skip this step entirely -- the zero-friction path proceeds directly to Step 2 executor spawn with no overhead.
 
-### Step 3: Validate Scope
+### Step 3: Post-Execution Recording (after executor returns)
+
+After the executor completes:
+
+**CRITICAL — DO NOT SKIP: Create task directory .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/ NOW. Executor output cannot be stored without this directory.**
+1. **Create task directory**: `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/`
+
+2. **Generate post-hoc SUMMARY.md** (if `features.post_hoc_artifacts` is not `false`):
+   ```bash
+   node -e "const ph=require('./plan-build-run/bin/lib/post-hoc.cjs'); ph.generateSummary(process.argv[1], process.argv[2], {commitPattern: 'quick-{NNN}', description: '{description}'})" .planning ".planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}"
+   ```
+   - If `features.post_hoc_artifacts` is `false`: skip SUMMARY.md generation
+
+3. **Update STATE.md** quick tasks table (same as Legacy Step 5i)
+
+4. **Post-execution verification (only if --full)**: If `--full` flag is set AND executor completed successfully, run the same verifier spawn as Legacy Step 5i-full. Read VERIFICATION.md result after verifier returns.
+
+5. **Check pending todos** (same as Step 6)
+
+6. Go to **Step 4**
+
+### Step 4: Commit Planning Docs (if configured)
+
+If `planning.commit_docs: true` in config.json:
+- Stage the quick task directory files (SUMMARY.md if generated, VERIFICATION.md if `--full` was used)
+- Stage STATE.md changes
+- Commit: `docs(planning): quick task {NNN} - {slug}`
+
+Go to **Step 8** (Report Results).
+
+---
+
+## Legacy Path (Step 5)
+
+> This path is used when `features.zero_friction_quick` is `false`.
+> It preserves the full pre-planning ceremony: scope validation, PLAN.md creation, then executor spawn.
+
+### Step 5: Full Pre-Planned Quick Task Flow
+
+#### Step 5a: Set Active Skill
+
+**CRITICAL — DO NOT SKIP: Write .active-skill NOW.** Write `.planning/.active-skill` with the content `quick` (single word, no newline). This registers you with the workflow enforcement hook -- it will block source code writes until PLAN.md exists.
+
+#### Step 5b: Check ROADMAP Context
+
+Check if ROADMAP.md exists:
+- If yes: note the current phase context (quick tasks may relate to the active phase)
+- If no: proceed without phase context
+
+#### Step 5c: Validate Scope
 
 Analyze the task description. If it appears to involve:
 - More than ~5 files
@@ -81,18 +300,16 @@ Use AskUserQuestion:
   header: "Scope"
   options:
     - label: "Quick task"  description: "Execute as lightweight task"
-    - label: "Full plan"   description: "Switch to /pbr:plan for proper planning"
+    - label: "Full plan"   description: "Switch to /pbr:plan-phase for proper planning"
     - label: "Revise"      description: "Let me rewrite the task description"
   multiSelect: false
 
-If user selects "Quick task": continue to Step 4.
-If user selects "Full plan": clean up `.active-skill` if it exists, then chain directly: `Skill({ skill: "pbr:plan", args: "" })`. The user's task description carries over in conversation context — the plan skill will pick it up.
-If user selects "Revise": go back to Step 2 to get a new task description.
+If user selects "Quick task": continue to Step 5d.
+If user selects "Full plan": clean up `.active-skill` if it exists, then chain directly: `Skill({ skill: "pbr:plan", args: "" })`. The user's task description carries over in conversation context -- the plan skill will pick it up.
+If user selects "Revise": go back to Step 1b to get a new task description.
 If user types something else (freeform): interpret their response and proceed accordingly.
 
-### Step 4: Generate Slug and Task Number
-
-**CRITICAL: You MUST complete Steps 4, 5, and 6 before any executor is spawned. If you skip these steps, the quick task will have no tracking artifacts and no PLAN.md for the executor to follow. This is the #1 failure mode of this skill.**
+#### Step 5d: Generate Slug and Task Number
 
 **Generate slug:**
 - Take the first 4-5 meaningful words from the description
@@ -107,15 +324,15 @@ If user types something else (freeform): interpret their response and proceed ac
 4. If no existing tasks: start at 001
 5. Zero-pad to 3 digits
 
-### Step 5: Create Quick Task Directory
+#### Step 5e: Create Quick Task Directory
 
-**STOP — Use the Write or Bash tool RIGHT NOW to create this directory. Do not skip this step.**
+**STOP -- Use the Write or Bash tool RIGHT NOW to create this directory. Do not skip this step.**
 
 Create: `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/`
 
-Verify the directory exists with `ls .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/` before proceeding. If the directory doesn't exist, you have a bug — go back and create it.
+Verify the directory exists with `ls .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/` before proceeding. If the directory doesn't exist, you have a bug -- go back and create it.
 
-### Step 6: Create Minimal PLAN.md
+#### Step 5f: Create Minimal PLAN.md
 
 Write `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/PLAN.md`:
 
@@ -140,25 +357,90 @@ Read `references/plan-format.md` for the plan file format. Fill in all `{variabl
 </task>
 ```
 
-**PLANNING GATE — verify before spawning executor:**
+**PLANNING GATE -- verify before spawning executor:**
 
-Before proceeding to Step 7, confirm these exist on disk:
+Before proceeding to Step 5g, confirm these exist on disk:
 1. `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/` directory exists
 2. `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/PLAN.md` exists, is non-empty, and contains at least one `<task>` block
 
-If either check fails, you have skipped steps. Go back and complete Steps 4-6. Do NOT proceed to spawning an executor.
+If either check fails, you have skipped steps. Go back and complete Steps 5d-5f. Do NOT proceed to spawning an executor.
+
+#### Step 5g-full: Plan-Checker Loop (only if --full)
+
+If `--full` flag is set, run the plan-checker before spawning the executor:
 
-### Step 7: Spawn Executor
+```
+iteration = 0
+max_iterations = 2
+while iteration < max_iterations:
+  Spawn Task(subagent_type: "pbr:plan-checker") with prompt:
+    You are plan-checker validating a QUICK TASK plan (not a full phase plan).
+
+    <files_to_read>
+    1. .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/PLAN.md
+    </files_to_read>
+
+    Quick-mode validation profile -- check ONLY these dimensions:
+    1. Task completeness: all 5 elements present (name, files, action, verify, done)
+    2. Verification commands: verify commands are executable
+    3. Scope sanity: <= 3 tasks, <= 8 files total
+
+    SKIP these full-plan-only dimensions:
+    - Cross-plan data contracts
+    - Wave/dependency correctness
+    - Requirement coverage (quick tasks don't have requirement IDs)
+    - Context compliance (no phase CONTEXT.md for quick tasks unless --discuss)
+
+    Output: ## CHECK PASSED or ## CHECK FAILED with specific issues.
+
+  If plan-checker returns CHECK PASSED: break loop, proceed to executor
+  If plan-checker returns CHECK FAILED:
+    - Read the issues
+    - Fix PLAN.md inline (rewrite the plan addressing issues)
+    - iteration += 1
+    - Loop again
+
+If max_iterations reached without passing: warn user "Plan-checker did not pass after 2 iterations. Proceeding with current plan." and continue to executor.
+```
 
-**Pre-spawn check** — Verify `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/PLAN.md` exists and contains at least one `<task>` block. If missing, STOP and complete Steps 4-6 first.
+If `--full` is NOT set, skip this step entirely -- zero overhead on the default path.
 
-Display to the user: `◐ Spawning executor...`
+#### Step 5g: Local LLM Task Validation (optional, advisory)
+
+If `config.local_llm.enabled` is `true`, run a quick scope validation before spawning:
+
+```bash
+node ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/pbr-tools.js llm classify PLAN ".planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/PLAN.md"
+```
+
+- If classification is `"stub"` with confidence >= 0.7: warn `"Plan looks like a stub -- executor may struggle. Consider adding more detail to task descriptions."`
+- If the command fails or returns null: skip silently (local LLM unavailable)
+- This is advisory only -- never block on the result
+
+#### Step 5h: Spawn Executor
+
+**Pre-spawn check** -- Verify `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/PLAN.md` exists and contains at least one `<task>` block. If missing, STOP and complete Steps 5d-5f first.
+
+Display to the user: `> Spawning executor...`
 
 Spawn a `Task(subagent_type: "pbr:executor")` with the following prompt:
 
+> **Completion markers**: After executor completes, check for `## PLAN COMPLETE` or `## PLAN FAILED`. Route accordingly.
+
+**Context Assembly:** Build the `files_to_read` block dynamically. Always include PLAN.md, STATE.md, and CLAUDE.md. Add CONTEXT.md line only if `--discuss` was used AND the file was created. Add RESEARCH.md line only if `--research` was used AND the file was created. Only include files that exist on disk.
+
 ```
 You are executor. Execute the following quick task plan.
 
+<files_to_read>
+CRITICAL (no hook): Read these files BEFORE any other action:
+1. .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/PLAN.md -- the quick task plan with task details
+2. .planning/STATE.md -- current project state and progress (if exists)
+3. CLAUDE.md -- project instructions
+{4. .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/CONTEXT.md -- task context (only if --discuss was used)}
+{5. .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/RESEARCH.md -- research findings (only if --research was used)}
+</files_to_read>
+
 Plan file: .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/PLAN.md
 Phase: quick
 Plan ID: {NNN}
@@ -172,16 +454,64 @@ Read the plan file and execute all tasks sequentially. Follow all executor proto
 Execute now.
 ```
 
-### Step 8: Read Results
+#### Step 5i: Read Results + Spot-Check
 
 After the executor completes:
 1. Read `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/SUMMARY.md`
 2. Check the status field:
-   - `completed` — task succeeded
-   - `partial` — some tasks completed, others failed
-   - `failed` — task failed entirely
+   - `completed` -- task succeeded
+   - `partial` -- some tasks completed, others failed
+   - `failed` -- task failed entirely
+
+**Spot-Check Executor Output:**
+
+1. **SUMMARY.md exists**: Check `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/SUMMARY.md` exists
+2. **Key files exist**: Verify first 2 files from SUMMARY.md `key_files` frontmatter exist on disk
+3. **Commits present**: Run `git log --oneline -5` and verify at least one commit matches the task scope
+4. **Self-check status**: Look for `## Self-Check: FAILED` in SUMMARY.md -- if present, warn the user
+
+If ANY spot-check fails, present the user with options: **Retry** / **Continue anyway** / **Abort**
+
+#### Step 5i-full: Post-Execution Verification (only if --full)
+
+If `--full` flag is set AND executor completed successfully (status = completed or partial):
+
+Spawn `Task(subagent_type: "pbr:verifier")` with prompt:
+
+```
+You are verifier. Verify this quick task achieved its goals.
+
+<files_to_read>
+1. .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/PLAN.md -- the task plan with acceptance criteria
+2. .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/SUMMARY.md -- executor's completion report
+</files_to_read>
+
+Quick-mode verification:
+1. Check that files listed in PLAN.md files_modified exist on disk
+2. Check that verify commands from PLAN.md pass when re-run
+3. Check that commits exist matching the task scope (quick-{NNN})
+
+Write VERIFICATION.md to: .planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/VERIFICATION.md
+
+Use this frontmatter format:
+---
+status: passed|failed
+must_haves_total: {N}
+must_haves_passed: {N}
+gaps: []
+---
+
+Output: ## VERIFICATION COMPLETE
+```
+
+After verifier returns:
+- Read `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/VERIFICATION.md` frontmatter
+- If status = passed: display "Verification: PASSED" in results
+- If status = failed: display "Verification: FAILED" with gap details, suggest `/pbr:debug`
+
+If `--full` is NOT set, skip this step entirely -- no verifier overhead on the default path.
 
-### Step 9: Update STATE.md
+#### Step 5j: Update STATE.md
 
 If STATE.md exists, update the Quick Tasks section.
 
@@ -205,95 +535,108 @@ Status indicators:
 - Partial: warning indicator
 - Failed: X indicator
 
-### Step 10: Clean Up Active Skill
-
-Delete `.planning/.active-skill` if it exists. This must happen on all paths (success, partial, and failure) before reporting results.
-
-### Step 11: Commit Planning Docs
+#### Step 5k: Commit Planning Docs
 
 Reference: `skills/shared/commit-planning-docs.md` for the standard commit pattern.
 
 If `planning.commit_docs: true` in config.json:
-- Stage the quick task directory files (PLAN.md, SUMMARY.md)
+- Stage the quick task directory files (PLAN.md, SUMMARY.md, and VERIFICATION.md if `--full` was used)
 - Stage STATE.md changes
 - Commit: `docs(planning): quick task {NNN} - {slug}`
 
-### Step 11b: Check Pending Todos
+Go to **Step 6** (Check Pending Todos), then **Step 7** (Clean Up Active Skill), then **Step 8** (Report Results).
+
+---
+
+## Shared Steps (both paths converge here)
+
+### Step 6: Check Pending Todos
 
 After completing work, check if any pending todos are now satisfied:
 
 1. Check if `.planning/todos/pending/` exists and contains files
-2. If no pending todos: skip to Step 12
+2. If no pending todos: skip to Step 7
 3. If pending todos exist:
    a. Read the title and description from each pending todo's YAML frontmatter
    b. Compare each todo against the work just completed (the task description, files changed, commits made)
    c. If a todo is **clearly satisfied** by the work (the todo's goal matches what was built):
       - Move it: read the file, update `status: done`, add `completed: {YYYY-MM-DD}`, write to `.planning/todos/done/{filename}`, delete from `pending/` via Bash `rm`
-      - Display: `✓ Auto-closed todo {NNN}: {title} (satisfied by quick task {NNN})`
+      - Display: `Auto-closed todo {NNN}: {title} (satisfied by quick task {NNN})`
    d. If a todo is **partially related** but not fully satisfied: do NOT close it, but mention it:
-      - Display: `ℹ Related pending todo {NNN}: {title} — may be partially addressed`
+      - Display: `Related pending todo {NNN}: {title} -- may be partially addressed`
    e. If a todo is unrelated: skip silently
 
-**Important:** Only auto-close todos where the match is unambiguous. When in doubt, leave it open — false closures are worse than missed closures.
+**Important:** Only auto-close todos where the match is unambiguous. When in doubt, leave it open -- false closures are worse than missed closures.
+
+### Step 7: Clean Up Active Skill
+
+Delete `.planning/.active-skill` if it exists. This must happen on all paths (success, partial, and failure) before reporting results.
 
-### Step 12: Report Results
+**Note:** The zero-friction path never sets `.active-skill`, so this is primarily needed for the legacy path. Deleting a non-existent file is harmless.
 
-**Artifact check** — Before reporting, verify all required artifacts exist:
-1. `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/PLAN.md` exists
-2. `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/SUMMARY.md` exists and is non-empty
+### Step 8: Report Results
+
+**Artifact check** -- Before reporting, verify all required artifacts exist:
+1. `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/` directory exists
+2. `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/SUMMARY.md` exists and is non-empty (or was intentionally skipped via `post_hoc_artifacts: false`)
 3. STATE.md contains a quick task entry for {NNN} (if STATE.md exists)
+4. If `--full` was used: `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/VERIFICATION.md` exists
 
-If SUMMARY.md is missing: the executor may have failed — re-read executor output and report the failure.
-If STATE.md entry is missing: write it now (Step 9 was skipped).
+If SUMMARY.md is missing and was expected: the executor may have failed -- re-read executor output and report the failure.
+If STATE.md entry is missing: write it now (Step 5j logic).
 
 Display results to the user with branded output:
 
 **If completed:**
 ```
-╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
-║  PLAN-BUILD-RUN ► QUICK TASK COMPLETE ✓                      ║
-╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
++--------------------------------------------------------------+
+|  PLAN-BUILD-RUN > QUICK TASK COMPLETE                        |
++--------------------------------------------------------------+
 
 **Quick Task {NNN}:** {description}
-Commit: {hash} — {commit message}
+Commit: {hash} -- {commit message}
 Files: {list of files changed}
+{If --full was used: "Verification: PASSED" or "Verification: FAILED -- {gap details}"}
 
 
 
-╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
-║  ▶ NEXT UP                                                   ║
-╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
++--------------------------------------------------------------+
+|  > NEXT UP                                                   |
++--------------------------------------------------------------+
 
-**Continue your workflow** — task complete
+**Continue your workflow** -- task complete
 
-`/pbr:status`
+`/pbr:progress`
 
-<sub>`/clear` first → fresh context window</sub>
+`/clear` first -- fresh context window
 
 
 
 **Also available:**
-- `/pbr:continue` — execute next logical step
-- `/pbr:todo list` — see pending todos
+- `/pbr:continue` -- execute next logical step
+- `/pbr:check-todos` -- see pending todos
 
 
 ```
 
 **If partial:**
 ```
-⚠ Quick Task {NNN}: {description}
++--------------------------------------------------------------+
+|  PLAN-BUILD-RUN > QUICK TASK {NNN} PARTIAL                   |
++--------------------------------------------------------------+
+
 Completed: {N} of {M} tasks
-Failed task: {task name} — {failure reason}
+Failed task: {task name} -- {failure reason}
 
-→ Re-run with `/pbr:quick` to retry
-→ `/pbr:debug` to investigate the failure
+-> Re-run with `/pbr:quick` to retry
+-> `/pbr:debug` to investigate the failure
 ```
 
 **If failed:**
 ```
-╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
-║  ERROR                                                       ║
-╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
++--------------------------------------------------------------+
+|  ERROR                                                       |
++--------------------------------------------------------------+
 
 Quick Task {NNN} failed: {failure details}
 
@@ -347,21 +690,21 @@ Choose verification based on context:
 - Warn user about limited tracking
 
 ### Executor fails entirely
-- Delete `.planning/.active-skill` before reporting the error
+- Delete `.planning/.active-skill` before reporting the error (if it was set)
 - Read error output
 - Present to user with suggestion
-- Do NOT auto-retry — let the user decide
+- Do NOT auto-retry -- let the user decide
 
 ### Task description is too vague
-- Ask clarifying questions as plain text prompts (do NOT use AskUserQuestion — these require freeform text answers):
+- Ask clarifying questions as plain text prompts (do NOT use AskUserQuestion -- these require freeform text answers):
   - "Which file(s) need to change?"
   - "What should the end result look like?"
   - "Is there a specific error to fix?"
 
 ### User provides a file path in the description
-- Use it directly in the plan
+- Use it directly in the plan (legacy path) or pass to executor inline (zero-friction path)
 - Read the file first to understand its context
-- Tailor the plan to the specific file
+- Tailor the approach to the specific file
 
 ---
 
@@ -369,14 +712,16 @@ Choose verification based on context:
 
 **These are the most common failure modes. If you violate any of these, the skill has not executed correctly.**
 
-1. **DO NOT** implement the task yourself — you MUST spawn a `Task(subagent_type: "pbr:executor")`. This is the single most important rule.
-2. **DO NOT** skip creating `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/` — every quick task gets a tracking directory
-3. **DO NOT** skip writing PLAN.md — the executor needs a plan file to follow
-4. **DO NOT** create elaborate multi-wave plans — quick tasks should be 1-3 tasks max
-5. **DO NOT** spawn multiple executors — one executor for the whole quick task
-6. **DO NOT** skip the SUMMARY.md — even quick tasks need documentation
-7. **DO NOT** use `git add .` — stage specific files only
-8. **DO NOT** skip verification — every task needs a verify step
-9. **DO NOT** create a quick task for something that needs planning — suggest `/pbr:plan`
-10. **DO NOT** modify STATE.md if it doesn't exist (other than warning)
-11. **DO NOT** break the numbering sequence — always find the next number
+1. **DO NOT** implement the task yourself -- you MUST spawn a `Task(subagent_type: "pbr:executor")`. This is the single most important rule.
+2. **DO NOT** fall back to the legacy flow when `zero_friction_quick` is `true` unless `--full` flag is set. The zero-friction path is the intended default experience.
+3. **DO NOT** skip creating `.planning/quick/{NNN}-{slug}/` -- every quick task gets a tracking directory (created post-hoc in zero-friction, pre-execution in legacy)
+4. **DO NOT** skip writing PLAN.md in the legacy path -- the executor needs a plan file to follow
+5. **DO NOT** create elaborate multi-wave plans -- quick tasks should be 1-3 tasks max
+6. **DO NOT** spawn multiple executors -- one executor for the whole quick task
+7. **DO NOT** skip the SUMMARY.md -- even quick tasks need documentation (unless `post_hoc_artifacts: false`)
+8. **DO NOT** use `git add .` -- stage specific files only
+9. **DO NOT** skip verification -- every task needs a verify step
+10. **DO NOT** create a quick task for something that needs planning -- suggest `/pbr:plan-phase`
+11. **DO NOT** modify STATE.md if it doesn't exist (other than warning)
+12. **DO NOT** break the numbering sequence -- always find the next number
+13. **DO NOT** write `.active-skill` in the zero-friction path -- it adds unnecessary ceremony