PRD Writing

PRD Writing

Skip satisfied steps. If argument provided, skip to Step 2.

Interactive prompts: present options as a numbered list and wait for the user's choice.

Input

The argument is: $ARGUMENTS

If empty, go to Step 1; derive slug after gathering the idea. If provided, derive slug:

1. Take only the text before the first — or – (if present)
2. Strip leading command verbs: create, build, implement, add, update, fix, make, write, plan, get, show, support
3. Lowercase the text
4. Remove filler words: a, an, the, for, of, to, in, on, with, and, or, but, is, be
5. Take the first 4 remaining words (or fewer if less exist)
6. Join with hyphens → <slug>

Output: .tracerkit/prds/<slug>.md. If file exists, present options and wait:

1. Overwrite existing (Recommended)
2. Pick a new name

Workflow

1. Gather problem description

Ask the user for a detailed description of the problem and any solution ideas.

2. Explore codebase

Map current state: data models, services, API routes, frontend, tests. Note exists vs. must build.

Research protocol: codebase first, then docs. Unverifiable claims → flag as uncertain, never fabricate.

3. Interview

One question at a time. Lead with your recommended answer (mark it (Recommended) and list first). Explore code instead of asking when possible. Present 2–4 options for each question — structured choices are faster than free-text.

Branch	Key questions	Skip when
Scope & Surface	Where? New page or integrated? Roles?	CLI/library, no new entry points
Data & Concepts	Definitions, existing vs missing data	Never skip
Behavior	Interaction patterns, filtering, search	No user-facing behavior
Display	Numbers, tables, charts, exports	No UI
Access & Privacy	Who sees what? Sensitive data?	Single-user, no auth
Boundaries	Out of scope, deferred features	Never skip
Integration	Schema, services, external deps	Self-contained change

3b. Gray areas

Surface ambiguities, contradictions, unstated assumptions. For each gray area, present proposed resolution options. Resolve all before continuing.

4. Design modules

Sketch modules. Favor deep modules — simple interface (1-3 entry points) hiding large implementation over shallow modules where interface ≈ implementation.

Shallow signals: many small 1:1 functions, callers compose multiple calls, feature changes require interface changes.

Present modules. Confirm which need tests.

5. Write PRD

Save to .tracerkit/prds/<slug>.md (create dir if missing).

# Feature Name

PRD body structure. Omit empty sections. No file paths or code snippets.

## Problem Statement
## Current State (skip if greenfield)
## Solution (user experience, not architecture)
## User Stories (numbered, cover happy + edge + error)
## Implementation Decisions
### New Modules (name, purpose, interface signatures)
### Architectural Decisions (definitions, data flow, state)
### Schema Changes
### API Contracts
### Navigation
## Testing Decisions (behavior tests, key cases, prior art)
## Out of Scope (be specific)

---

Present options and wait for the user's choice:

1. Run /tk:plan <slug> (Recommended)
2. Done for now