Keep/_bmad/bmm/workflows/bmad-quick-flow/create-tech-spec/steps/step-02-investigate.md

name	description	workflow_path	nextStepFile	wipFile
step-02-investigate	Map technical constraints and anchor points within the codebase	{project-root}/_bmad/bmm/workflows/bmad-quick-flow/create-tech-spec	{workflow_path}/steps/step-03-generate.md	{implementation_artifacts}/tech-spec-wip.md

Step 2: Map Technical Constraints & Anchor Points

Progress: Step 2 of 4 - Next: Generate Plan

RULES:

• MUST NOT skip steps.
• MUST NOT optimize sequence.
• MUST follow exact instructions.
• MUST NOT generate the full spec yet (that's Step 3).
• ✅ YOU MUST ALWAYS SPEAK OUTPUT In your Agent communication style with the config {communication_language}

CONTEXT:

• Requires {wipFile} from Step 1 with the "Problem Statement" defined.
• Focus: Map the problem statement to specific anchor points in the codebase.
• Output: Exact files to touch, classes/patterns to extend, and technical constraints identified.
• Objective: Provide the implementation-ready ground truth for the plan.

SEQUENCE OF INSTRUCTIONS

1. Load Current State

Read {wipFile} and extract:

• Problem statement and scope from Overview section
• Any context gathered in Step 1

2. Execute Investigation Path

Universal Code Investigation:

Isolate deep exploration in sub-agents/tasks where available. Return distilled summaries only to prevent context snowballing.

a) Build on Step 1's Quick Scan

Review what was found in Step 1's orient scan. Then ask:

"Based on my quick look, I see [files/patterns found]. Are there other files or directories I should investigate deeply?"

b) Read and Analyze Code

For each file/directory provided:

• Read the complete file(s)
• Identify patterns, conventions, coding style
• Note dependencies and imports
• Find related test files

If NO relevant code is found (Clean Slate):

• Identify the target directory where the feature should live.
• Scan parent directories for architectural context.
• Identify standard project utilities or boilerplate that SHOULD be used.
• Document this as "Confirmed Clean Slate" - establishing that no legacy constraints exist.

c) Document Technical Context

Capture and confirm with user:

• Tech Stack: Languages, frameworks, libraries
• Code Patterns: Architecture patterns, naming conventions, file structure
• Files to Modify/Create: Specific files that will need changes or new files to be created
• Test Patterns: How tests are structured, test frameworks used

d) Look for project-context.md

If **/project-context.md exists and wasn't loaded in Step 1:

• Load it now
• Extract patterns and conventions
• Note any rules that must be followed

3. Update WIP File

Update {wipFile} frontmatter:

---
# ... existing frontmatter ...
stepsCompleted: [1, 2]
tech_stack: ['{captured_tech_stack}']
files_to_modify: ['{captured_files}']
code_patterns: ['{captured_patterns}']
test_patterns: ['{captured_test_patterns}']
---

Update the Context for Development section:

Fill in:

• Codebase Patterns (from investigation)
• Files to Reference table (files reviewed)
• Technical Decisions (any decisions made during investigation)

Report to user:

"Context Gathered:

• Tech Stack: {tech_stack_summary}
• Files to Modify: {files_count} files identified
• Patterns: {patterns_summary}
• Tests: {test_patterns_summary}"

4. Present Checkpoint Menu

Display menu:

[a] Advanced Elicitation - explore more context
[c] Continue - proceed to Generate Spec
[p] Party Mode - bring in other experts

HALT and wait for user selection.

Menu Handling:

• [a]: Load and execute {advanced_elicitation}, then return here and redisplay menu
• [c]: Verify frontmatter updated with stepsCompleted: [1, 2], then load and execute {nextStepFile}
• [p]: Load and execute {party_mode_exec}, then return here and redisplay menu

---

REQUIRED OUTPUTS:

• MUST document technical context (stack, patterns, files identified).
• MUST update {wipFile} with functional context.

VERIFICATION CHECKLIST:

• Technical mapping performed and documented.
• stepsCompleted: [1, 2] set in frontmatter.