How to Use Claude Code Well: Abstract First, Then Details - Using Plan Mode to Achieve Divergence to Convergence Thinking Closed Loop

🧠 AI Programming's Thinking Trap: Why You're Always Stuck in Inefficient "Step-by-Step" Cycles

Most people using Claude Code fall into a thinking trap: linear thinking mode.

Typical Inefficient Mode:
You: Help me write a user login function
AI: [Generates code]
You: There's a bug here, help me fix it
AI: [Fixes code]
You: Add a forgot password feature
AI: [Adds feature]
You: There's a new problem...

What's the problem with this mode?

• Lack of global planning: Step by step, no overall architecture
• Repeated modifications: Constantly patching previous code
• Low efficiency: Each problem needs separate conversation rounds
• Out of control quality: Inconsistent code style, increasingly chaotic architecture

In developing Tidepool Notes, I've summarized a "abstract first, then details" efficient methodology, with the core being using Plan mode to achieve "divergence-convergence" thinking closed loop.

🎯 Core Methodology: From Linear Thinking to Structured Thinking

Traditional Linear Thinking vs Plan Mode Structured Thinking

❌ Problems with Traditional Linear Thinking:

Round 1: User → AI: Implement user login
Round 2: User → AI: Fix login bug
Round 3: User → AI: Add registration feature
Round 4: User → AI: Fix registration bug
Round 5: User → AI: Add password reset
...
Result: 10 rounds of conversation, chaotic code, out-of-control architecture

✅ Advantages of Plan Mode Structured Thinking:

Round 1: User → AI: Enter Plan mode, comprehensively plan user system
  - Divergence: Consider all related functional modules
  - Abstract: Design overall architecture solution
  - Convergence: Determine implementation priorities
  - Details: Implement step by step in order

Result: 1 round of planning + step-by-step implementation, clear architecture, controllable quality

Three Major Advantages of Plan Mode

1. Global Perspective, Avoiding Local Optimum

• AI can see the complete picture of the problem at once
• Avoids "treating symptoms, not root cause" local fixes
• Ensures coordination and consistency between modules

2. Thinking Closed Loop, Reducing Repeated Modifications

• Divergence phase: Fully consider all possibilities
• Convergence phase: Determine optimal implementation plan
• Details phase: Implement step by step according to plan
• Verification phase: Ensure each step meets expectations

3. Architecture First, Guarantee Code Quality

• Design overall architecture first, then implement specific functions
• Avoid "write first, modify later" technical debt
• Ensure consistency of code style and architecture

🏗️ Four-Step Thinking Method of Plan Mode

Step 1: Divergent Thinking - Comprehensive Analysis from Point to Surface

Goal: Let AI start from a single requirement, divergently think about all related modules and functions

Prompt Template:

/plan

I need to implement [core requirement], please enter Plan mode for comprehensive analysis and planning.

## Divergent Thinking Requirements
Starting from this core requirement, please think about all related functional modules, technical components, data structures, interface designs, etc.:
- Horizontal associations: What other functions are related to this requirement?
- Vertical layers: What layers are needed from frontend to backend?
- Data flow: How do data flow and store?
- Exception handling: What exceptional situations might occur?
- Extensibility: What future functional extensions might there be?

## Analysis Dimensions
1. **Functional Module Decomposition**: What specific functions does this requirement involve?
2. **Technical Architecture Design**: What technical components are needed?
3. **Data Structure Design**: What data models are needed?
4. **Interface Design**: What API interfaces are needed?
5. **Dependency Relationships**: How do modules relate to each other?

Please diverge comprehensively, don't limit your thoughts, seek completeness first, then precision.

Actual Case: Divergent Thinking for User Authentication System

Core requirement: User login functionality

AI's divergent thinking:

**Functional Module Decomposition:**
├── User registration (username, password, email verification)
├── User login (username password, WeChat login)
├── Password management (forgot password, reset password, change password)
├── User information (personal profile, avatar settings)
├── Permission management (role permissions, functional permissions)
├── Session management (login status maintenance, auto-login)
└── Security protection (brute force prevention, login restrictions)

**Technical Architecture Design:**
├── Frontend: Login page components, state management, route guards
├── Backend: Authentication service, user service, permission service
├── Database: User table, permission table, session table
└── Security: Password encryption, JWT token, verification codes

**Data Structure Design:**
- User: User basic information
- Auth: Authentication related information
- Session: Session management
- Permission: Permission definitions

**Interface Design:**
- POST /api/auth/register - User registration
- POST /api/auth/login - User login
- POST /api/auth/logout - User logout
- GET /api/auth/profile - Get user information
- PUT /api/auth/profile - Update user information

Step 2: Abstract Design - Architectural Sublimation from Surface to Volume

Goal: Abstract divergent thinking results to design clear technical architecture

Prompt Template:

Based on the divergent thinking above, please now conduct abstract design:

## Abstract Design Requirements
1. **Layered Architecture**: Design clear system layered structure
2. **Module Division**: Define responsibility boundaries of each module
3. **Interface Abstraction**: Design unified interface specifications
4. **Data Flow Design**: Define data flow rules between layers
5. **Security Architecture**: Design unified security strategies

## Design Output
1. **Overall Architecture Diagram**: Describe system layered structure
2. **Core Module Design**: Core responsibilities of each module
3. **Data Model Design**: Core data model definitions
4. **API Interface Specifications**: RESTful API design specifications
5. **Security Strategies**: Authentication, authorization, data encryption strategies

Please present architecture design using diagrams + text.

Actual Case: Abstract Design for User Authentication System

**Overall Architecture Design:**

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    Presentation Layer                    │
│  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  │
│  │   Login Page    │  │   User Info     │  │   Permission    │  │
│  │  Component      │  │   Component     │  │   Component     │  │
│  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                              │ HTTP/WebSocket
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    Business Logic Layer                  │
│  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  │
│  │  Authentication │  │   User Service   │  │ Permission      │  │
│  │    Service      │  │                 │  │   Service       │  │
│  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                              │ Repository Pattern
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                      Data Access Layer                     │
│  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  │
│  │   User Repo     │  │   Auth Repo     │  │  Permission     │  │
│  │  Repository     │  │   Repository     │  │  Repository     │  │
│  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                              │ SQL/NoSQL
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                     Storage Layer                         │
│  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌─────────────────┐  │
│  │  User Database  │  │  Auth Database  │  │ Permission DB   │  │
│  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  └─────────────────┘  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

**Core Module Responsibility Definitions:**

1. **AuthService (Authentication Service)**
   - User registration verification
   - Login authentication
   - Token generation and verification
   - Session management

2. **UserService (User Service)**
   - User information management
   - User profile updates
   - User status management

3. **PermissionService (Permission Service)**
   - Role permission management
   - Functional permission control
   - Permission verification

**Data Model Design:**
```typescript
// User basic model
interface User {
  id: string
  username: string
  email: string
  passwordHash: string
  avatar?: string
  status: UserStatus
  createdAt: Date
  updatedAt: Date
}

// Authentication information model
interface Auth {
  userId: string
  token: string
  refreshToken?: string
  expiresAt: Date
  loginType: LoginType
}

// Permission model
interface Permission {
  id: string
  userId: string
  role: UserRole
  permissions: string[]
  grantedAt: Date
}

API Interface Specifications:

Authentication related:
POST   /api/auth/register      User registration
POST   /api/auth/login         User login
POST   /api/auth/logout        User logout
GET    /api/auth/refresh       Refresh Token

User related:
GET    /api/users/profile      Get user information
PUT    /api/users/profile      Update user information
DELETE /api/users/profile      Delete user account

Permission related:
GET    /api/permissions/users/:userId    Get user permissions
PUT    /api/permissions/users/:userId    Update user permissions

Step 3: Convergence Planning - Implementation Roadmap from Volume to Point

Goal: Convert abstract architecture design into concrete, executable implementation plan

Prompt Template:

Based on the architecture design above, please formulate implementation roadmap:

## Convergence Planning Requirements
1. **Priority Sorting**: Determine implementation order by importance and dependencies
2. **Phase Division**: Divide entire project into clear development phases
3. **Task Decomposition**: Break each phase into specific development tasks
4. **Dependency Relationships**: Clarify dependencies between tasks
5. **Acceptance Criteria**: Completion standards for each task

## Planning Output
1. **Overall Roadmap**: Time arrangements and milestones for each phase
2. **Phase Detailed Planning**: Specific task lists for each phase
3. **Technical Implementation Details**: Key technology implementation plans
4. **Risk Assessment**: Possible problems and coping strategies
5. **Quality Assurance**: Code specifications and testing requirements

Please plan according to principle "foundation first, advanced later; core first, auxiliary later".

Actual Case: Convergence Planning for User Authentication System

**Overall Implementation Roadmap:**

🎯 Phase 1: Basic Architecture Setup (1-2 days)
├── Database model design and migration
├── Basic project structure setup
├── Core dependency configuration (Prisma, JWT, bcrypt)
└── Development environment configuration

🎯 Phase 2: Core Authentication Features (2-3 days)
├── User registration functionality
├── User login functionality
├── JWT token management
└── Basic error handling

🎯 Phase 3: User Information Management (1-2 days)
├── User information query
├── User information update
├── User status management
└── Data validation

🎯 Phase 4: Permission Management System (2-3 days)
├── Basic permission model
├── Permission verification middleware
├── Role management
└── Permission interfaces

🎯 Phase 5: Security Hardening and Testing (1-2 days)
├── Password encryption and verification
├── Login restrictions and protection
├── Unit and integration testing
└── Performance optimization

**Phase Detailed Planning Example - Phase 2: Core Authentication Features**

**Task 2.1: User Registration Functionality (0.5 days)**
- [ ] Create user registration API interface
- [ ] Implement password encryption storage
- [ ] Add basic input validation
- [ ] Error handling and logging
- [ ] Write unit tests

**Acceptance Criteria:**
- API interface responds normally
- Password correctly encrypted and stored
- Input validation effective
- Error handling complete
- Test coverage > 80%

**Task 2.2: User Login Functionality (0.5 days)**
- [ ] Create user login API interface
- [ ] Implement password verification logic
- [ ] Generate JWT token
- [ ] Add login failure handling
- [ ] Write unit tests

**Acceptance Criteria:**
- Login verification correct
- JWT token correctly generated
- Error handling complete
- Test coverage > 80%

**Task 2.3: JWT Token Management (0.5 days)**
- [ ] Implement token verification middleware
- [ ] Add token refresh mechanism
- [ ] Handle token expiration cases
- [ ] Configure token security policies
- [ ] Write unit tests

**Acceptance Criteria:**
- Token verification middleware works normally
- Refresh mechanism effective
- Expiration handling correct
- Security policies effective

**Technical Implementation Details:**
- **Password encryption**: Use bcrypt, salt rounds = 12
- **JWT configuration**: Access token 15 minutes, refresh token 7 days
- **Error handling**: Unified error response format
- **Logging**: Use Winston, include request tracking ID

**Risk Assessment and Coping:**
1. **Password leakage risk** → Use bcrypt encryption, no plain text storage
2. **JWT hijacking** → Use short-term token + refresh mechanism
3. **Brute force** → Add login failure restrictions
4. **Database leakage** → Password separate encryption, sensitive data desensitization

Step 4: Detailed Implementation - Efficient Execution from Plan to Code

Goal: Implement specific development tasks step by step according to convergence planning

Prompt Template:

Now start implementing the first task of Phase 1: [specific task name]

## Implementation Requirements
1. **Strictly follow interface design**: Implement according to previously defined interface specifications
2. **Follow project specifications**: Code style, naming conventions, error handling patterns
3. **Quality requirements**: Code line limits, function complexity, test coverage
4. **Dependency constraints**: Only use allowed third-party libraries
5. **Performance considerations**: Basic performance and security requirements

## Technical Constraints
- TypeScript strict mode, prohibit any type
- Single function not exceed 50 lines
- Error handling: logger.exception + throw
- No additional validation libraries
- Follow Repository pattern

## Output Requirements
1. **Complete code implementation**: Include necessary type definitions
2. **Unit tests**: Core functionality test cases
3. **Usage examples**: How to use this functionality
4. **Error handling instructions**: Possible exception situations

Please start implementation, I will verify after completion.

Actual Case: Detailed Implementation of User Registration Functionality

// Implementation output: Complete user registration functionality

// types/auth.types.ts
export interface RegisterInput {
  username: string
  email: string
  password: string
}

export interface User {
  id: string
  username: string
  email: string
  passwordHash: string
  status: UserStatus
  createdAt: Date
  updatedAt: Date
}

export enum UserStatus {
  ACTIVE = 'active',
  INACTIVE = 'inactive',
  SUSPENDED = 'suspended'
}

// services/auth.service.ts
import bcrypt from 'bcryptjs'
import { v4 as uuidv4 } from 'uuid'
import { UserRepository } from '../repositories/user.repository'
import { logger } from '../utils/logger'
import { RegisterInput, User, UserStatus } from '../types/auth.types'

export class AuthService {
  constructor(
    private userRepository: UserRepository
  ) {}

  async register(userData: RegisterInput): Promise<User> {
    // Input validation
    this.validateRegisterInput(userData)

    try {
      // Check if username already exists
      const existingUser = await this.userRepository.findByUsername(userData.username)
      if (existingUser) {
        throw new Error(`Username '${userData.username}' already exists`)
      }

      // Check if email already exists
      const existingEmail = await this.userRepository.findByEmail(userData.email)
      if (existingEmail) {
        throw new Error(`Email '${userData.email}' already exists`)
      }

      // Password encryption
      const passwordHash = await bcrypt.hash(userData.password, 12)

      // Create user
      const newUser: User = {
        id: uuidv4(),
        username: userData.username,
        email: userData.email,
        passwordHash,
        status: UserStatus.ACTIVE,
        createdAt: new Date(),
        updatedAt: new Date()
      }

      const savedUser = await this.userRepository.create(newUser)
      logger.info(`User registered successfully: ${savedUser.id}`)

      // Return user information (remove password hash)
      const { passwordHash: _, ...userWithoutPassword } = savedUser
      return userWithoutPassword as User

    } catch (error) {
      logger.exception('Failed to register user', error)
      throw error
    }
  }

  private validateRegisterInput(userData: RegisterInput): void {
    if (!userData.username || userData.username.length < 3) {
      throw new Error('Username must be at least 3 characters long')
    }

    if (!userData.email || !this.isValidEmail(userData.email)) {
      throw new Error('Valid email address is required')
    }

    if (!userData.password || userData.password.length < 6) {
      throw new Error('Password must be at least 6 characters long')
    }
  }

  private isValidEmail(email: string): boolean {
    const emailRegex = /^[^\s@]+@[^\s@]+\.[^\s@]+$/
    return emailRegex.test(email)
  }
}

// tests/auth.service.test.ts
import { AuthService } from '../services/auth.service'
import { UserRepository } from '../repositories/user.repository'
import bcrypt from 'bcryptjs'

describe('AuthService', () => {
  let authService: AuthService
  let mockUserRepository: jest.Mocked<UserRepository>

  beforeEach(() => {
    mockUserRepository = {
      findByUsername: jest.fn(),
      findByEmail: jest.fn(),
      create: jest.fn()
    } as any

    authService = new AuthService(mockUserRepository)
  })

  describe('register', () => {
    const validInput = {
      username: 'testuser',
      email: 'test@example.com',
      password: 'password123'
    }

    it('should register a new user successfully', async () => {
      mockUserRepository.findByUsername.mockResolvedValue(null)
      mockUserRepository.findByEmail.mockResolvedValue(null)
      mockUserRepository.create.mockResolvedValue({
        id: 'user-123',
        ...validInput,
        passwordHash: 'hashed-password',
        status: 'active',
        createdAt: new Date(),
        updatedAt: new Date()
      })

      const result = await authService.register(validInput)

      expect(result).toEqual({
        id: 'user-123',
        username: 'testuser',
        email: 'test@example.com',
        passwordHash: 'hashed-password',
        status: 'active',
        createdAt: expect.any(Date),
        updatedAt: expect.any(Date)
      })

      expect(mockUserRepository.create).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
        expect.objectContaining({
          username: 'testuser',
          email: 'test@example.com',
          passwordHash: expect.any(String),
          status: 'active'
        })
      )
    })

    it('should throw error if username already exists', async () => {
      mockUserRepository.findByUsername.mockResolvedValue({} as any)

      await expect(authService.register(validInput))
        .rejects
        .toThrow("Username 'testuser' already exists")
    })

    it('should throw error if email already exists', async () => {
      mockUserRepository.findByUsername.mockResolvedValue(null)
      mockUserRepository.findByEmail.mockResolvedValue({} as any)

      await expect(authService.register(validInput))
        .rejects
        .toThrow("Email 'test@example.com' already exists")
    })

    it('should throw error for invalid username', async () => {
      const invalidInput = { ...validInput, username: 'ab' }

      await expect(authService.register(invalidInput))
        .rejects
        .toThrow('Username must be at least 3 characters long')
    })

    it('should throw error for invalid email', async () => {
      const invalidInput = { ...validInput, email: 'invalid-email' }

      await expect(authService.register(invalidInput))
        .rejects
        .toThrow('Valid email address is required')
    })

    it('should throw error for short password', async () => {
      const invalidInput = { ...validInput, password: '123' }

      await expect(authService.register(invalidInput))
        .rejects
        .toThrow('Password must be at least 6 characters long')
    })
  })
})

🎪 Efficient Techniques for Plan Mode

Technique 1: Skillfully Use "Role Playing" to Constrain AI Thinking

Why Role Playing Works?

• AI adjusts thinking patterns based on role settings
• Role constraints help AI focus on specific domains
• Avoid "omniscient AI" over-engineering tendencies

Role Playing Prompt Template:

/plan

Please play the role of a 10-year experienced architect specializing in small-team technical planning. Your characteristics are:
1. **Practical**: Always choose the simplest feasible solution
2. **Cost-sensitive**: Strictly control technical complexity and maintenance costs
3. **User-oriented**: Prioritize user value over technical flashiness

Now, in this role, please help me plan [requirement description]...

Technique 2: Set "Thinking Boundaries" to Prevent Over-Divergence

Importance of Thinking Boundaries:

• Prevent AI from endless possibility analysis
• Ensure thinking results are implementable
• Control project complexity within reasonable range

Boundary Setting Template:

## Thinking Boundary Constraints
- **User scale**: 1000-10000 people (small application)
- **Team scale**: 1-3 people (small team development)
- **Development cycle**: 2-4 weeks (rapid development)
- **Maintenance capability**: Maintainable by junior programmers
- **Extension requirements**: 6 months of stable functionality

## Technology Selection Principles
- Mature stable > Latest hot
- Simple direct > Complex elegant
- Native implementation > Third-party dependencies
- Rapid development > Performance optimization

Technique 3: Use "Acceptance Criteria" to Ensure Quality

Role of Acceptance Criteria:

• Clarify completion standards for each task
• Avoid incomplete functionality implementation
• Ensure code quality meets requirements

Acceptance Criteria Template:

## Task Acceptance Criteria

### Functionality Acceptance
- [ ] Core functionality works normally
- [ ] Boundary case handling correct
- [ ] Error scenarios have appropriate prompts

### Quality Acceptance
- [ ] Code lines not exceed [limit]
- [ ] Function complexity not exceed [threshold]
- [ ] Test coverage reaches [percentage]%
- [ ] No any type usage

### Performance Acceptance
- [ ] API response time not exceed [time]
- [ ] Memory usage reasonable
- [ ] Database query optimized

### Security Acceptance
- [ ] Input validation complete
- [ ] Sensitive information protected
- [ ] Error messages don't leak system information

Technique 4: Establish "Iteration Mechanism" for Continuous Optimization

Value of Iteration Mechanism:

• Allow plan adjustments during execution
• Discover and fix problems in time
• Ensure final results meet expectations

Iteration Check Template:

## Phase Checkpoints

### After Each Task Completion
1. **Functionality verification**: Does functionality work as expected?
2. **Quality check**: Does code meet specifications?
3. **Impact assessment**: What impacts on other modules?
4. **Plan adjustment**: Do subsequent plans need adjustment?

### After Each Phase Completion
1. **Goal review**: Are phase goals achieved?
2. **Quality assessment**: Does overall quality meet requirements?
3. **Risk discovery**: What new risks were discovered?
4. **Route optimization**: How to optimize subsequent routes?

Please establish such check mechanisms to ensure project stays on right track.

🌟 Practical Case: Developing Complete AI Dialogue Functionality with Plan Mode

Requirement Description

"I need to develop an AI emotional dialogue function where users can send text messages and AI provides emotional suggestions based on conversation history"

Complete Plan Mode Execution Process

Round 1: Divergent Thinking

/plan

Please act as an AI dialogue system architect to help me comprehensively plan AI emotional dialogue functionality.

## Thinking Boundaries
- User scale: Within 1000 people small application
- Tech team: 1 person development
- Development cycle: 1 week to complete core functionality
- Maintenance requirements: Code simple, easy to understand and modify

## Divergent Thinking Requirements
Starting from "AI emotional dialogue" core requirement, please think:
1. Functional modules: What specific functions are needed?
2. Technical components: What frontend and backend technologies are needed?
3. Data flow: How do data flow and store?
4. User experience: How to design interaction flow?
5. Security and privacy: How to protect user conversation data?

Please conduct comprehensive divergent analysis.

AI's Divergent Thinking Output:

**Functional Module Decomposition:**
├── Dialogue Management
│   ├── Create dialogue sessions
│   ├── Send messages
│   ├── Get conversation history
│   └── Dialogue state management
├── AI Integration
│   ├── Message preprocessing
│   ├── AI model calls
│   ├── Response postprocessing
│   └── Context management
├── Emotion Analysis
│   ├── Emotion recognition
│   ├── Emotion trend analysis
│   └── Personalized suggestion generation
├── Data Storage
│   ├── User data management
│   ├── Conversation history storage
│   └── Analysis result caching
└── User Interface
    ├── Chat interface
    ├── History records
    └── Emotion trend display

**Technical Architecture Design:**
├── Frontend (Taro + React)
│   ├── Chat component (real-time message display)
│   ├── Input component (text input, send)
│   └── History record component
├── Backend (Node.js + Fastify)
│   ├── WebSocket service (real-time communication)
│   ├── API service (RESTful interfaces)
│   └── AI service (OpenAI integration)
├── Data Layer (PostgreSQL + Prisma)
│   ├── users table (user information)
│   ├── conversations table (dialogue sessions)
│   ├── messages table (message records)
│   └── emotion_analysis table (emotion analysis)
└── External Services
    └── OpenAI API (GPT-4)

**Data Flow Design:**
User input → Frontend validation → WebSocket → Backend processing → Database storage → AI analysis → AI response → Backend processing → WebSocket → Frontend display

**User Experience Flow:**
1. User enters dialogue page
2. System loads conversation history
3. User inputs message and sends
4. System shows "analyzing" status
5. AI returns analysis result
6. System displays AI reply
7. User can continue dialogue or view history

Round 2: Abstract Design

Based on divergent thinking above, please conduct abstract design, focusing on:
1. System layered architecture
2. Core module responsibilities
3. Interface design specifications
4. Data model definitions
5. Security strategies

Please present architecture design using diagrams + detailed instructions.

Round 3: Convergence Planning

Based on architecture design, please formulate 1-week implementation roadmap:

Requirements:
- Divide by day
- Clarify priorities
- Consider dependencies
- Set acceptance criteria
- Assess risks

Output format:
Day 1: Basic setup
Day 2: Core functionality
...

Round 4: Detailed Implementation

Now start Day 1 task: Basic architecture setup

Please implement:
1. Database model definition (Prisma Schema)
2. Basic API routing framework
3. WebSocket connection management
4. Frontend basic component structure

Technical constraints:
- TypeScript strict mode
- No complex message queues
- Direct error throwing
- Single file not exceed 200 lines

Please provide complete code and usage instructions after completion.

🎯 Plan Mode's Pitfall Guide

Pitfall 1: Over-Divergence, Plan Too Large

Symptoms:

• AI diverges to dozens of functional modules
• Implementation plan spans months
• Technology stack selection too complex

Solution:

Add constraints in divergence phase:
- Project scale constraints (user count, team size)
- Time constraints (development cycle, launch time)
- Complexity constraints (tech stack selection, architecture complexity)
- Cost constraints (development cost, maintenance cost)

Pitfall 2: Abstract Design Detached from Reality

Symptoms:

• Architecture design too idealized
• Interface definitions not practical
• Technology choices don't match team capabilities

Solution:

Counter-questions in abstract design phase:
1. "Does this design match our team capabilities?"
2. "Is this interface really needed?"
3. "Does this technology add unnecessary complexity?"
4. "Can simpler approach achieve same effect?"

Pitfall 3: Convergence Planning Lacks Flexibility

Symptoms:

• Plan too rigid, cannot adjust
• Task dependencies too complex
• Risk assessment insufficient

Solution:

Consider in planning phase:
1. Each task needs independent acceptance criteria
2. Separate critical and non-critical paths
3. Set buffer time for unexpected situations
4. Establish regular check and adjustment mechanisms

Pitfall 4: Detailed Implementation Deviates from Plan

Symptoms:

• Arbitrary feature additions during implementation
• Inconsistent code style
• Quality standards not executed

Solution:

Strengthen in implementation phase:
1. Strictly implement according to interface definitions
2. Verify after each task completion
3. Use automated checking tools
4. Regularly review and adjust

🌟 Summary: Core Value of Plan Mode

Efficiency Improvement

Traditional Mode vs Plan Mode:

Traditional Development Mode:
Requirements → Code → Problems → Fixes → New Problems → ...
Time: Uncertain, quality unstable

Plan Mode Development:
Requirements → Divergence → Abstract → Convergence → Implementation → Verification
Time: Predictable, quality controllable

Efficiency improvement: 40-60%

Quality Assurance

Plan Mode's Quality Control Mechanism:

1. Design first, implement later: Avoid architectural issues
2. Phase-by-phase acceptance: Ensure each stage quality
3. Standardized process: Reduce human errors
4. Continuous optimization: Continuously improve during process

Team Collaboration

Plan Mode's Value for Teams:

• Thinking visualization: Team can see complete thinking process
• Goal consistency: Ensure team understands goals consistently
• Division of labor: Clear task division facilitates team collaboration
• Knowledge accumulation: Complete planning documents become team knowledge

💡 Practical Suggestions

Daily Usage Suggestions

1. Cultivate three-dimensional thinking habits

   • Diverge first, don't implement directly when encountering requirements
   • Use architecture thinking to consider problems
   • Establish personal thinking frameworks

2. Skillfully use Plan mode tools

   • Must use Plan mode for important feature development
   • Use Plan mode to organize complex problems
   • Use Plan mode to align with team collaboration

3. Build personal knowledge base

   • Record Plan mode thinking processes each time
   • Summarize successful and failed experiences
   • Continuously optimize personal thinking frameworks

Team Promotion Suggestions

1. Establish team Plan mode specifications

   • Develop standard Plan flow
   • Build quality check lists
   • Train team members to use

2. Tools and templateization

   • Create Plan mode prompt templates
   • Build project planning templates
   • Develop automated checking tools

3. Culture building

   • Encourage "think first, code later" culture
   • Reward excellent technical planning
   • Establish knowledge sharing mechanisms

Remember: Plan mode is not just a tool, but a mindset transformation. From linear thinking to structured thinking, from passive response to active planning, this is the core competitiveness of AI era engineers.

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