Sequential Thinking Skill

Installation

Optional standalone executor: The skill can run .claude/tools/optimization/sequential-thinking/executor.py. Requirements:

• Python 3.10+: python.org or winget install Python.Python.3.12 (Windows), brew install python@3.12 (macOS).
• MCP Python package: pip install mcp
• If the executor is not present or MCP is not installed, the skill still provides in-context guidance and exits successfully.

Full functionality: The Python script .claude/tools/optimization/sequential-thinking/executor.py must exist for standalone executor runs. Run node .claude/tools/cli/doctor.mjs to verify; doctor warns if the executor is missing.

Cheat Sheet & Best Practices

Frameworks: Polya: (1) Understand the problem (2) Devise a plan (3) Carry out the plan (4) Look back. IDEAL: Identify → Define context → Explore strategies → Act on best → Look back and learn.

Process: Be systematic: preview outcomes, sustain effort, examine from multiple angles, pace and self-monitor. Use diagrams, tables, patterns; break into subgoals; work backwards when useful.

Hacks: Number thoughts (thoughtNumber, totalThoughts); allow revision and branching. Start with an initial step count and refine. Use the MCP sequential-thinking tool for multi-step analysis and hypothesis verification when the full scope is unclear.