Intro to Planning Mode

Tackling Complex Tasks with Strategic Planning

Planning Mode transforms how you approach complex development tasks by providing a structured framework for collaboration with Cascade. Instead of trying to describe multi-step processes in a single prompt, Planning Mode helps break down large initiatives into manageable, sequential steps.

When to Use Planning Mode

Planning Mode is particularly valuable for tasks that involve:

• • Multi-component changes: Features that span across multiple files or systems
• • Architecture transformations: Refactoring or modernizing existing codebases
• • Complex implementations: Features requiring careful coordination of multiple parts
• • Unfamiliar codebases: Projects where you need a systematic approach to understand and modify the code

How Planning Mode Works

1. Activation and Initial Prompt

To begin using Planning Mode:

• • Click the planning icon below the prompt box
• • Provide a comprehensive description of your overall goal
• • Include any constraints, requirements, or specific approaches you want to follow

2. Plan Generation and Refinement

Cascade creates a structured markdown plan that includes:

• • Clear objectives and success criteria
• • Sequenced implementation steps
• • Potential challenges and considerations
• • Dependencies between tasks

This plan is saved as a local file that both you and Cascade can reference throughout implementation.

3. Collaborative Execution

With the plan in place, you can:

• • Ask Cascade to implement specific steps
• • Request modifications to the plan as requirements evolve
• • Track progress against the original objectives
• • Pause and resume complex work across multiple sessions

Benefits of a Structured Approach

Maintained Context - The plan serves as a persistent reference point that helps Cascade maintain focus on your goals even during extended implementations.

Reduced Cognitive Load - By breaking complex tasks into discrete steps, you can focus on one aspect at a time rather than juggling the entire implementation.

Improved Accuracy - A clear roadmap reduces the likelihood of missed requirements or implementation errors.

Flexible Adaptation - As you learn more during implementation, the plan can evolve while maintaining alignment with your overall objectives.

Practical Example: UI Modernization

When modernizing a UI component like a contact form, Planning Mode helps by:

1. 1. Analyzing the current implementation and identifying improvement areas
2. 2. Creating a structured plan for layout improvements, styling updates, and accessibility enhancements
3. 3. Ensuring that existing functionality remains intact throughout the modernization process
4. 4. Maintaining test coverage to verify that changes don't introduce regressions

Planning Mode transforms complex development tasks from overwhelming challenges into organized, achievable workflows—helping you maintain clarity and momentum throughout the implementation process.