ELELEM-WORKFLOW(7)

NAME

elelem-workflow - the plan/design/build/review/verify cycle

DESCRIPTION

Elelem supports a structured workflow for feature development, inspired by agile practices. Each phase has a dedicated mode that adjusts the system prompt and available tools.

WORKFLOW DIAGRAM

                    +--------+
                    |  Plan  |
                    +---+----+
                        |
                        v
                    +--------+
                    | Design |
                    +---+----+
                        |
                        v
                    +--------+
                    | Build  |
                    +---+----+
                        |
                        v
                    +--------+
                    | Review |
                    +---+----+
                        |
                        v
                    +--------+
                    | Verify |
                    +--------+

PHASES

Plan

Create user stories in .elelem/backlog/. Each story is a markdown file with acceptance criteria and tasks.

Example story:

# Add logout button

As a user, I want to log out so that I can end my session.

## Acceptance Criteria

- [ ] Button visible when logged in
- [ ] Click logs user out
- [ ] Redirects to home page

## Tasks

(filled in during design phase)

Design

Research and plan implementation. The agent explores the codebase, identifies extension points, and breaks the story into atomic tasks.

/mode design

Constraints:

Allowed: read, glob, grep, task, execute (read-only)
Blocked: code changes, test changes
Can only edit files in .elelem/backlog/

Build

Execute tasks from the story using TDD:

Write failing test
Implement minimal code to pass
Refactor if needed
Mark task complete

/mode build

All tools available. Work through tasks one at a time.

Review

Verify changes meet acceptance criteria:

/mode review

The agent checks:

All tasks completed
Acceptance criteria satisfied
Tests exist and pass
No logic errors or security issues
SOLID principles followed

Verify

Demo the feature as if presenting to the Product Owner:

/mode verify

The agent performs end-to-end testing from the user’s perspective and documents the results.

STORY FILES

Stories live in .elelem/backlog/ and follow this structure:

# Story Title

Brief description of the feature.

## Acceptance Criteria

- [ ] Criterion 1
- [ ] Criterion 2

## Tasks

* [ ] Task 1
* [ ] Task 2
* [x] Completed task

## Demo Notes

Verified: 2026-01-15
Status: ACCEPTED

Observations:
- Feature works as expected
- Edge case X handled correctly

SWITCHING MODES

Use the /mode command:

/mode              # show current mode
/mode build        # switch to build mode
/mode design       # switch to design mode