Break Down Features in AI

From the AI Workflow cheat sheet · AI-Assisted Development Loop · verified Jul 2026

Break Down Features

Decompose features into small, achievable steps

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FEATURE BREAKDOWN PROCESS:

1. Select next feature from PLAN.md
2. Have AI read context files (claude.md, PLAN.md)
3. Ask AI to break down into specific steps
4. Review proposed steps carefully
5. Adjust or reorder as needed
6. Get alignment before proceeding

EXAMPLE PROMPT:
"Read PLAN.md and claude.md. For the 'User Authentication' feature,
break down the implementation into specific, testable steps.
Each step should be small enough to implement and test in under 30 minutes."

GOOD STEPS:
✅ Step 1: Install and configure NextAuth with credentials provider
✅ Step 2: Create user model in Prisma schema
✅ Step 3: Build signup form component and server action
✅ Step 4: Build login form component and server action
✅ Step 5: Add protected route middleware

BAD STEPS:
❌ Step 1: Build the entire authentication system (too big)
❌ Step 1: Add one line to the config file (too small)
💡 Steps should take 20-30 minutes to implement and test
⚡ Small steps make debugging infinitely easier
📌 Review AI-proposed steps - it might miss important details
🎯 Good breakdown is 70% of successful implementation
planningfeature-development

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