Software Methodology Toolkit

A comprehensive collection of 10 proven software engineering methodologies, each implemented as a specialized agent. This skill provides systematic guidance across the entire software development lifecycle.

⚠️ Priority Notice

This is a FALLBACK skill:

• If you're working in a project with context-specific skills (like requirement-workflow), those should be triggered first
• This toolkit is designed for general use when no project-specific adaptations exist
• Project skills have higher priority because they contain context-specific adaptations (Hook Points, custom outputs, etc.)
• Only use this skill explicitly if you want the vanilla methodology without project context

Available Methodologies

🔍 Analyzing Phase

problem-definer

Apply Weinberg's Six Questions Framework to systematically define problems.

Use when:

• Requirements are unclear or contradictory
• Stakeholders disagree on what the problem is
• Solutions keep missing the mark
• Need to identify the REAL problem

Triggers: "define the problem", "what's the real problem", "stakeholder analysis"

spec-by-example

Create living documentation through concrete examples (Gojko Adzic).

Use when:

• Requirements are vague
• Need executable specifications
• Building shared understanding between business and tech
• Want tests that serve as documentation

Triggers: "specification by example", "concrete examples", "acceptance criteria"

📋 Planning Phase

story-mapper

Create user story maps to visualize user journeys and prioritize releases (Jeff Patton).

Use when:

• Planning products or features
• Backlog lacks context
• Deciding MVP scope
• Need to see the big picture

Triggers: "story mapping", "user journey", "release planning", "MVP scope"

🎨 Designing Phase

domain-modeler

Apply Domain-Driven Design to model complex business domains (Eric Evans).

Use when:

• Designing bounded contexts
• Creating aggregates and entities
• Establishing ubiquitous language
• Modeling complex business rules

Triggers: "DDD", "domain model", "bounded context", "aggregate design"

responsibility-modeler

Design objects by their responsibilities and collaborations (Rebecca Wirfs-Brock).

Use when:

• Designing OO systems
• Objects have unclear responsibilities
• Running CRC sessions
• Applying GRASP principles

Triggers: "CRC cards", "object responsibilities", "GRASP", "collaboration design"

architecture-advisor

Analyze software architecture decisions using quality attributes (Bass, Clements, Kazman).

Use when:

• Making architectural decisions
• Evaluating technology choices
• Analyzing trade-offs
• Defining quality attribute scenarios

Triggers: "architecture decision", "quality attributes", "trade-off analysis", "ADR"

💻 Implementing Phase

tdd-coach

Guide Test-Driven Development practice (Kent Beck).

Use when:

• Implementing features from scratch
• Learning TDD
• Stuck on implementation approach
• Need test-first discipline

Triggers: "TDD", "test-driven", "red-green-refactor", "test first"

refactoring-guide

Identify code smells and apply refactoring techniques (Martin Fowler).

Use when:

• Code quality needs improvement
• Before adding features to messy code
• During code reviews
• Paying down tech debt

Triggers: "refactor", "code smell", "improve code quality", "clean up code"

legacy-surgeon

Safely modify legacy code without tests (Michael Feathers).

Use when:

• Working with untested code
• Adding features to legacy systems
• Breaking dependencies for testability
• Need characterization tests

Triggers: "legacy code", "working effectively", "seam", "characterization test"

🧪 Testing Phase

test-strategist

Plan comprehensive test strategies using Agile Testing Quadrants (Lisa Crispin).

Use when:

• Deciding what types of tests to write
• Reviewing test coverage
• Optimizing test suites
• Planning test distribution

Triggers: "test strategy", "test quadrants", "test pyramid", "test coverage"

How to Use

Simply mention the methodology or trigger phrase, and this skill will invoke the appropriate agent:

Examples

User: "Help me define the problem for this vague requirement"
→ Invokes problem-definer agent

User: "Let's apply DDD to model this e-commerce domain"
→ Invokes domain-modeler agent

User: "I need to refactor this messy class"
→ Invokes refactoring-guide agent

User: "Plan test strategy for authentication feature"
→ Invokes test-strategist agent

Methodology Workflows

These methodologies work together in common workflows:

New Feature Workflow

1. problem-definer → Define the real problem
2. story-mapper → Map user journey
3. spec-by-example → Create concrete examples
4. domain-modeler → Model domain concepts
5. tdd-coach → Implement with TDD
6. test-strategist → Verify test coverage

Legacy Code Workflow

1. problem-definer → Understand why change is needed
2. legacy-surgeon → Break dependencies safely
3. refactoring-guide → Identify and fix smells
4. test-strategist → Add appropriate tests

Architecture Workflow

1. problem-definer → Clarify requirements
2. domain-modeler → Model bounded contexts
3. architecture-advisor → Analyze quality attributes
4. responsibility-modeler → Design object responsibilities

Philosophy

All agents follow these principles:

• ❌ Do NOT write code - Only provide analysis and guidance
• ❌ Do NOT make decisions - Present options and trade-offs
• ❌ Do NOT run commands or modify files - Stay strictly read-only
• ✅ Only output: Analysis, recommendations, structured reports

References

This toolkit is based on these seminal works:

• Are Your Lights On? — Weinberg & Gause (1982)
• User Story Mapping — Jeff Patton (2014)
• Specification by Example — Gojko Adzic (2011)
• Domain-Driven Design — Eric Evans (2003)
• Object Design — Rebecca Wirfs-Brock (2002)
• Software Architecture in Practice — Bass, Clements, Kazman (2021)
• Test Driven Development — Kent Beck (2003)
• Refactoring — Martin Fowler (2018)
• Working Effectively with Legacy Code — Michael Feathers (2004)
• Agile Testing — Lisa Crispin & Janet Gregory (2009)