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sequential-thinking

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Enables systematic step-by-step reasoning with revision and branching capabilities. Use when complex problems require multi-stage analysis, design planning, problem decomposition, or when scope is initially unclear. Trigger with "think through step by step", "break this down", "complex problem", or "sequential reasoning".

Design

What this skill does


# Sequential Thinking

Structured problem-solving through iterative reasoning with revision and branching.

## When to Use

Use `mcp__reasoning__sequentialthinking` when:

- Problem requires multiple interconnected reasoning steps
- Initial scope or approach is uncertain
- Need to filter through complexity to find core issues
- May need to backtrack or revise earlier conclusions
- Want to explore alternative solution paths

Do not use for simple queries, direct facts, or single-step tasks.

## Core Capabilities

- **Iterative reasoning**: break complex problems into sequential thought steps
- **Dynamic scope**: adjust total thought count as understanding evolves
- **Revision tracking**: reconsider and modify previous conclusions
- **Branch exploration**: explore alternative reasoning paths from any point

## Parameters

<required_parameters>

- `thought` (string): current reasoning step
- `nextThoughtNeeded` (boolean): whether more reasoning is needed
- `thoughtNumber` (integer): current step number (starts at 1)
- `totalThoughts` (integer): estimated total steps needed
  </required_parameters>

<optional_parameters>

- `isRevision` (boolean): indicates this revises previous thinking
- `revisesThought` (integer): which thought number is being reconsidered
- `branchFromThought` (integer): thought number to branch from
- `branchId` (string): identifier for this reasoning branch
  </optional_parameters>

## Workflow

<steps>
1. Start with initial thought (thoughtNumber: 1)
2. For each step:
   - Express current reasoning in `thought`
   - Estimate remaining work via `totalThoughts` (adjust dynamically)
   - Set `nextThoughtNeeded: true` to continue
3. When reaching conclusion, set `nextThoughtNeeded: false`
</steps>

## Tips

- Start with rough estimate for `totalThoughts`, refine as you progress
- Use revision when assumptions prove incorrect
- Branch when multiple approaches seem viable
- Express uncertainty explicitly in thoughts
- Accuracy of scope estimate matters less than progress visibility

For revision patterns and branching strategies: [references/advanced.md](references/advanced.md)

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