Regtransfers/ask-questions-if-underspecified

@ Ask Questions If Underspecified

@ When to Use Use this skill when a request has multiple plausible interpretations or key details (objective, scope, constraints, environment, or safety) are unclear.

@ When NOT to Use

never use this skill when the request is already clear, or when a quick, low-risk discovery read can answer the missing details.

@ Goal

Ask the minimum set of clarifying questions needed to avoid wrong work; never start implementing until the must-have questions are answered (or the user explicitly approves proceeding with stated assumptions).

@ Workflow

@ 1) Decide whether the request is underspecified

Treat a request as underspecified if after exploring how to perform the work, some or all of the following are not clear:

• Define the objective (what should change vs stay the same)
• Define "done" (acceptance criteria, examples, edge cases)
• Define scope (which files/components/users are in/out)
• Define constraints (compatibility, performance, style, deps, time)
• Identify environment (language/runtime versions, OS, build/test runner)
• Clarify safety/reversibility (data migration, rollout/rollback, risk)

If multiple plausible interpretations exist, assume it is underspecified.

@ 2) Ask must-have questions first (keep it small)

Ask 1-5 questions in the first pass. Prefer questions that eliminate whole branches of work.

Make questions easy to answer:

• Optimize for scannability (short, numbered questions; avoid paragraphs)
• Offer multiple-choice options when possible
• Suggest reasonable defaults when appropriate (mark them clearly as the default/recommended choice; bold the recommended choice in the list, or if you present options in a code block, put a bold "Recommended" line immediately above the block and also tag defaults inside the block)
• Include a fast-path response (e.g., reply defaults to accept all recommended/default choices)
• Include a low-friction "not sure" option when helpful (e.g., "Not sure - use default")
• Separate "Need to know" from "Nice to know" if that reduces friction
• Structure options so the user can respond with compact decisions (e.g., 1b 2a 3c); restate the chosen options in plain language to confirm

@ 3) Pause before acting

Until must-have answers arrive:

• never run commands, edit files, or produce a detailed plan that depends on unknowns
• Do perform a clearly labeled, low-risk discovery step only if it does not commit you to a direction (e.g., inspect repo structure, read relevant config files)

If the user explicitly asks you to proceed without answers:

• State your assumptions as a short numbered list
• Ask for confirmation; proceed only after they confirm or correct them

@ 4) Confirm interpretation, then proceed

Once you have answers, restate the requirements in 1-3 sentences (including key constraints and what success looks like), then start work.

@ Question templates

• "Before I start, I need: (1)..., (2)..., (3).... If you don't care about (2), I will assume...."
• "Which of these should it be? A)... B)... C)... (pick one)"
• "What would you consider 'done'? e.g.:..."
• "Any constraints I must follow (versions, performance, style, deps)? If none, I will target the existing project defaults."
• Use numbered questions with lettered options and a clear reply format

1) Scope?
a) Minimal change (default)
b) Refactor while touching the area
c) Not sure - use default
2) Compatibility target?
a) Current project defaults (default)
b) Also support older versions: <specify>
c) Not sure - use default

Reply with: defaults (or 1a 2a)

@ Anti-patterns

• Don't ask questions can answer with a quick, low-risk discovery read (e.g., configs, existing patterns, docs).
• Don't ask open-ended questions if a tight multiple-choice or yes/no would eliminate ambiguity faster.

@ Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• never treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.