Execute Current Step

VerifiedSafe

Executes the current step from active_context.yaml by reading the plan, checking recurring reminders, marking the step in progress, doing the work, verifying results, and advancing to the next step. Use when ready to progress through a structured workflow with explicit proof logging.

Sby Skills Guide Bot
ProductivityIntermediate
506/2/2026
Claude CodeCodex
#structured-workflow#plan-execution#task-management#active-context#step-execution

Recommended for

Our review

Executes the current step of a plan defined in active_context.yaml, updating status and advancing the workflow.

Strengths

  • Maintains structured progress through a predefined plan
  • Incorporates recurring reminders based on past weakness analysis
  • Automatically logs execution evidence in a journal

Limitations

  • Requires active_context.yaml to be correctly formatted
  • Relies on prior failure memory via proof/archive.jsonl
  • No automatic proof capture in Codex CLI outside this skill
When to use it

When following a step-by-step development plan with well-defined tasks.

When not to use it

For exploratory or creative tasks where linear progression is unsuitable.

Security analysis

Safe
Quality score88/100

The skill only instructs reading/writing local files and running benign commands (mkdir, echo) for logging. It does not involve external network access, destructive operations, or handling sensitive data. The lack of declared tools is neutral because the specified operations are harmless.

No concerns found

Examples

Execute next step from plan
edge-step
Advance current workflow step
Execute the current step from the plan in active_context.yaml.
Run step 3 with proof logging
Run edge-step and ensure proof is captured after completion.

name: edge-step description: Execute the current step from the plan in active_context.yaml. Use when ready to work on the next task in a structured workflow.

Execute Current Step

Read active_context.yaml to understand the current plan and step.

Instructions

  1. Read the current step from active_context.yaml

    • Find the step matching current_step
    • Understand what needs to be done
  2. Check for reminders - Read .proof/archive.jsonl for recurring weak checks

    • If any check has failed 2+ times across sessions, show a reminder:
    REMINDER: [check_name] has been weak across sessions
    Focus: [specific improvement tip]
    

    Common reminders: | Weak Check | Reminder | |------------|----------| | mismatch_detection | "Add Expected vs Actual before major operations" | | plan_revision | "If this step fails, write a NEW step before retrying" | | tool_switching | "If tool fails twice, switch immediately" | | memory_update | "After this step, ask: what did I learn?" | | proof_generation | "Attach evidence inline, not after" | | stop_condition | "If uncertain, frame as bounded options" |

  3. Mark it in_progress - Update the step's status in active_context.yaml

  4. Do the work - Execute the step

    • Keep changes minimal and focused
    • If something unexpected happens, STOP and reassess
    • Apply the reminder if one was shown
  5. Verify it worked - Run a test or check

  6. Mark complete - Update status to completed and set proof path

  7. Advance current_step - Increment to next pending step

After Completion

Update active_context.yaml:

current_step: [next step number]
plan:
  - description: "The step you just did"
    status: completed
    proof: "description of evidence"  # or specific artifact path

Add any lessons learned to memory:

memory:
  - trigger: "relevant keywords"
    lesson: "What you learned"
    reinforced: 1

If Blocked

If you cannot complete the step:

  1. Mark status as blocked
  2. Add a note explaining why
  3. Do NOT advance current_step
  4. Report the blocker clearly

Proof Capture (IMPORTANT)

Since Codex CLI doesn't have automatic proof capture, you MUST manually log proof after completing each step.

After Completing Work:

  1. Create proof directory (if needed):

    mkdir -p .proof
    
  2. Append to session log:

    echo '{"timestamp":"<ISO_TIME>","type":"step_complete","step":<N>,"description":"<STEP_DESC>","files":["<FILES>"],"outcome":"success"}' >> .proof/session_log.jsonl
    
  3. Or use the logging skill:

    $edge-log
    

What to Log:

  • Files modified: Actual paths changed
  • Tests run: Commands and results
  • Outcome: success/failure/partial
  • Evidence: Specific proof (test output, line counts, etc.)

Example Log Entry:

{
  "timestamp": "2025-01-15T14:30:00Z",
  "type": "step_complete",
  "step": 3,
  "description": "Add user authentication",
  "files": ["src/auth.py", "tests/test_auth.py"],
  "outcome": "success",
  "proof": "26 tests pass, JWT validation working"
}

This manual logging replaces Claude Code's automatic PostToolUse hook.

Related skills