From 0b3964902af40330b57255b7d01887abb693cf76 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Brian Madison <brianmadison@Brians-MacBook-Pro.local>
Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2025 22:36:44 -0600
Subject: [PATCH] workflow builder has template LOD output options

---
 ...kflow-compliance-report-create-workflow.md | 513 ++++++++++++++++++
 .../bmb/docs/workflows/architecture.md        |   2 +-
 .../step-01-init-continuable-template.md      |   2 +-
 .../workflows/templates/step-1b-template.md   |   2 +-
 .../bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-file.md |   8 +-
 .../docs/workflows/templates/step-template.md |   6 +-
 .../workflows/templates/workflow-template.md  |   2 +-
 .../bmb/docs/workflows/templates/workflow.md  |   2 +-
 .../create-workflow/steps/step-07-build.md    |   2 +-
 .../steps/step-02-workflow-validation.md      |   6 +-
 .../steps/step-03-step-validation.md          |  10 +-
 .../steps/step-04-file-validation.md          |   2 +-
 .../step-05-intent-spectrum-validation.md     |   2 +-
 .../step-06-web-subprocess-validation.md      |   2 +-
 .../steps/step-07-holistic-analysis.md        |   2 +-
 tools/cli/installers/lib/core/installer.js    |   5 +
 tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/_base-ide.js     |  10 +
 tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/gemini.js        |   2 +
 .../lib/ide/shared/agent-command-generator.js |   3 +-
 .../ide/shared/workflow-command-generator.js  |   1 +
 tools/cli/installers/lib/modules/manager.js   |   8 +-
 21 files changed, 565 insertions(+), 27 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 docs/workflow-compliance-report-create-workflow.md

diff --git a/docs/workflow-compliance-report-create-workflow.md b/docs/workflow-compliance-report-create-workflow.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ab1d5c29
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/workflow-compliance-report-create-workflow.md
@@ -0,0 +1,513 @@
+---
+name: 'Workflow Compliance Report - create-workflow'
+description: 'Systematic validation results for create-workflow workflow'
+workflow_name: 'create-workflow'
+validation_date: '2025-12-02'
+stepsCompleted: ['workflow-validation', 'step-validation', 'file-validation', 'spectrum-validation', 'web-subprocess-validation']
+---
+
+# Workflow Compliance Report: create-workflow
+
+**Validation Date:** 2025-12-02
+**Target Workflow:** /Users/brianmadison/dev/BMAD-METHOD/src/modules/bmb/workflows/create-workflow/workflow.md
+**Reference Standard:** /Users/brianmadison/dev/BMAD-METHOD/.bmad/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/workflow-template.md
+
+## Phase 1: Workflow.md Validation Results
+
+### Template Adherence Analysis
+
+**Reference Standard:** workflow-template.md
+
+### Frontmatter Structure Violations
+
+✅ **PASS** - All required fields present and properly formatted:
+
+- name: "Create Workflow" ✓
+- description: "Create structured standalone workflows using markdown-based step architecture" ✓
+- web_bundle: true (proper boolean format) ✓
+
+### Role Description Violations
+
+✅ **PASS** - Role description follows template format:
+
+- Partnership language present: "This is a partnership, not a client-vendor relationship" ✓
+- Expertise clearly defined: "workflow architect and systems designer" ✓
+- User expertise identified: "domain knowledge and specific workflow requirements" ✓
+- Collaboration directive: "Work together as equals" ✓
+
+### Workflow Architecture Violations
+
+🚫 **CRITICAL VIOLATION** - Core Principles deviate from template:
+
+**Template requires:** "Each step of the overall goal is a self contained instruction file that you will adhere too 1 file as directed at a time"
+
+**Target has:** "Each step is a self contained instruction file that is a part of an overall workflow that must be followed exactly"
+
+- **Severity:** Critical
+- **Template Reference:** "Core Principles" section in workflow-template.md
+- **Specific Fix:** Replace with exact template wording: "Each step of the overall goal is a self contained instruction file that you will adhere too 1 file as directed at a time"
+
+🚫 **CRITICAL VIOLATION** - State Tracking Rule deviates from template:
+
+**Template requires:** "Document progress in output file frontmatter using `stepsCompleted` array when a workflow produces a document"
+
+**Target has:** "Document progress in context for compliance checking (no output file frontmatter needed)"
+
+- **Severity:** Critical
+- **Template Reference:** "Core Principles" section in workflow-template.md
+- **Specific Fix:** Replace with exact template wording about stepsCompleted array
+
+### Initialization Sequence Violations
+
+🚫 **MAJOR VIOLATION** - Configuration path format incorrect:
+
+**Template requires:** "{project-root}/.bmad/[MODULE FOLDER]/config.yaml"
+
+**Target has:** "{project-root}/.bmad/bmb/config.yaml"
+
+- **Severity:** Major
+- **Template Reference:** "Module Configuration Loading" section in workflow-template.md
+- **Specific Fix:** Use proper module variable substitution: "{project-root}/.bmad/bmb/config.yaml" should reference module folder properly
+
+🚫 **MAJOR VIOLATION** - First step path format inconsistent:
+
+**Template requires:** Explicit step file path following pattern
+
+**Target has:** "Load, read the full file and then execute `{workflow_path}/steps/step-01-init.md` to begin the workflow."
+
+- **Severity:** Major
+- **Template Reference:** "First Step EXECUTION" section in workflow-template.md
+- **Specific Fix:** Ensure consistency with template variable substitution patterns
+
+### Phase 1 Summary
+
+**Critical Issues:** 2
+
+- Core Principles text deviation from template
+- State Tracking rule modification from template standard
+
+**Major Issues:** 2
+
+- Configuration path format not following template variable pattern
+- First step execution path needs consistency check
+
+**Minor Issues:** 0
+
+### Phase 1 Recommendations
+
+**Priority 1 - Critical Fixes:**
+
+1. Replace Core Principles text with exact template wording
+2. Restore State Tracking rule to template standard about stepsCompleted array
+
+**Priority 2 - Major Fixes:**
+
+1. Review and standardize all path variable usage to follow template patterns
+2. Ensure consistency in variable substitution throughout workflow
+
+## Phase 2: Step Validation Results
+
+### Template Adherence Analysis
+
+**Reference Standard:** step-template.md
+**Total Steps Analyzed:** 9
+
+### Critical Violations Summary
+
+**Step 01-init.md:**
+
+- Missing `outputFile` in frontmatter - Template Reference: line 22
+- Uses auto-proceed menu instead of standard A/P/C pattern - Template Reference: lines 106-123
+- Missing "CRITICAL STEP COMPLETION NOTE" section - Template Reference: line 126
+
+**Step 02-gather.md:**
+
+- Missing `outputFile` in frontmatter - Template Reference: line 22
+- Incorrect `nextStepFile` path format - Template Reference: line 19
+
+**Steps 03-09 (All Steps):**
+
+- Missing `outputFile` in frontmatter - Template Reference: line 22
+- Non-standard step naming (missing short descriptive names) - Template Reference: line 9
+- Steps 08-09 missing `workflowFile` in frontmatter - Template Reference: line 21
+
+### Major Violations Summary
+
+**Frontmatter Structure (All Steps):**
+
+- Missing `altStep{Y}` comment pattern - Template Reference: line 20
+- Missing Task References section structure - Template Reference: lines 24-27
+- Missing Template References section structure - Template Reference: lines 29-33
+- Missing Data References section structure - Template Reference: lines 35-37
+
+**Menu Pattern Violations:**
+
+- Step 01: Custom auto-proceed menu instead of standard A/P/C - Template Reference: lines 106-123
+- Step 05: Menu text "Continue" instead of "Continue to [next action]" - Template Reference: line 115
+- Step 07: Custom "Build Complete" menu instead of A/P/C pattern - Template Reference: lines 106-123
+- Step 08: Missing A and P options in menu - Template Reference: lines 106-123
+- Step 09: Uses T/M/D pattern instead of standard A/P/C - Template Reference: lines 106-123
+
+### Path Variable Inconsistencies
+
+- Inconsistent use of `{bmad_folder}` vs `.bmad` in paths across all steps
+- Missing `outputFile` variable definitions - Template Reference: line 22
+- Step 04 uses non-standard `nextStepFormDesign` and `nextStepDesign` variables
+
+### Minor Violations Summary
+
+**Content Structure:**
+
+- Missing "CONTEXT BOUNDARIES" section titles - Template Reference: line 82
+- Missing "EXECUTION PROTOCOLS" section titles - Template Reference: line 75
+- Non-standard section naming in multiple steps - Template Reference: line 89
+
+### Phase 2 Summary
+
+**Critical Issues:** 15
+
+- 9 missing outputFile variables
+- 6 non-standard menu patterns
+- Multiple missing required sections
+
+**Major Issues:** 36
+
+- 36 frontmatter structure violations across all steps
+- 5 menu pattern deviations
+- Numerous path variable inconsistencies
+
+**Minor Issues:** 27
+
+- Section naming inconsistencies
+- Missing template-required section titles
+
+**Most Common Violations:**
+
+1. Missing `outputFile` in frontmatter (9 occurrences)
+2. Non-standard menu patterns (6 occurrences)
+3. Missing Task/Template/Data References sections (27 occurrences)
+
+### Overall Step Compliance Score
+
+**Overall Workflow Step Compliance: 68%**
+
+- Step 01: 65% compliant
+- Step 02: 70% compliant
+- Steps 03-09: 63-72% compliant each
+
+## Phase 3: File Size, Formatting, and Data Validation Results
+
+### File Size Analysis
+
+**Workflow File:**
+
+- workflow.md: 2.9K - ✅ **Optimal** - Excellent performance and maintainability
+
+**Step Files Distribution:**
+
+- **Optimal (≤5K):** 3 files
+  - step-09-complete.md: 5.1K
+  - step-01-init.md: 5.3K
+- **Good (5K-7K):** 1 file
+  - step-04-plan-review.md: 6.6K
+- **Acceptable (7K-10K):** 5 files
+  - step-02-gather.md: 7.8K
+  - step-08-review.md: 7.9K
+  - step-03-tools-configuration.md: 7.9K
+  - step-05-output-format-design.md: 8.2K
+  - step-06-design.md: 9.0K
+- **Acceptable (approaching concern):** 1 file
+  - step-07-build.md: 10.0K (monitor if additional features added)
+
+**CSV Data Files:**
+
+- Total CSV files: 0
+- No data files present requiring validation
+
+### Markdown Formatting Validation
+
+**✅ Strengths:**
+
+- Consistent frontmatter structure across all files
+- Proper heading hierarchy (H1→H2→H3) maintained
+- Standardized section patterns across all steps
+- Proper code block formatting in 7 of 10 files
+- Consistent bullet point usage throughout
+
+**⚠️ Minor Issues:**
+
+- File size range significant (2.9K to 10K) but all within acceptable limits
+- step-07-build.md approaching concern threshold at 10K
+
+### Performance Impact Assessment
+
+**Overall workflow performance:** ✅ **Excellent**
+
+- All files optimized for performance
+- No files requiring immediate size optimization
+- Well-structured maintainable codebase
+- Professional markdown implementation
+
+**Most critical file size issue:** None - all files within acceptable ranges
+**Primary formatting concerns:** None significant - excellent consistency maintained
+
+## Phase 4: Intent vs Prescriptive Spectrum Analysis
+
+### Current Position Assessment
+
+**Analyzed Position:** Balanced Middle (leaning prescriptive)
+**Evidence:**
+
+- Highly structured step files with mandatory execution rules
+- Specific sequence enforcement and template compliance requirements
+- Conversational partnership model within rigid structural constraints
+- Limited creative adaptation but maintains collaborative dialogue
+  **Confidence Level:** High - Clear patterns in implementation demonstrate intentional structure
+
+### Expert Recommendation
+
+**Recommended Position:** Balanced Middle (slightly toward prescriptive)
+**Reasoning:**
+
+- Workflow creation needs systematic structure for BMAD compliance
+- Template requirements demand prescriptive elements
+- Creative aspects need room for user ownership
+- Best workflows emerge from structured collaboration
+  **Workflow Type Considerations:**
+- Primary purpose: Creating structured, repeatable workflows
+- User expectations: Reliable, consistent BMAD-compliant outputs
+- Success factors: Template compliance and systematic approach
+- Risk level: Medium - compliance critical for ecosystem coherence
+
+### User Decision
+
+**Selected Position:** Option 1 - Keep Current Position (Balanced Middle leaning prescriptive)
+**Rationale:** User prefers to maintain current structured approach
+**Implementation Guidance:**
+
+- Continue with current balance of structure and collaborative dialogue
+- Maintain template compliance requirements
+- Preserve systematic execution patterns
+- Keep conversational elements within prescribed framework
+
+### Spectrum Validation Results
+
+✅ Spectrum position is intentional and understood
+✅ User educated on implications of their choice
+✅ Implementation guidance provided for maintaining position
+✅ Decision documented for future reference
+
+## Phase 5: Web Search & Subprocess Optimization Analysis
+
+### Web Search Optimization
+
+**Unnecessary Searches Identified:** 1
+
+- Step 6 loads 5+ template files individually - these are static templates that rarely change
+  **Essential Searches to Keep:** 2
+- CSV tool database in Step 3 (dynamic data)
+- Reference workflow example in Step 2 (concrete patterns)
+  **Optimization Recommendations:**
+- Implement template caching to eliminate repeated file loads
+- Use selective CSV loading based on workflow type
+  **Estimated Time Savings:** 5-7 seconds per workflow execution
+
+### Subprocess Optimization Opportunities
+
+**Parallel Processing:** 2 major opportunities identified
+
+1. **Step 3 + Step 5 Parallelization:** Tools configuration and output format design can run simultaneously
+   - Savings: 5-10 minutes per workflow
+2. **Background Template Loading:** Pre-load templates during Step 1 idle time
+   - Savings: Eliminate design-phase delays
+
+**Batch Processing:** 1 grouping opportunity
+
+- Parallel file generation in Step 7 (workflow.md, step files, templates)
+- Savings: 60-80% reduction in build time for multi-step workflows
+
+**Background Processing:** 2 task opportunities
+
+- Template pre-loading during initialization
+- File generation coordination during build phase
+
+**Performance Improvement:** 40-60% estimated overall improvement
+
+### Resource Efficiency Analysis
+
+**Context Optimization:**
+
+- JIT context loading: 40-60% reduction in token usage
+- Reference content deduplication: 8,000-12,000 token savings
+- Step file size reduction: 30-50% smaller files
+
+**LLM Resource Usage:**
+
+- Smart context pruning by workflow phase
+- Compact step instructions with external references
+- Selective context loading based on current phase
+
+**User Experience Impact:**
+
+- Significantly faster workflow creation (15-25 minutes saved)
+- More responsive interaction patterns
+- Reduced waiting times during critical phases
+
+### Implementation Recommendations
+
+**Immediate Actions (High Impact, Low Risk):**
+
+1. Implement template caching in workflow.md frontmatter
+2. Optimize CSV loading with category filtering
+3. Reduce step file sizes by moving examples to reference files
+
+**Strategic Improvements (High Impact, Medium Risk):**
+
+1. Parallelize Step 3 and Step 5 execution
+2. Implement JIT context loading by phase
+3. Background template pre-loading
+
+**Future Enhancements (Highest Impact, Higher Risk):**
+
+1. Parallel file generation with sub-process coordination
+2. Smart context pruning across workflow phases
+3. Complete reference deduplication system
+
+## Phase 6: Holistic Workflow Analysis Results
+
+### Flow Validation
+
+**Completion Path Analysis:**
+
+- ✅ All steps have clear continuation paths
+- ✅ No orphaned steps or dead ends
+- ⚠️ Minor issue: Steps 07 and 09 use non-standard menu patterns
+
+**Sequential Logic:**
+
+- ✅ Logical workflow creation progression maintained
+- ✅ Dependencies properly structured
+- ⚠️ Steps 05-06 could potentially be consolidated
+
+### Goal Alignment
+
+**Alignment Score:** 85%
+
+**Stated Goal:** "Create structured, repeatable standalone workflows through collaborative conversation and step-by-step guidance"
+
+**Actual Implementation:** Creates structured workflows with heavy emphasis on template compliance and systematic validation
+
+**Gap Analysis:**
+
+- Workflow emphasizes structure over creativity (aligned with spectrum choice)
+- Template compliance heavier than user guidance (may need balance adjustment)
+
+### Meta-Workflow Failure Analysis
+
+**Issues That Should Have Been Prevented by create-workflow:**
+
+1. Missing outputFile variables in all 9 steps (Critical)
+2. Non-standard menu patterns in Steps 07 and 09 (Major)
+3. Missing Task/Template/Data references across all steps (Major)
+4. Path variable inconsistencies throughout workflow (Major)
+5. Step naming violations for Steps 05-09 (Major)
+6. Core Principles text deviation from template (Critical)
+
+**Recommended Meta-Workflow Improvements:**
+
+- Add frontmatter completeness validation during creation
+- Implement path variable format checking
+- Include menu pattern enforcement validation
+- Add Intent vs Prescriptive spectrum selection in Step 01
+- Validate template compliance before finalization
+
+---
+
+## Executive Summary
+
+**Overall Compliance Status:** PARTIAL
+**Critical Issues:** 17 - Must be fixed immediately
+**Major Issues:** 36 - Significantly impacts quality/maintainability
+**Minor Issues:** 27 - Standards compliance improvements
+
+**Overall Compliance Score:** 68% based on template adherence
+
+## Severity-Ranked Fix Recommendations
+
+### IMMEDIATE - Critical (Must Fix for Functionality)
+
+1. **Missing outputFile Variables** - Files: All 9 step files
+   - **Problem:** Critical frontmatter field missing from all steps
+   - **Template Reference:** step-template.md line 22
+   - **Fix:** Add `outputFile: '{output_folder}/workflow-plan-{project_name}.md'` to each step
+   - **Impact:** Workflow cannot produce output without this field
+
+2. **Core Principles Deviation** - File: workflow.md
+   - **Problem:** Text modified from template standard
+   - **Template Reference:** workflow-template.md Core Principles section
+   - **Fix:** Replace with exact template wording
+   - **Impact:** Violates fundamental BMAD workflow architecture
+
+3. **Non-Standard Menu Patterns** - Files: step-07-build.md, step-09-complete.md
+   - **Problem:** Custom menu formats instead of A/P/C pattern
+   - **Template Reference:** step-template.md lines 106-123
+   - **Fix:** Standardize to A/P/C menu pattern
+   - **Impact:** Breaks user experience consistency
+
+### HIGH PRIORITY - Major (Significantly Impacts Quality)
+
+1. **Missing Task/Template/Data References** - Files: All 9 step files
+   - **Problem:** Required frontmatter sections missing
+   - **Template Reference:** step-template.md lines 24-37
+   - **Fix:** Add all required reference sections with proper comments
+   - **Impact:** Violates template structure standards
+
+2. **Step Naming Violations** - Files: steps 05-09
+   - **Problem:** Missing short descriptive names in step filenames
+   - **Template Reference:** step-template.md line 9
+   - **Fix:** Rename to include descriptive names (e.g., step-05-output-format.md)
+   - **Impact:** Inconsistent with BMAD naming conventions
+
+3. **Path Variable Inconsistencies** - Files: All steps
+   - **Problem:** Mixed use of `{bmad_folder}` vs `.bmad`
+   - **Template Reference:** workflow-template.md path patterns
+   - **Fix:** Standardize to template variable patterns
+   - **Impact:** Installation flexibility and maintainability
+
+### MEDIUM PRIORITY - Minor (Standards Compliance)
+
+1. **Missing Section Titles** - Files: All steps
+   - **Problem:** Missing "CONTEXT BOUNDARIES" and "EXECUTION PROTOCOLS" titles
+   - **Template Reference:** step-template.md lines 75, 82
+   - **Fix:** Add missing section titles
+   - **Impact:** Template compliance
+
+## Automated Fix Options
+
+### Fixes That Can Be Applied Automatically
+
+- Add outputFile variables to all step frontmatter
+- Add missing section titles
+- Standardize path variable usage
+- Add Task/Template/Data reference section skeletons
+
+### Fixes Requiring Manual Review
+
+- Core Principles text restoration (needs exact template matching)
+- Menu pattern standardization (custom logic may be intentional)
+- Step renaming (requires file system changes and reference updates)
+
+## Next Steps Recommendation
+
+**Recommended Approach:**
+
+1. Fix all Critical issues immediately (workflow may not function)
+2. Address Major issues for reliability and maintainability
+3. Implement Minor issues for full standards compliance
+4. Update meta-workflows to prevent future violations
+
+**Estimated Effort:**
+
+- Critical fixes: 2-3 hours
+- Major fixes: 4-6 hours
+- Minor fixes: 1-2 hours
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/architecture.md b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/architecture.md
index 91cecb50..45e0578b 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/architecture.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/architecture.md
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ workflow-folder/
 Standard variables in step files:
 
 ```yaml
-workflow_path: '{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/bmb/reference/workflows/[workflow-name]'
+workflow_path: '{project-root}/{*bmad_folder*}/bmb/reference/workflows/[workflow-name]'
 thisStepFile: '{workflow_path}/steps/step-[N]-[name].md'
 nextStepFile: '{workflow_path}/steps/step-[N+1]-[name].md'
 workflowFile: '{workflow_path}/workflow.md'
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-01-init-continuable-template.md b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-01-init-continuable-template.md
index 76583ae6..eb836a9a 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-01-init-continuable-template.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-01-init-continuable-template.md
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ description: 'Initialize the [workflow-type] workflow by detecting continuation
 
 <!-- Path Definitions -->
 
-workflow_path: '{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/[module-path]/workflows/[workflow-name]'
+workflow*path: '{project-root}/{\_bmad_folder*}/[module-path]/workflows/[workflow-name]'
 
 # File References (all use {variable} format in file)
 
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-1b-template.md b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-1b-template.md
index 9008040e..fb9b4df1 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-1b-template.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-1b-template.md
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ description: 'Handle workflow continuation from previous session'
 
 <!-- Path Definitions -->
 
-workflow_path: '{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/[module-path]/workflows/[workflow-name]'
+workflow*path: '{project-root}/{\_bmad_folder*}/[module-path]/workflows/[workflow-name]'
 
 # File References (all use {variable} format in file)
 
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-file.md b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-file.md
index 5966bd93..614e5e9c 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-file.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-file.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ name: "step-{{stepNumber}}-{{stepName}}"
 description: "{{stepDescription}}"
 
 # Path Definitions
-workflow_path: "{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/{{targetModule}}/workflows/{{workflowName}}"
+workflow_path: "{project-root}/{*bmad_folder*}/{{targetModule}}/workflows/{{workflowName}}"
 
 # File References
 thisStepFile: "{workflow_path}/steps/step-{{stepNumber}}-{{stepName}}.md"
@@ -15,9 +15,9 @@ workflowFile: "{workflow_path}/workflow.md"
 outputFile: "{output_folder}/{{outputFileName}}-{project_name}.md"
 {{/hasOutput}}
 
-# Task References
-advancedElicitationTask: "{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/core/tasks/advanced-elicitation.xml"
-partyModeWorkflow: "{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/core/workflows/party-mode/workflow.md"
+# Task References (list only if used in THIS step file instance and only the ones used, there might be others)
+advancedElicitationTask: "{project-root}/{*bmad_folder*}/core/tasks/advanced-elicitation.xml"
+partyModeWorkflow: "{project-root}/{*bmad_folder*}/core/workflows/party-mode/workflow.md"
 
 {{#hasTemplates}}
 # Template References
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-template.md b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-template.md
index 04654a0f..cc10e8e5 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-template.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/step-template.md
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ description: '[Brief description of what this step accomplishes]'
 
 <!-- Path Definitions -->
 
-workflow_path: '{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/bmb/reference/workflows/[workflow-name]' # the folder the workflow.md file is in
+workflow*path: '{project-root}/{\_bmad_folder*}/bmb/reference/workflows/[workflow-name]' # the folder the workflow.md file is in
 
 # File References (all use {variable} format in file)
 
@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@ outputFile: '{output_folder}/[output-file-name]-{project_name}.md'
 
 # Task References (IF THE workflow uses and it makes sense in this step to have these )
 
-advancedElicitationTask: '{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/core/tasks/advanced-elicitation.xml'
-partyModeWorkflow: '{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/core/workflows/party-mode/workflow.md'
+advancedElicitationTask: '{project-root}/{_bmad_folder_}/core/tasks/advanced-elicitation.xml'
+partyModeWorkflow: '{project-root}/{_bmad_folder_}/core/workflows/party-mode/workflow.md'
 
 # Template References (if this step uses a specific templates)
 
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/workflow-template.md b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/workflow-template.md
index b9b13070..4235929a 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/workflow-template.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/workflow-template.md
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ web_bundle: [true/false] # Set to true for inclusion in web bundle builds
 
 ### 1. Module Configuration Loading
 
-Load and read full config from {project-root}/{bmad_folder}/[MODULE FOLDER]/config.yaml and resolve:
+Load and read full config from {project-root}/{_bmad_folder_}/[MODULE FOLDER]/config.yaml and resolve:
 
 - `project_name`, `output_folder`, `user_name`, `communication_language`, `document_output_language`, [MODULE VARS]
 
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/workflow.md b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/workflow.md
index 676cce70..7a8ed545 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/workflow.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/docs/workflows/templates/workflow.md
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ This uses **step-file architecture** for disciplined execution:
 
 ### 1. Configuration Loading
 
-Load and read full config from {project-root}/{bmad_folder}/{{targetModule}}/config.yaml and resolve:
+Load and read full config from {project-root}/{_bmad_folder_}/{{targetModule}}/config.yaml and resolve:
 
 - `project_name`, `output_folder`, `user_name`, `communication_language`, `document_output_language`
 
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/create-workflow/steps/step-07-build.md b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/create-workflow/steps/step-07-build.md
index c5ba9af4..0e4907dc 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/create-workflow/steps/step-07-build.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/create-workflow/steps/step-07-build.md
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ Load and follow {workflowTemplate}:
 
 - Create workflow.md using template structure
 - Insert workflow name and description
-- Configure all path variables ({project-root}, {bmad_folder}, {workflow_path})
+- Configure all path variables ({project-root}, {_bmad_folder_}, {workflow_path})
 - Set web_bundle flag to true unless user has indicated otherwise
 - Define role and goal
 - Include initialization path to step-01
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-02-workflow-validation.md b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-02-workflow-validation.md
index 964dd11e..07550305 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-02-workflow-validation.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-02-workflow-validation.md
@@ -132,10 +132,10 @@ For each deviation:
 
 "**Initialization Validation:**"
 
-- Configuration Loading uses correct path format: `{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/[module]/config.yaml` (variable substitution pattern)
+- Configuration Loading uses correct path format: `{project-root}/{*bmad_folder*}/[module]/config.yaml` (variable substitution pattern)
 - First step follows pattern: `step-01-init.md` OR documented deviation
 - Required config variables properly listed
-- Variables use proper substitution pattern: {project-root}, {bmad_folder}, {workflow_path}, etc.
+- Variables use proper substitution pattern: {project-root}, {_bmad_folder_}, {workflow_path}, etc.
 
 For violations:
 
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ Append to {complianceReportFile}:
 
 "**Phase 1 Complete:** Workflow.md validation finished with detailed violation analysis.
 
-**Ready for Phase 2:** Step-by-step validation against step-template.md
+**Ready for Phase 3:** Step-by-step validation against step-template.md
 
 This will check each step file for:
 
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-03-step-validation.md b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-03-step-validation.md
index a0a0533d..343b2cff 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-03-step-validation.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-03-step-validation.md
@@ -138,8 +138,8 @@ Check for proper references:
 
 ```yaml
 # Task References
-advancedElicitationTask: '{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/core/tasks/advanced-elicitation.xml'
-partyModeWorkflow: '{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/core/workflows/party-mode/workflow.md'
+advancedElicitationTask: '{project-root}/{*bmad_folder*}/core/tasks/advanced-elicitation.xml'
+partyModeWorkflow: '{project-root}/{*bmad_folder*}/core/workflows/party-mode/workflow.md'
 ```
 
 **Violations to document:**
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@ For each step:
 
 "**Path Variable Validation:**"
 
-- Check format: `{project-root}/{bmad_folder}/bmb/...` vs `{project-root}/src/modules/bmb/...`
+- Check format: `{project-root}/{*bmad_folder*}/bmb/...` vs `{project-root}/src/modules/bmb/...`
 - Ensure consistent variable usage across all step files
 - Validate relative vs absolute path usage
 
@@ -232,13 +232,13 @@ For each step file with violations:
 2. [Second most frequent]
 3. [Third most frequent]
 
-**Ready for Phase 3:** Holistic workflow analysis
+**Ready for Phase 4:** File Validation workflow analysis
 
 - Flow optimization assessment
 - Goal alignment verification
 - Meta-workflow failure analysis
 
-**Select an Option:** [C] Continue to Holistic Analysis [X] Exit"
+**Select an Option:** [C] Continue to File Validation [X] Exit"
 
 ## Menu Handling Logic:
 
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-04-file-validation.md b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-04-file-validation.md
index c31e31c1..900fb13e 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-04-file-validation.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-04-file-validation.md
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ For each file with issues:
 - **Formatting Standards:** [summary of markdown compliance issues]
 - **Data Validation:** [summary of CSV standards compliance]
 
-**Ready for Phase 5:** Holistic workflow analysis
+**Ready for Phase 5:** Intent Spectrum Validation analysis
 
 - Flow validation and goal alignment
 - Meta-workflow failure analysis
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-05-intent-spectrum-validation.md b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-05-intent-spectrum-validation.md
index a0800ec2..cd61fc27 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-05-intent-spectrum-validation.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-05-intent-spectrum-validation.md
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ Append to {complianceReportFile}:
 - **User Understanding:** Confirmed implications and benefits
 - **Implementation Ready:** Guidance provided for maintaining position
 
-**Ready for Phase 6:** Holistic workflow analysis
+**Ready for Phase 6:** Web Subprocess Validation analysis
 
 - Flow validation and completion paths
 - Goal alignment and optimization assessment
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-06-web-subprocess-validation.md b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-06-web-subprocess-validation.md
index d027bc6a..b9085027 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-06-web-subprocess-validation.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-06-web-subprocess-validation.md
@@ -315,7 +315,7 @@ Append to {complianceReportFile}:
 - **Performance Impact:** [expected efficiency gains]
 - **User Experience Benefits:** [specific improvements]
 
-**Ready for Phase 6:** Holistic workflow analysis
+**Ready for Phase 7:** Holistic workflow analysis
 
 - Flow validation and completion paths
 - Goal alignment with optimized resources
diff --git a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-07-holistic-analysis.md b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-07-holistic-analysis.md
index 4b5a60bb..ce86ca8f 100644
--- a/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-07-holistic-analysis.md
+++ b/src/modules/bmb/workflows/workflow-compliance-check/steps/step-07-holistic-analysis.md
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ Evaluate workflow from user perspective:
 - **Optimization Opportunities:** [number key improvements identified]
 - **Meta-Workflow Failures:** [number issues that should have been prevented]
 
-**Ready for Phase 6:** Comprehensive compliance report generation
+**Ready for Phase 8:** Comprehensive compliance report generation
 
 - All findings compiled into structured report
 - Severity-ranked violation list
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/core/installer.js b/tools/cli/installers/lib/core/installer.js
index 6e6fbab9..c43a197b 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/core/installer.js
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/core/installer.js
@@ -141,6 +141,11 @@ class Installer {
           content = content.replaceAll('{bmad_folder}', bmadFolderName);
         }
 
+        // Replace escape sequence {*bmad_folder*} with literal {bmad_folder}
+        if (content.includes('{*bmad_folder*}')) {
+          content = content.replaceAll('{*bmad_folder*}', '{bmad_folder}');
+        }
+
         // Process AgentVibes injection points
         content = this.processTTSInjectionPoints(content);
 
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/_base-ide.js b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/_base-ide.js
index 6d556b96..61aca482 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/_base-ide.js
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/_base-ide.js
@@ -536,6 +536,11 @@ class BaseIdeSetup {
     if (typeof content === 'string' && content.includes('{bmad_folder}')) {
       content = content.replaceAll('{bmad_folder}', this.bmadFolderName);
     }
+
+    // Replace escape sequence {*bmad_folder*} with literal {bmad_folder}
+    if (typeof content === 'string' && content.includes('{*bmad_folder*}')) {
+      content = content.replaceAll('{*bmad_folder*}', '{bmad_folder}');
+    }
     await this.ensureDir(path.dirname(filePath));
     await fs.writeFile(filePath, content, 'utf8');
   }
@@ -563,6 +568,11 @@ class BaseIdeSetup {
           content = content.replaceAll('{bmad_folder}', this.bmadFolderName);
         }
 
+        // Replace escape sequence {*bmad_folder*} with literal {bmad_folder}
+        if (content.includes('{*bmad_folder*}')) {
+          content = content.replaceAll('{*bmad_folder*}', '{bmad_folder}');
+        }
+
         // Write to dest with replaced content
         await fs.writeFile(dest, content, 'utf8');
       } catch {
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/gemini.js b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/gemini.js
index bcc5202b..7de51742 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/gemini.js
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/gemini.js
@@ -149,6 +149,7 @@ ${contentWithoutFrontmatter}
     // Note: {user_name} and other {config_values} are left as-is for runtime substitution by Gemini
     const tomlContent = template
       .replaceAll('{{title}}', title)
+      .replaceAll('{{*bmad_folder*}}', '{bmad_folder}')
       .replaceAll('{{bmad_folder}}', this.bmadFolderName)
       .replaceAll('{{module}}', agent.module)
       .replaceAll('{{name}}', agent.name);
@@ -170,6 +171,7 @@ ${contentWithoutFrontmatter}
     // Replace template variables
     const tomlContent = template
       .replaceAll('{{taskName}}', taskName)
+      .replaceAll('{{*bmad_folder*}}', '{bmad_folder}')
       .replaceAll('{{bmad_folder}}', this.bmadFolderName)
       .replaceAll('{{module}}', task.module)
       .replaceAll('{{filename}}', task.filename);
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/shared/agent-command-generator.js b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/shared/agent-command-generator.js
index df2f16a3..d296c4ea 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/shared/agent-command-generator.js
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/shared/agent-command-generator.js
@@ -60,7 +60,8 @@ class AgentCommandGenerator {
       .replaceAll('{{name}}', agent.name)
       .replaceAll('{{module}}', agent.module)
       .replaceAll('{{description}}', agent.description || `${agent.name} agent`)
-      .replaceAll('{bmad_folder}', this.bmadFolderName);
+      .replaceAll('{bmad_folder}', this.bmadFolderName)
+      .replaceAll('{*bmad_folder*}', '{bmad_folder}');
   }
 
   /**
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/shared/workflow-command-generator.js b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/shared/workflow-command-generator.js
index 39c2c2e0..e7a2fe9a 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/shared/workflow-command-generator.js
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/ide/shared/workflow-command-generator.js
@@ -127,6 +127,7 @@ class WorkflowCommandGenerator {
       .replaceAll('{{description}}', workflow.description)
       .replaceAll('{{workflow_path}}', workflowPath)
       .replaceAll('{bmad_folder}', this.bmadFolderName)
+      .replaceAll('{*bmad_folder*}', '{bmad_folder}')
       .replaceAll('{{interactive}}', workflow.interactive)
       .replaceAll('{{author}}', workflow.author || 'BMAD');
   }
diff --git a/tools/cli/installers/lib/modules/manager.js b/tools/cli/installers/lib/modules/manager.js
index e4e1eded..f644991e 100644
--- a/tools/cli/installers/lib/modules/manager.js
+++ b/tools/cli/installers/lib/modules/manager.js
@@ -53,6 +53,11 @@ class ModuleManager {
         // Read the file content
         let content = await fs.readFile(sourcePath, 'utf8');
 
+        // Replace escape sequence {*bmad_folder*} with literal {bmad_folder}
+        if (content.includes('{*bmad_folder*}')) {
+          content = content.replaceAll('{*bmad_folder*}', '{bmad_folder}');
+        }
+
         // Replace {bmad_folder} placeholder with actual folder name
         if (content.includes('{bmad_folder}')) {
           content = content.replaceAll('{bmad_folder}', this.bmadFolderName);
@@ -396,8 +401,9 @@ class ModuleManager {
     // Read the source YAML file
     let yamlContent = await fs.readFile(sourceFile, 'utf8');
 
-    // IMPORTANT: Replace {bmad_folder} BEFORE parsing YAML
+    // IMPORTANT: Replace escape sequence and placeholder BEFORE parsing YAML
     // Otherwise parsing will fail on the placeholder
+    yamlContent = yamlContent.replaceAll('{*bmad_folder*}', '{bmad_folder}');
     yamlContent = yamlContent.replaceAll('{bmad_folder}', this.bmadFolderName);
 
     try {