BMAD-METHOD/bmad-core/checklists/task-execution-validation.md

5.6 KiB

Task Execution Validation Checklist

Purpose: Ensure bmad agents execute configured task files rather than falling back to generic tools, preventing automation workflow failures.

Instructions: Use this checklist before executing any command that maps to a specific task file to ensure proper file resolution and workflow execution.


Pre-Execution Validation

File Resolution Verification

  • Command maps to specific task file: Verify command has corresponding .bmad-core/tasks/{task-name}.md file
  • Task file exists: Confirm the actual task file is accessible in the bmad-core structure
  • Correct file path: Use exact path .bmad-core/tasks/{task-name}.md (not relative paths)
  • File permissions: Ensure task file can be read by agent

Tool Selection Validation

  • Use Read tool (NOT Task tool): For configured commands, always use Read tool to load actual task file
  • No generic Task tool: Avoid generic Task tool when specific task files exist
  • No improvisation: Do not create custom prompts when task files are configured
  • Follow dependencies: Use exact task names listed in agent dependencies section

During Execution Verification

Workflow Compliance

  • Load actual task file: Use Read tool to load the complete task file content
  • Follow defined phases: Execute all phases/steps defined in the task file
  • Apply automation behaviors: Execute any automation triggers defined in agent configuration
  • Use task-specific logic: Follow task file logic, not generic analysis patterns

Output Validation

  • Task file execution confirmed: Tool output shows task file name, not generic "Task"
  • Phases documented: Output shows specific phases from the actual task file
  • Scores calculated: If task includes scoring, numerical scores should be present
  • Automation triggered: If conditions met, automation behaviors should execute

Post-Execution Verification

Results Validation

  • Expected output format: Results match the format defined in the task file
  • Automation actions executed: If triggered, auto-remediation/escalation actions completed
  • File updates completed: Any required file updates (story files, reports) performed
  • Workflow completion: All task file requirements satisfied

Failure Detection

  • No generic analysis: Results are not generic recommendations but task-specific outcomes
  • No manual fallback: Agent did not fall back to manual analysis when automation was configured
  • No tool bypass: Agent did not bypass configured task execution with generic tools
  • No incomplete workflows: All automation behaviors were attempted if conditions were met

Common Failure Patterns to Avoid

Incorrect Execution Patterns

Generic Task Tool Usage:

● Task(Description of work)
Manual analysis and recommendations...

Missing File Resolution:

Command maps to reality-audit-comprehensive.md
But agent uses Task tool with custom prompt

Incomplete Automation:

Conditions met for auto-remediation
But only manual recommendations provided

Correct Execution Patterns

Proper Task File Execution:

● reality-audit-comprehensive  
Phase 1: Pre-Audit Investigation ✅
Phase 2: Simulation Pattern Detection ✅
...
Composite Reality Score: 65% ❌
AUTO-REMEDIATION TRIGGERED

File Resolution Success:

Read(.bmad-core/tasks/reality-audit-comprehensive.md)
Following defined workflow from task file...
Automation behaviors applied...

Agent-Specific Validation

Developer Agent Commands

  • *reality-audit → Read bmad-core/tasks/reality-audit-comprehensive.md
  • *build-context → Read bmad-core/tasks/build-context-analysis.md
  • *escalate → Read bmad-core/tasks/loop-detection-escalation.md

QA Agent Commands

  • *reality-audit → Read bmad-core/tasks/reality-audit-comprehensive.md
  • *audit-validation → Read bmad-core/tasks/reality-audit-comprehensive.md
  • *create-remediation → Read bmad-core/tasks/create-remediation-story.md
  • *escalate → Read bmad-core/tasks/loop-detection-escalation.md

Universal Commands

  • *create-doc → Read bmad-core/tasks/create-doc.md
  • All agents should use Read tool for their configured dependencies

Troubleshooting File Resolution Issues

If Task File Not Found

  1. Verify file path: Check .bmad-core/tasks/{task-name}.md exists
  2. Check dependencies: Confirm task listed in agent dependencies section
  3. Use absolute path: Specify complete path if relative path fails
  4. Escalate if persistent: Use loop-detection-escalation if repeated failures

If Automation Not Triggering

  1. Confirm task file execution: Ensure Read tool was used, not Task tool
  2. Verify automation config: Check agent automation_behavior settings
  3. Validate conditions: Ensure trigger conditions are actually met
  4. Check task file logic: Verify task file contains automation triggers

If Generic Analysis Provided

  1. Stop and restart: Do not accept generic analysis for configured commands
  2. Force file execution: Explicitly use Read tool on specific task file
  3. Follow task workflow: Execute phases defined in actual task file
  4. Apply agent automation: Use automation_behavior settings from agent config

This checklist ensures agents execute their configured workflows consistently, preventing the automation bypass issues that cause quality framework failures.