62 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
62 lines
2.7 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: "Workflows FAQ"
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description: Common questions about BMad Method workflows and phases
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---
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Quick answers to common questions about BMad Method workflows and phases.
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## Questions
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- [What's the difference between workflow-status and workflow-init?](#whats-the-difference-between-workflow-status-and-workflow-init)
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- [Can I skip Phase 1 (Analysis)?](#can-i-skip-phase-1-analysis)
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- [When is Phase 3 (Architecture) required?](#when-is-phase-3-architecture-required)
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- [What happens if I skip a recommended workflow?](#what-happens-if-i-skip-a-recommended-workflow)
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- [How do I know when Phase 3 is complete?](#how-do-i-know-when-phase-3-is-complete)
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- [Can I run workflows in parallel?](#can-i-run-workflows-in-parallel)
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### What's the difference between workflow-status and workflow-init?
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- **workflow-status** — Checks existing status and tells you what's next (use when continuing work)
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- **workflow-init** — Creates new status file and sets up project (use when starting new project)
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If status file exists, use workflow-status. If not, use workflow-init.
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### Can I skip Phase 1 (Analysis)?
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Yes! Phase 1 is optional for all levels, though recommended for complex projects. Skip if:
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- Requirements are clear
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- No research needed
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- Time-sensitive work
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- Small changes (Level 0-1)
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### When is Phase 3 (Architecture) required?
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- **Level 0-1** — Never (skip entirely)
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- **Level 2** — Optional (only if system design needed)
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- **Level 3-4** — Required (comprehensive architecture mandatory)
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### What happens if I skip a recommended workflow?
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Nothing breaks! Workflows are guidance, not enforcement. However, skipping recommended workflows (like architecture for Level 3) may cause:
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- Integration issues during implementation
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- Rework due to poor planning
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- Conflicting design decisions
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- Longer development time overall
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### How do I know when Phase 3 is complete?
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For Level 3-4, run the implementation-readiness workflow. It validates PRD + Architecture + Epics + UX (optional) are aligned before implementation. Pass the gate check = ready for Phase 4.
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### Can I run workflows in parallel?
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Most workflows must be sequential within a phase:
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- **Phase 1** — brainstorm → research → product-brief (optional order)
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- **Phase 2** — PRD must complete before moving forward
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- **Phase 3** — architecture → epics+stories → implementation-readiness (sequential)
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- **Phase 4** — Stories within an epic should generally be sequential, but stories in different epics can be parallel if you have capacity
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**Have a question not answered here?** Please [open an issue](https://github.com/bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD/issues) or ask in [Discord](https://discord.gg/gk8jAdXWmj) so we can add it!
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