BMAD-METHOD/.patch/826/syntax-analysis.md

6.3 KiB

PR #826 Syntax & Convention Analysis

Date: 2025-10-28
File: high-level-product-plan.md


Summary

Verdict: ⚠️ The document has placement issues but syntax is valid.

The file follows standard Markdown syntax and would pass basic validation, but it doesn't follow BMAD-METHOD conventions for documentation organization or integrate with the BMAD framework.


Syntax Validation

Markdown Format

  • Valid Markdown: Standard ATX headings, bullet lists, bold formatting
  • Prettier Compatible: Will pass npm run format:check (standard Markdown)
  • No Special BMAD Syntax Required: Unlike agents (.agent.yaml) or workflows (workflow.yaml), regular docs just need valid Markdown

Content Structure

  • Logical 8-section hierarchy
  • Consistent formatting (headings, lists, bold)
  • No broken links or invalid syntax
  • Readable and well-organized

BMAD Convention Issues

Placement Violation

Problem: File is placed at repository root (/high-level-product-plan.md)

BMAD Repository Root Convention: Based on current structure, root-level .md files are limited to:

  • README.md - Project overview and quick start
  • CHANGELOG.md - Version history
  • CONTRIBUTING.md - Contribution guidelines
  • v6-open-items.md - Development tracking (temporary/internal)

Root directory observations:

bmad-v6/
├── README.md           ← Entry point
├── CHANGELOG.md        ← Version history
├── CONTRIBUTING.md     ← How to contribute
├── v6-open-items.md    ← Internal dev notes
├── PRD.md              ← DOES NOT EXIST (workflows generate this in project dirs)
├── LICENSE
├── package.json
├── docs/               ← Documentation home
├── bmad/               ← Method assets
├── src/                ← Source code
└── tools/              ← CLI and utilities

Documentation Organization

Expected location: docs/planning/ or docs/guides/

Evidence from codebase:

  • docs/ directory exists for documentation
  • docs/ide-info/ - IDE-specific guides
  • docs/installers-bundlers/ - Technical guides
  • Pattern suggests: docs/{category}/{topic}.md

No BMAD Integration

Issue: Content is 100% generic, no BMAD-specific elements

Missing BMAD integration opportunities:

  1. No references to BMAD workflows

    • Should reference prd workflow for PRD creation
    • Should reference tech-spec workflow for technical planning
    • Should reference architect agent for architecture decisions
  2. No CLI commands

    • Could show bmad architect for architecture planning
    • Could show bmad pm for product planning
    • Could show workflow triggers
  3. No BMAD terminology

    • Doesn't mention agents, modules, or workflows
    • Doesn't align with BMM (BMAD Method for Managing) concepts
    • Generic "Agile/Scrum/Kanban" instead of BMAD's leveled approach

From commit message:

"Structure content to align with BMad Method PRD and Architecture templates"

Reality: Content does NOT actually align with BMAD templates or reference them.


Comparison with BMAD Documentation Patterns

BMAD Workflow Documentation Pattern

Example: src/modules/bmm/workflows/2-plan-workflows/README.md

  • Describes workflow purpose and BMAD context
  • Shows CLI invocation (*prd, bmad pm)
  • References agents and other workflows
  • Includes BMAD-specific levels and phases

This PR's Document

  • Generic planning checklist
  • No CLI integration
  • No agent references
  • No workflow context
  • Could apply to any software project

Issues Detected

Issue Severity Description
Root placement High Violates repository organization convention
No BMAD integration Medium Generic content doesn't leverage BMAD
Filename genericity Low high-level-product-plan.md is vague
Missing categorization Medium Unclear if reference, guide, or template
Commit message mismatch Medium Claims BMAD alignment but doesn't deliver

Recommendations

Action: Move to docs/planning/product-planning-checklist.md

Enhancements to add:

## Using BMAD for Product Planning

This checklist can be completed using BMAD workflows:

- **Product Requirements**: Use `bmad pm``*prd` workflow
- **Architecture Planning**: Use `bmad architect``*architecture` workflow
- **Technical Specifications**: Use `bmad architect``*tech-spec` workflow

For detailed planning, see:

- [BMM Planning Workflows](../src/modules/bmm/workflows/2-plan-workflows/README.md)
- [Architecture Workflows](../src/modules/bmm/workflows/3-architecture/README.md)

Option 2: Keep Generic, Relocate

Action: Move to docs/references/product-planning-considerations.md

Add disclaimer:

> **Note**: This is a general reference guide. For BMAD-specific planning,
> see the [BMM Module documentation](../src/modules/bmm/README.md).

Option 3: Request Rewrite as BMAD Guide

Action: Ask contributor to transform into BMAD-specific guide

Example structure:

# Product Planning with BMAD

## 1. Initial Planning (Level 0-1)

Use `bmad pm` agent with `*brief` workflow...

## 2. Requirements (Level 2-4)

Use `bmad pm` agent with `*prd` workflow...

## 3. Architecture Planning

Use `bmad architect` agent...

Testing Plan

If we accept with relocation:

  1. Lint check:

    npm run format:check -- "docs/planning/product-planning-checklist.md"
    
  2. Link validation: Ensure any added BMAD references are valid paths

  3. Documentation index: Update docs/README.md if it exists

  4. Consistency check: Verify filename follows kebab-case pattern


Conclusion

Syntax: Valid Markdown, no formatting issues
BMAD Convention: Violates placement, lacks integration
Fix Complexity: Low (simple file move + optional enhancements)
Recommended Action: Request relocation to docs/planning/ with optional BMAD integration suggestions