Implementing a Task

Once a plan has been decomposed into tasks, each task is ready to implement. During implementation, Claude Code writes the actual code, creates files, and makes the changes necessary to complete the task. Use this workflow when you’re ready to have Claude start coding on a specific piece of work.

Prerequisites

• A plan that has been decomposed into tasks
• At least one task in the Planning column
• Claude Code running and accessible

Steps

1. Open the Atelier kanban board and locate the task you want to implement in the Planning column.

Tasks display their ID (such as “TASK-0001”) at the top of the card, along with a reference to their parent plan. If a task is blocked by another task, you will see a blocked indicator on the card.

2. Choose a task that is not blocked by other incomplete tasks.

Implementing tasks in dependency order ensures that prerequisite work is finished before dependent tasks begin.

3. Click on the task card to open the sidebar.

The sidebar displays the task’s subject, description, parent plan, and any blocking relationships.

4. Click the Implement button in the sidebar.

Atelier opens a new terminal tab and sends a prompt to Claude Code using the atelier-implement skill. The prompt follows the template: “Use the atelier-implement skill to implement {task-path.json}”.

5. Switch to the terminal tab where Claude Code is now working.

Claude Code begins implementing the task. It reads the task definition, writes code, creates or modifies files, and works toward completing the task’s requirements.

6. Return to the Atelier kanban board while Claude works.

The task card moves to the In Progress column. The circle icon on the card animates to indicate that work is actively happening. The board continues to update in real time as Claude makes progress.

7. Monitor the task’s progress by watching the board or checking the terminal.

Claude may ask you questions during implementation using its ask_user tool. If this happens, switch to the terminal and respond to keep the work moving.

8. Wait for Claude to finish implementing the task.

When Claude completes the implementation, it updates the task’s status. The task card moves to the In Review column, and the animated progress indicator stops.

Caution

While a task is in progress, avoid editing the same files that Claude is working on. If you save changes to a file that Claude is also modifying, Claude may overwrite your edits when it applies its own changes. Look for the animated circle icon to identify which tasks are actively being worked on, and wait for Claude to complete before making manual edits to related files.

9. If you need to implement multiple tasks, return to step 1 and select the next unblocked task.

You can have multiple tasks in progress simultaneously if they don’t share file dependencies.

The task is now implemented and waiting for verification. Before the work can be considered complete, you need to verify that it meets the acceptance criteria defined in the parent plan.