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sequential-thinking

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Sequential Thinking

Sequential Thinking（顺序思维）

Structured problem-solving via manageable, reflective thought sequences with dynamic adjustment.
通过可控、具备反思性的动态调整思维序列实现结构化问题解决。

When to Apply

适用场景

  • Complex problem decomposition
  • Adaptive planning with revision capability
  • Analysis needing course correction
  • Problems with unclear/emerging scope
  • Multi-step solutions requiring context maintenance
  • Hypothesis-driven investigation/debugging
  • 复杂问题分解
  • 具备修正能力的自适应规划
  • 需要路线修正的分析工作
  • 范围模糊或不断变化的问题
  • 需要维持上下文的多步骤解决方案
  • 基于假设的调查/调试

Core Process

核心流程

1. Start with Loose Estimate

1. 从粗略预估开始

Thought 1/5: [Initial analysis]
Adjust dynamically as understanding evolves.
Thought 1/5: [Initial analysis]
随着认知的深入动态调整。

2. Structure Each Thought

2. 结构化每个思维步骤

  • Build on previous context explicitly
  • Address one aspect per thought
  • State assumptions, uncertainties, realizations
  • Signal what next thought should address
  • 明确基于之前的上下文展开
  • 每个思维步骤聚焦一个方面
  • 说明假设、不确定性和新认知
  • 指明下一个思维步骤应解决的问题

3. Apply Dynamic Adjustment

3. 应用动态调整

  • Expand: More complexity discovered → increase total
  • Contract: Simpler than expected → decrease total
  • Revise: New insight invalidates previous → mark revision
  • Branch: Multiple approaches → explore alternatives
  • 扩展：发现更多复杂度 → 增加总步骤数
  • 收缩：问题比预期简单 → 减少总步骤数
  • 修正：新见解推翻之前结论 → 标记修正
  • 分支：存在多种方法 → 探索替代方案

4. Use Revision When Needed

4. 必要时进行修正

Thought 5/8 [REVISION of Thought 2]: [Corrected understanding]
- Original: [What was stated]
- Why revised: [New insight]
- Impact: [What changes]
Thought 5/8 [REVISION of Thought 2]: [Corrected understanding]
- Original: [What was stated]
- Why revised: [New insight]
- Impact: [What changes]

5. Branch for Alternatives

5. 针对替代方案分支

Thought 4/7 [BRANCH A from Thought 2]: [Approach A]
Thought 4/7 [BRANCH B from Thought 2]: [Approach B]
Compare explicitly, converge with decision rationale.
Thought 4/7 [BRANCH A from Thought 2]: [Approach A]
Thought 4/7 [BRANCH B from Thought 2]: [Approach B]
明确对比，结合决策依据收敛到最终方案。

6. Generate & Verify Hypotheses

6. 生成并验证假设

Thought 6/9 [HYPOTHESIS]: [Proposed solution]
Thought 7/9 [VERIFICATION]: [Test results]
Iterate until hypothesis verified.
Thought 6/9 [HYPOTHESIS]: [Proposed solution]
Thought 7/9 [VERIFICATION]: [Test results]
迭代直至假设得到验证。

7. Complete Only When Ready

7. 准备就绪后再完成

Mark final: 
Thought N/N [FINAL]
Complete when:
  • Solution verified
  • All critical aspects addressed
  • Confidence achieved
  • No outstanding uncertainties
标记完成：
Thought N/N [FINAL]
完成标准：
  • 解决方案已验证
  • 所有关键方面已覆盖
  • 已获得足够信心
  • 无未解决的不确定性

Application Modes

应用模式

Explicit: Use visible thought markers when complexity warrants visible reasoning or user requests breakdown.
Implicit: Apply methodology internally for routine problem-solving where thinking aids accuracy without cluttering response.
显式模式：当问题复杂到需要展示推理过程，或用户要求拆解时，使用可见的思维标记。
隐式模式：在常规问题解决中内部应用该方法论，借助思维辅助提升准确性，同时避免干扰回复内容。

Scripts (Optional)

脚本（可选）

Optional scripts for deterministic validation/tracking:
  • scripts/process-thought.js
    - Validate & track thoughts with history
  • scripts/format-thought.js
    - Format for display (box/markdown/simple)
See README.md for usage examples. Use when validation/persistence needed; otherwise apply methodology directly.
用于确定性验证/追踪的可选脚本：
  • scripts/process-thought.js
    - 验证并追踪带历史记录的思维步骤
  • scripts/format-thought.js
    - 格式化显示（框体/Markdown/简洁格式）
用法示例请查看README.md。当需要验证/持久化时使用脚本；否则直接应用该方法论。

References

参考资料

Load when deeper understanding needed:
  • references/core-patterns.md
    - Revision & branching patterns
  • references/examples-api.md
    - API design example
  • references/examples-debug.md
    - Debugging example
  • references/examples-architecture.md
    - Architecture decision example
  • references/advanced-techniques.md
    - Spiral refinement, hypothesis testing, convergence
  • references/advanced-strategies.md
    - Uncertainty, revision cascades, meta-thinking
需要深入理解时可查阅：
  • references/core-patterns.md
    - 修正与分支模式
  • references/examples-api.md
    - API设计示例
  • references/examples-debug.md
    - 调试示例
  • references/examples-architecture.md
    - 架构决策示例
  • references/advanced-techniques.md
    - 螺旋式优化、假设测试、收敛方法
  • references/advanced-strategies.md
    - 不确定性处理、修正连锁反应、元思维