sequential-thinking

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Use when complex problems require systematic step-by-step reasoning with ability to revise thoughts, branch into alternative approaches, or dynamically adjust scope. Ideal for multi-stage analysis, design planning, problem decomposition, or tasks with initially unclear scope.

1installs

Sourcejackspace/claudeskillz

Added on2026-02-08

NPX Install

npx skill4agent add jackspace/claudeskillz sequential-thinking

SKILL.md Content

Sequential Thinking

Enables structured problem-solving through iterative reasoning with revision and branching capabilities.

Core Capabilities

Iterative reasoning: Break complex problems into sequential thought steps
Dynamic scope: Adjust total thought count as understanding evolves
Revision tracking: Reconsider and modify previous conclusions
Branch exploration: Explore alternative reasoning paths from any point
Maintained context: Keep track of reasoning chain throughout analysis

When to Use

Use

mcp__reasoning__sequentialthinking

when:

Problem requires multiple interconnected reasoning steps
Initial scope or approach is uncertain
Need to filter through complexity to find core issues
May need to backtrack or revise earlier conclusions
Want to explore alternative solution paths

Don't use for: Simple queries, direct facts, or single-step tasks.

Basic Usage

The MCP tool

mcp__reasoning__sequentialthinking

accepts these parameters:

Required Parameters

```
thought
```
(string): Current reasoning step
```
nextThoughtNeeded
```
(boolean): Whether more reasoning is needed
```
thoughtNumber
```
(integer): Current step number (starts at 1)
```
totalThoughts
```
(integer): Estimated total steps needed

Optional Parameters

```
isRevision
```
(boolean): Indicates this revises previous thinking
```
revisesThought
```
(integer): Which thought number is being reconsidered
```
branchFromThought
```
(integer): Thought number to branch from
```
branchId
```
(string): Identifier for this reasoning branch

Workflow Pattern

1. Start with initial thought (thoughtNumber: 1)
2. For each step:
   - Express current reasoning in `thought`
   - Estimate remaining work via `totalThoughts` (adjust dynamically)
   - Set `nextThoughtNeeded: true` to continue
3. When reaching conclusion, set `nextThoughtNeeded: false`

Simple Example

typescript

// First thought
{
  thought: "Problem involves optimizing database queries. Need to identify bottlenecks first.",
  thoughtNumber: 1,
  totalThoughts: 5,
  nextThoughtNeeded: true
}

// Second thought
{
  thought: "Analyzing query patterns reveals N+1 problem in user fetches.",
  thoughtNumber: 2,
  totalThoughts: 6, // Adjusted scope
  nextThoughtNeeded: true
}

// ... continue until done

Advanced Features

For revision patterns, branching strategies, and complex workflows, see:

Advanced Usage - Revision and branching patterns
Examples - Real-world use cases

Tips

Start with rough estimate for
```
totalThoughts
```
, refine as you progress
Use revision when assumptions prove incorrect
Branch when multiple approaches seem viable
Express uncertainty explicitly in thoughts
Adjust scope freely - accuracy matters less than progress visibility