Start Here
Your first session with GSD — 5 oriented steps from install to shipping your first phase
beginnerStep 1: Start a new project
Run /gsd:new-project in your project directory. GSD initialises .planning/ with PROJECT.md, ROADMAP.md, and STATE.md — the three files that keep your session context across conversations.
$ /gsd:new-projectStep 2: Discuss your first phase
Run /gsd:discuss-phase 1. GSD asks clarifying questions about scope, constraints, and priorities. Your answers lock the decisions that shape the plan — this is where you steer the work, not just approve it.
$ /gsd:discuss-phase 1Don’t skip the discuss step. A five-minute discussion prevents a misaligned plan.
Step 3: Plan the phase
After discussing, run /gsd:plan-phase 1. GSD creates numbered PLAN.md files under .planning/phases/01-*/. Each plan covers a focused slice of work with explicit tasks, verification steps, and success criteria.
$ /gsd:plan-phase 1Step 4: Execute
Run /gsd:execute-phase 1. GSD works through each plan autonomously — writing code, running builds, committing each task. Checkpoint tasks pause and ask for your input (visual verification, decisions, or credentials).
$ /gsd:execute-phase 1Step 5: Verify and move on
Run /gsd:verify-work 1 after execution. GSD checks that all requirements are met against the phase plan. Fix any gaps, then move to Phase 2 with /gsd:discuss-phase 2.
$ /gsd:verify-work 1Where to go next
- Understanding the phase loop — how discuss → plan → execute → verify fits together
- All commands — complete command reference with flags and examples
- Understanding agents — which agent does what and when
- What’s in .planning/ — every file GSD creates and what it contains