thinking-log

Thinking Log Skill

This skill creates structured documentation of Claude's thinking process during implementation tasks, using visual diagrams and organized entries.

Purpose

• Document reasoning and decision-making process
• Create visual flows using Mermaid diagrams
• Provide audit trail for implementation decisions
• Help users understand the "why" behind code changes
• Enable knowledge transfer and learning

File Location

Default: ~/.claude/projects/{project-name}/docs/THINKING_LOG.md

If user prefers project-local storage: {project-root}/docs/THINKING_LOG.md

Always ask user preference on first use if not specified.

Document Structure

# Thinking Log - {Project/Feature Name}

> Brief description of what this log documents.

---

## Visual Overview

### Workflow Diagram
[Main workflow Mermaid diagram]

---

## Session: {DATE}

### {Timestamp} - {Task Title}

**Flow:**
```mermaid
flowchart LR
    A[Input] --> B[Process] --> C[Output]

Thinking:

[Raw thinking content - what was analyzed, considered, decided]

Decision: [What was decided and why] Action: [What was done] Result: [Outcome - success/failure/partial]

---

Methodology Summary

[Mindmap or summary of patterns used]

---

Lessons Learned

[Key insights from this implementation]

## Entry Types

### 1. Analysis Entry
For understanding existing code or requirements.

```mermaid
flowchart TD
    A[Read/Analyze] --> B{Findings}
    B --> C[Key Insight 1]
    B --> D[Key Insight 2]
    C --> E[Next Action]
    D --> E

2. Decision Entry

For choosing between alternatives.

flowchart TD
    A[Problem/Choice] --> B{Options}
    B --> C[Option A]
    B --> D[Option B]
    C --> E{Evaluation}
    D --> E
    E --> F[Selected: Option X]
    F --> G[Rationale]

3. Implementation Entry

For tracking implementation steps.

flowchart LR
    A[Task] --> B[Step 1] --> C[Step 2] --> D[Verify] --> E{OK?}
    E -->|Yes| F[Complete]
    E -->|No| G[Fix] --> D