msd-core/get-shit-done/references/checkpoints.md

Plans execute autonomously. Checkpoints formalize the interaction points where human verification or decisions are needed.

Core principle: Claude automates everything with CLI/API. Checkpoints are for verification and decisions, not manual work.

Golden rules:

1. If Claude can run it, Claude runs it - Never ask user to execute CLI commands, start servers, or run builds
2. Claude sets up the verification environment - Start dev servers, seed databases, configure env vars
3. User only does what requires human judgment - Visual checks, UX evaluation, "does this feel right?"
4. Secrets come from user, automation comes from Claude - Ask for API keys, then Claude uses them via CLI

<checkpoint_types>

## checkpoint:human-verify (Most Common - 90%)

When: Claude completed automated work, human confirms it works correctly.

Use for:

• Visual UI checks (layout, styling, responsiveness)
• Interactive flows (click through wizard, test user flows)
• Functional verification (feature works as expected)
• Audio/video playback quality
• Animation smoothness
• Accessibility testing

Structure:

<task type="checkpoint:human-verify" gate="blocking">
  <what-built>[What Claude automated and deployed/built]</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>
    [Exact steps to test - URLs, commands, expected behavior]
  </how-to-verify>
  <resume-signal>[How to continue - "approved", "yes", or describe issues]</resume-signal>
</task>

Key elements:

• <what-built>: What Claude automated (deployed, built, configured)
• <how-to-verify>: Exact steps to confirm it works (numbered, specific)
• <resume-signal>: Clear indication of how to continue

Example: Vercel Deployment

<task type="auto">
  <name>Deploy to Vercel</name>
  <files>.vercel/, vercel.json</files>
  <action>Run `vercel --yes` to create project and deploy. Capture deployment URL from output.</action>
  <verify>vercel ls shows deployment, curl {url} returns 200</verify>
  <done>App deployed, URL captured</done>
</task>

<task type="checkpoint:human-verify" gate="blocking">
  <what-built>Deployed to Vercel at https://myapp-abc123.vercel.app</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>
    Visit https://myapp-abc123.vercel.app and confirm:
    - Homepage loads without errors
    - Login form is visible
    - No console errors in browser DevTools
  </how-to-verify>
  <resume-signal>Type "approved" to continue, or describe issues to fix</resume-signal>
</task>

Example: UI Component

<task type="auto">
  <name>Build responsive dashboard layout</name>
  <files>src/components/Dashboard.tsx, src/app/dashboard/page.tsx</files>
  <action>Create dashboard with sidebar, header, and content area. Use Tailwind responsive classes for mobile.</action>
  <verify>npm run build succeeds, no TypeScript errors</verify>
  <done>Dashboard component builds without errors</done>
</task>

<task type="auto">
  <name>Start dev server for verification</name>
  <action>Run `npm run dev` in background, wait for "ready" message, capture port</action>
  <verify>curl http://localhost:3000 returns 200</verify>
  <done>Dev server running at http://localhost:3000</done>
</task>

<task type="checkpoint:human-verify" gate="blocking">
  <what-built>Responsive dashboard layout - dev server running at http://localhost:3000</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>
    Visit http://localhost:3000/dashboard and verify:
    1. Desktop (>1024px): Sidebar left, content right, header top
    2. Tablet (768px): Sidebar collapses to hamburger menu
    3. Mobile (375px): Single column layout, bottom nav appears
    4. No layout shift or horizontal scroll at any size
  </how-to-verify>
  <resume-signal>Type "approved" or describe layout issues</resume-signal>
</task>

Key pattern: Claude starts the dev server BEFORE the checkpoint. User only needs to visit the URL.

Example: Xcode Build

<task type="auto">
  <name>Build macOS app with Xcode</name>
  <files>App.xcodeproj, Sources/</files>
  <action>Run `xcodebuild -project App.xcodeproj -scheme App build`. Check for compilation errors in output.</action>
  <verify>Build output contains "BUILD SUCCEEDED", no errors</verify>
  <done>App builds successfully</done>
</task>

<task type="checkpoint:human-verify" gate="blocking">
  <what-built>Built macOS app at DerivedData/Build/Products/Debug/App.app</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>
    Open App.app and test:
    - App launches without crashes
    - Menu bar icon appears
    - Preferences window opens correctly
    - No visual glitches or layout issues
  </how-to-verify>
  <resume-signal>Type "approved" or describe issues</resume-signal>
</task>

## checkpoint:decision (9%)

When: Human must make choice that affects implementation direction.

Use for:

• Technology selection (which auth provider, which database)
• Architecture decisions (monorepo vs separate repos)
• Design choices (color scheme, layout approach)
• Feature prioritization (which variant to build)
• Data model decisions (schema structure)

Structure:

<task type="checkpoint:decision" gate="blocking">
  <decision>[What's being decided]</decision>
  <context>[Why this decision matters]</context>
  <options>
    <option id="option-a">
      <name>[Option name]</name>
      <pros>[Benefits]</pros>
      <cons>[Tradeoffs]</cons>
    </option>
    <option id="option-b">
      <name>[Option name]</name>
      <pros>[Benefits]</pros>
      <cons>[Tradeoffs]</cons>
    </option>
  </options>
  <resume-signal>[How to indicate choice]</resume-signal>
</task>

Key elements:

• <decision>: What's being decided
• <context>: Why this matters
• <options>: Each option with balanced pros/cons (not prescriptive)
• <resume-signal>: How to indicate choice

Example: Auth Provider Selection

<task type="checkpoint:decision" gate="blocking">
  <decision>Select authentication provider</decision>
  <context>
    Need user authentication for the app. Three solid options with different tradeoffs.
  </context>
  <options>
    <option id="supabase">
      <name>Supabase Auth</name>
      <pros>Built-in with Supabase DB we're using, generous free tier, row-level security integration</pros>
      <cons>Less customizable UI, tied to Supabase ecosystem</cons>
    </option>
    <option id="clerk">
      <name>Clerk</name>
      <pros>Beautiful pre-built UI, best developer experience, excellent docs</pros>
      <cons>Paid after 10k MAU, vendor lock-in</cons>
    </option>
    <option id="nextauth">
      <name>NextAuth.js</name>
      <pros>Free, self-hosted, maximum control, widely adopted</pros>
      <cons>More setup work, you manage security updates, UI is DIY</cons>
    </option>
  </options>
  <resume-signal>Select: supabase, clerk, or nextauth</resume-signal>
</task>

Example: Database Selection

<task type="checkpoint:decision" gate="blocking">
  <decision>Select database for user data</decision>
  <context>
    App needs persistent storage for users, sessions, and user-generated content.
    Expected scale: 10k users, 1M records first year.
  </context>
  <options>
    <option id="supabase">
      <name>Supabase (Postgres)</name>
      <pros>Full SQL, generous free tier, built-in auth, real-time subscriptions</pros>
      <cons>Vendor lock-in for real-time features, less flexible than raw Postgres</cons>
    </option>
    <option id="planetscale">
      <name>PlanetScale (MySQL)</name>
      <pros>Serverless scaling, branching workflow, excellent DX</pros>
      <cons>MySQL not Postgres, no foreign keys in free tier</cons>
    </option>
    <option id="convex">
      <name>Convex</name>
      <pros>Real-time by default, TypeScript-native, automatic caching</pros>
      <cons>Newer platform, different mental model, less SQL flexibility</cons>
    </option>
  </options>
  <resume-signal>Select: supabase, planetscale, or convex</resume-signal>
</task>

## checkpoint:human-action (1% - Rare)

When: Action has NO CLI/API and requires human-only interaction, OR Claude hit an authentication gate during automation.

Use ONLY for:

• Authentication gates - Claude tried to use CLI/API but needs credentials to continue (this is NOT a failure)
• Email verification links (account creation requires clicking email)
• SMS 2FA codes (phone verification)
• Manual account approvals (platform requires human review before API access)
• Credit card 3D Secure flows (web-based payment authorization)
• OAuth app approvals (some platforms require web-based approval)

Do NOT use for pre-planned manual work:

• Manually deploying to Vercel (use vercel CLI - auth gate if needed)
• Manually creating Stripe webhooks (use Stripe API - auth gate if needed)
• Manually creating databases (use provider CLI - auth gate if needed)
• Running builds/tests manually (use Bash tool)
• Creating files manually (use Write tool)

Structure:

<task type="checkpoint:human-action" gate="blocking">
  <action>[What human must do - Claude already did everything automatable]</action>
  <instructions>
    [What Claude already automated]
    [The ONE thing requiring human action]
  </instructions>
  <verification>[What Claude can check afterward]</verification>
  <resume-signal>[How to continue]</resume-signal>
</task>

Key principle: Claude automates EVERYTHING possible first, only asks human for the truly unavoidable manual step.

Example: Email Verification

<task type="auto">
  <name>Create SendGrid account via API</name>
  <action>Use SendGrid API to create subuser account with provided email. Request verification email.</action>
  <verify>API returns 201, account created</verify>
  <done>Account created, verification email sent</done>
</task>

<task type="checkpoint:human-action" gate="blocking">
  <action>Complete email verification for SendGrid account</action>
  <instructions>
    I created the account and requested verification email.
    Check your inbox for SendGrid verification link and click it.
  </instructions>
  <verification>SendGrid API key works: curl test succeeds</verification>
  <resume-signal>Type "done" when email verified</resume-signal>
</task>

Example: Credit Card 3D Secure

<task type="auto">
  <name>Create Stripe payment intent</name>
  <action>Use Stripe API to create payment intent for $99. Generate checkout URL.</action>
  <verify>Stripe API returns payment intent ID and URL</verify>
  <done>Payment intent created</done>
</task>

<task type="checkpoint:human-action" gate="blocking">
  <action>Complete 3D Secure authentication</action>
  <instructions>
    I created the payment intent: https://checkout.stripe.com/pay/cs_test_abc123
    Visit that URL and complete the 3D Secure verification flow with your test card.
  </instructions>
  <verification>Stripe webhook receives payment_intent.succeeded event</verification>
  <resume-signal>Type "done" when payment completes</resume-signal>
</task>

Example: Authentication Gate (Dynamic Checkpoint)

<task type="auto">
  <name>Deploy to Vercel</name>
  <files>.vercel/, vercel.json</files>
  <action>Run `vercel --yes` to deploy</action>
  <verify>vercel ls shows deployment, curl returns 200</verify>
</task>

<!-- If vercel returns "Error: Not authenticated", Claude creates checkpoint on the fly -->

<task type="checkpoint:human-action" gate="blocking">
  <action>Authenticate Vercel CLI so I can continue deployment</action>
  <instructions>
    I tried to deploy but got authentication error.
    Run: vercel login
    This will open your browser - complete the authentication flow.
  </instructions>
  <verification>vercel whoami returns your account email</verification>
  <resume-signal>Type "done" when authenticated</resume-signal>
</task>

<!-- After authentication, Claude retries the deployment -->

<task type="auto">
  <name>Retry Vercel deployment</name>
  <action>Run `vercel --yes` (now authenticated)</action>
  <verify>vercel ls shows deployment, curl returns 200</verify>
</task>

Key distinction: Authentication gates are created dynamically when Claude encounters auth errors during automation. They're NOT pre-planned - Claude tries to automate first, only asks for credentials when blocked. </checkpoint_types>

<execution_protocol>

When Claude encounters type="checkpoint:*":

1. Stop immediately - do not proceed to next task
2. Display checkpoint clearly using the format below
3. Wait for user response - do not hallucinate completion
4. Verify if possible - check files, run tests, whatever is specified
5. Resume execution - continue to next task only after confirmation

For checkpoint:human-verify:

╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║  CHECKPOINT: Verification Required                    ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

Progress: 5/8 tasks complete
Task: Responsive dashboard layout

Built: Responsive dashboard at /dashboard

How to verify:
  1. Run: npm run dev
  2. Visit: http://localhost:3000/dashboard
  3. Desktop (>1024px): Sidebar visible, content fills remaining space
  4. Tablet (768px): Sidebar collapses to icons
  5. Mobile (375px): Sidebar hidden, hamburger menu appears

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
→ YOUR ACTION: Type "approved" or describe issues
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

For checkpoint:decision:

╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║  CHECKPOINT: Decision Required                        ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

Progress: 2/6 tasks complete
Task: Select authentication provider

Decision: Which auth provider should we use?

Context: Need user authentication. Three options with different tradeoffs.

Options:
  1. supabase - Built-in with our DB, free tier
     Pros: Row-level security integration, generous free tier
     Cons: Less customizable UI, ecosystem lock-in

  2. clerk - Best DX, paid after 10k users
     Pros: Beautiful pre-built UI, excellent documentation
     Cons: Vendor lock-in, pricing at scale

  3. nextauth - Self-hosted, maximum control
     Pros: Free, no vendor lock-in, widely adopted
     Cons: More setup work, DIY security updates

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
→ YOUR ACTION: Select supabase, clerk, or nextauth
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

For checkpoint:human-action:

╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║  CHECKPOINT: Action Required                          ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

Progress: 3/8 tasks complete
Task: Deploy to Vercel

Attempted: vercel --yes
Error: Not authenticated. Please run 'vercel login'

What you need to do:
  1. Run: vercel login
  2. Complete browser authentication when it opens
  3. Return here when done

I'll verify: vercel whoami returns your account

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
→ YOUR ACTION: Type "done" when authenticated
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

</execution_protocol>

<authentication_gates>

Critical: When Claude tries CLI/API and gets auth error, this is NOT a failure - it's a gate requiring human input to unblock automation.

Pattern: Claude tries automation → auth error → creates checkpoint → you authenticate → Claude retries → continues

Gate protocol:

1. Recognize it's not a failure - missing auth is expected
2. Stop current task - don't retry repeatedly
3. Create checkpoint:human-action dynamically
4. Provide exact authentication steps
5. Verify authentication works
6. Retry the original task
7. Continue normally

Example execution flow (Vercel auth gate):

Claude: Running `vercel --yes` to deploy...

Error: Not authenticated. Please run 'vercel login'

╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║  CHECKPOINT: Action Required                          ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

Progress: 2/8 tasks complete
Task: Deploy to Vercel

Attempted: vercel --yes
Error: Not authenticated

What you need to do:
  1. Run: vercel login
  2. Complete browser authentication

I'll verify: vercel whoami returns your account

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
→ YOUR ACTION: Type "done" when authenticated
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

User: done

Claude: Verifying authentication...
Running: vercel whoami
✓ Authenticated as: user@example.com

Retrying deployment...
Running: vercel --yes
✓ Deployed to: https://myapp-abc123.vercel.app

Task 3 complete. Continuing to task 4...

Key distinction:

• Pre-planned checkpoint: "I need you to do X" (wrong - Claude should automate)
• Auth gate: "I tried to automate X but need credentials" (correct - unblocks automation)

</authentication_gates>

<automation_reference>

The rule: If it has CLI/API, Claude does it. Never ask human to perform automatable work.

Service CLI Reference

Service	CLI/API	Key Commands	Auth Gate
Vercel	vercel	--yes, env add, --prod, ls	vercel login
Railway	railway	init, up, variables set	railway login
Fly	fly	launch, deploy, secrets set	fly auth login
Stripe	stripe + API	listen, trigger, API calls	API key in .env
Supabase	supabase	init, link, db push, gen types	supabase login
Upstash	upstash	redis create, redis get	upstash auth login
PlanetScale	pscale	database create, branch create	pscale auth login
GitHub	gh	repo create, pr create, secret set	gh auth login
Node	npm/pnpm	install, run build, test, run dev	N/A
Xcode	xcodebuild	-project, -scheme, build, test	N/A
Convex	npx convex	dev, deploy, env set, env get	npx convex login

Environment Variable Automation

Env files: Use Write/Edit tools. Never ask human to create .env manually.

Dashboard env vars via CLI:

Platform	CLI Command	Example
Convex	npx convex env set	npx convex env set OPENAI_API_KEY sk-...
Vercel	vercel env add	vercel env add STRIPE_KEY production
Railway	railway variables set	railway variables set API_KEY=value
Fly	fly secrets set	fly secrets set DATABASE_URL=...
Supabase	supabase secrets set	supabase secrets set MY_SECRET=value

Pattern for secret collection:

<!-- WRONG: Asking user to add env vars in dashboard -->
<task type="checkpoint:human-action">
  <action>Add OPENAI_API_KEY to Convex dashboard</action>
  <instructions>Go to dashboard.convex.dev → Settings → Environment Variables → Add</instructions>
</task>

<!-- RIGHT: Claude asks for value, then adds via CLI -->
<task type="checkpoint:human-action">
  <action>Provide your OpenAI API key</action>
  <instructions>
    I need your OpenAI API key to configure the Convex backend.
    Get it from: https://platform.openai.com/api-keys
    Paste the key (starts with sk-)
  </instructions>
  <verification>I'll add it via `npx convex env set` and verify it's configured</verification>
  <resume-signal>Paste your API key</resume-signal>
</task>

<task type="auto">
  <name>Configure OpenAI key in Convex</name>
  <action>Run `npx convex env set OPENAI_API_KEY {user-provided-key}`</action>
  <verify>`npx convex env get OPENAI_API_KEY` returns the key (masked)</verify>
</task>

Dev Server Automation

Claude starts servers, user visits URLs:

Framework	Start Command	Ready Signal	Default URL
Next.js	npm run dev	"Ready in" or "started server"	http://localhost:3000
Vite	npm run dev	"ready in"	http://localhost:5173
Convex	npx convex dev	"Convex functions ready"	N/A (backend only)
Express	npm start	"listening on port"	http://localhost:3000
Django	python manage.py runserver	"Starting development server"	http://localhost:8000

Server Lifecycle Protocol

Starting servers:

# Run in background, capture PID for cleanup
npm run dev &
DEV_SERVER_PID=$!

# Wait for ready signal (max 30s)
timeout 30 bash -c 'until curl -s localhost:3000 > /dev/null 2>&1; do sleep 1; done'

Port conflicts: If default port is in use, check what's running and either:

1. Kill the existing process if it's stale: lsof -ti:3000 | xargs kill
2. Use alternate port: npm run dev -- --port 3001

Server stays running for the duration of the checkpoint. After user approves, server continues running for subsequent tasks. Only kill explicitly if:

• Plan is complete and no more verification needed
• Switching to production deployment
• Port needed for different service

Pattern:

<!-- Claude starts server before checkpoint -->
<task type="auto">
  <name>Start dev server</name>
  <action>Run `npm run dev` in background, wait for ready signal</action>
  <verify>curl http://localhost:3000 returns 200</verify>
  <done>Dev server running</done>
</task>

<!-- User only visits URL -->
<task type="checkpoint:human-verify">
  <what-built>Feature X - dev server running at http://localhost:3000</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>
    Visit http://localhost:3000/feature and verify:
    1. [Visual check 1]
    2. [Visual check 2]
  </how-to-verify>
</task>

CLI Installation Handling

When a required CLI is not installed:

CLI	Auto-install?	Command
npm/pnpm/yarn	No - ask user	User chooses package manager
vercel	Yes	npm i -g vercel
gh (GitHub)	Yes	brew install gh (macOS) or apt install gh (Linux)
stripe	Yes	npm i -g stripe
supabase	Yes	npm i -g supabase
convex	No - use npx	npx convex (no install needed)
fly	Yes	brew install flyctl or curl installer
railway	Yes	npm i -g @railway/cli

Protocol:

1. Try the command
2. If "command not found", check if auto-installable
3. If yes: install silently, retry command
4. If no: create checkpoint asking user to install

<!-- Example: vercel not found -->
<task type="auto">
  <name>Install Vercel CLI</name>
  <action>Run `npm i -g vercel`</action>
  <verify>`vercel --version` succeeds</verify>
  <done>Vercel CLI installed</done>
</task>

Pre-Checkpoint Automation Failures

When setup fails before checkpoint:

Failure	Response
Server won't start	Check error output, fix issue, retry (don't proceed to checkpoint)
Port in use	Kill stale process or use alternate port
Missing dependency	Run npm install, retry
Build error	Fix the error first (this is a bug, not a checkpoint issue)
Auth error	Create auth gate checkpoint
Network timeout	Retry with backoff, then checkpoint if persistent

Key principle: Never present a checkpoint with broken verification environment. If curl localhost:3000 fails, don't ask user to "visit localhost:3000".

<!-- WRONG: Checkpoint with broken environment -->
<task type="checkpoint:human-verify">
  <what-built>Dashboard (server failed to start)</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>Visit http://localhost:3000...</how-to-verify>
</task>

<!-- RIGHT: Fix first, then checkpoint -->
<task type="auto">
  <name>Fix server startup issue</name>
  <action>Investigate error, fix root cause, restart server</action>
  <verify>curl http://localhost:3000 returns 200</verify>
  <done>Server running correctly</done>
</task>

<task type="checkpoint:human-verify">
  <what-built>Dashboard - server running at http://localhost:3000</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>Visit http://localhost:3000/dashboard...</how-to-verify>
</task>

Quick Reference

Action	Automatable?	Claude does it?
Deploy to Vercel	Yes (vercel)	YES
Create Stripe webhook	Yes (API)	YES
Write .env file	Yes (Write tool)	YES
Create Upstash DB	Yes (upstash)	YES
Run tests	Yes (npm test)	YES
Start dev server	Yes (npm run dev)	YES
Add env vars to Convex	Yes (npx convex env set)	YES
Add env vars to Vercel	Yes (vercel env add)	YES
Seed database	Yes (CLI/API)	YES
Click email verification link	No	NO
Enter credit card with 3DS	No	NO
Complete OAuth in browser	No	NO
Visually verify UI looks correct	No	NO
Test interactive user flows	No	NO

</automation_reference>

<writing_guidelines>

DO:

• Automate everything with CLI/API before checkpoint
• Be specific: "Visit https://myapp.vercel.app" not "check deployment"
• Number verification steps: easier to follow
• State expected outcomes: "You should see X"
• Provide context: why this checkpoint exists
• Make verification executable: clear, testable steps

DON'T:

• Ask human to do work Claude can automate (deploy, create resources, run builds)
• Assume knowledge: "Configure the usual settings" ❌
• Skip steps: "Set up database" ❌ (too vague)
• Mix multiple verifications in one checkpoint (split them)
• Make verification impossible (Claude can't check visual appearance without user confirmation)

Placement:

• After automation completes - not before Claude does the work
• After UI buildout - before declaring phase complete
• Before dependent work - decisions before implementation
• At integration points - after configuring external services

Bad placement:

• Before Claude automates (asking human to do automatable work) ❌
• Too frequent (every other task is a checkpoint) ❌
• Too late (checkpoint is last task, but earlier tasks needed its result) ❌ </writing_guidelines>

Example 1: Deployment Flow (Correct)

<!-- Claude automates everything -->
<task type="auto">
  <name>Deploy to Vercel</name>
  <files>.vercel/, vercel.json, package.json</files>
  <action>
    1. Run `vercel --yes` to create project and deploy
    2. Capture deployment URL from output
    3. Set environment variables with `vercel env add`
    4. Trigger production deployment with `vercel --prod`
  </action>
  <verify>
    - vercel ls shows deployment
    - curl {url} returns 200
    - Environment variables set correctly
  </verify>
  <done>App deployed to production, URL captured</done>
</task>

<!-- Human verifies visual/functional correctness -->
<task type="checkpoint:human-verify" gate="blocking">
  <what-built>Deployed to https://myapp.vercel.app</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>
    Visit https://myapp.vercel.app and confirm:
    - Homepage loads correctly
    - All images/assets load
    - Navigation works
    - No console errors
  </how-to-verify>
  <resume-signal>Type "approved" or describe issues</resume-signal>
</task>

Example 2: Database Setup (No Checkpoint Needed)

<!-- Claude automates everything -->
<task type="auto">
  <name>Create Upstash Redis database</name>
  <files>.env</files>
  <action>
    1. Run `upstash redis create myapp-cache --region us-east-1`
    2. Capture connection URL from output
    3. Write to .env: UPSTASH_REDIS_URL={url}
    4. Verify connection with test command
  </action>
  <verify>
    - upstash redis list shows database
    - .env contains UPSTASH_REDIS_URL
    - Test connection succeeds
  </verify>
  <done>Redis database created and configured</done>
</task>

<!-- NO CHECKPOINT NEEDED - Claude automated everything and verified programmatically -->

Example 3: Stripe Webhooks (Correct)

<!-- Claude automates everything -->
<task type="auto">
  <name>Configure Stripe webhooks</name>
  <files>.env, src/app/api/webhooks/route.ts</files>
  <action>
    1. Use Stripe API to create webhook endpoint pointing to /api/webhooks
    2. Subscribe to events: payment_intent.succeeded, customer.subscription.updated
    3. Save webhook signing secret to .env
    4. Implement webhook handler in route.ts
  </action>
  <verify>
    - Stripe API returns webhook endpoint ID
    - .env contains STRIPE_WEBHOOK_SECRET
    - curl webhook endpoint returns 200
  </verify>
  <done>Stripe webhooks configured and handler implemented</done>
</task>

<!-- Human verifies in Stripe dashboard -->
<task type="checkpoint:human-verify" gate="blocking">
  <what-built>Stripe webhook configured via API</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>
    Visit Stripe Dashboard > Developers > Webhooks
    Confirm: Endpoint shows https://myapp.com/api/webhooks with correct events
  </how-to-verify>
  <resume-signal>Type "yes" if correct</resume-signal>
</task>

Example 4: Full Auth Flow Verification (Correct)

<task type="auto">
  <name>Create user schema</name>
  <files>src/db/schema.ts</files>
  <action>Define User, Session, Account tables with Drizzle ORM</action>
  <verify>npm run db:generate succeeds</verify>
</task>

<task type="auto">
  <name>Create auth API routes</name>
  <files>src/app/api/auth/[...nextauth]/route.ts</files>
  <action>Set up NextAuth with GitHub provider, JWT strategy</action>
  <verify>TypeScript compiles, no errors</verify>
</task>

<task type="auto">
  <name>Create login UI</name>
  <files>src/app/login/page.tsx, src/components/LoginButton.tsx</files>
  <action>Create login page with GitHub OAuth button</action>
  <verify>npm run build succeeds</verify>
</task>

<task type="auto">
  <name>Start dev server for auth testing</name>
  <action>Run `npm run dev` in background, wait for ready signal</action>
  <verify>curl http://localhost:3000 returns 200</verify>
  <done>Dev server running at http://localhost:3000</done>
</task>

<!-- ONE checkpoint at end verifies the complete flow - Claude already started server -->
<task type="checkpoint:human-verify" gate="blocking">
  <what-built>Complete authentication flow - dev server running at http://localhost:3000</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>
    1. Visit: http://localhost:3000/login
    2. Click "Sign in with GitHub"
    3. Complete GitHub OAuth flow
    4. Verify: Redirected to /dashboard, user name displayed
    5. Refresh page: Session persists
    6. Click logout: Session cleared
  </how-to-verify>
  <resume-signal>Type "approved" or describe issues</resume-signal>
</task>

<anti_patterns>

❌ BAD: Asking user to start dev server

<task type="checkpoint:human-verify" gate="blocking">
  <what-built>Dashboard component</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>
    1. Run: npm run dev
    2. Visit: http://localhost:3000/dashboard
    3. Check layout is correct
  </how-to-verify>
</task>

Why bad: Claude can run npm run dev. User should only visit URLs, not execute commands.

✅ GOOD: Claude starts server, user visits

<task type="auto">
  <name>Start dev server</name>
  <action>Run `npm run dev` in background</action>
  <verify>curl localhost:3000 returns 200</verify>
</task>

<task type="checkpoint:human-verify" gate="blocking">
  <what-built>Dashboard at http://localhost:3000/dashboard (server running)</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>
    Visit http://localhost:3000/dashboard and verify:
    1. Layout matches design
    2. No console errors
  </how-to-verify>
</task>

❌ BAD: Asking user to add env vars in dashboard

<task type="checkpoint:human-action" gate="blocking">
  <action>Add environment variables to Convex</action>
  <instructions>
    1. Go to dashboard.convex.dev
    2. Select your project
    3. Navigate to Settings → Environment Variables
    4. Add OPENAI_API_KEY with your key
  </instructions>
</task>

Why bad: Convex has npx convex env set. Claude should ask for the key value, then run the CLI command.

✅ GOOD: Claude collects secret, adds via CLI

<task type="checkpoint:human-action" gate="blocking">
  <action>Provide your OpenAI API key</action>
  <instructions>
    I need your OpenAI API key. Get it from: https://platform.openai.com/api-keys
    Paste the key below (starts with sk-)
  </instructions>
  <verification>I'll configure it via CLI</verification>
  <resume-signal>Paste your key</resume-signal>
</task>

<task type="auto">
  <name>Add OpenAI key to Convex</name>
  <action>Run `npx convex env set OPENAI_API_KEY {key}`</action>
  <verify>`npx convex env get` shows OPENAI_API_KEY configured</verify>
</task>

❌ BAD: Asking human to deploy

<task type="checkpoint:human-action" gate="blocking">
  <action>Deploy to Vercel</action>
  <instructions>
    1. Visit vercel.com/new
    2. Import Git repository
    3. Click Deploy
    4. Copy deployment URL
  </instructions>
  <verification>Deployment exists</verification>
  <resume-signal>Paste URL</resume-signal>
</task>

Why bad: Vercel has a CLI. Claude should run vercel --yes.

✅ GOOD: Claude automates, human verifies

<task type="auto">
  <name>Deploy to Vercel</name>
  <action>Run `vercel --yes`. Capture URL.</action>
  <verify>vercel ls shows deployment, curl returns 200</verify>
</task>

<task type="checkpoint:human-verify">
  <what-built>Deployed to {url}</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>Visit {url}, check homepage loads</how-to-verify>
  <resume-signal>Type "approved"</resume-signal>
</task>

❌ BAD: Too many checkpoints

<task type="auto">Create schema</task>
<task type="checkpoint:human-verify">Check schema</task>
<task type="auto">Create API route</task>
<task type="checkpoint:human-verify">Check API</task>
<task type="auto">Create UI form</task>
<task type="checkpoint:human-verify">Check form</task>

Why bad: Verification fatigue. Combine into one checkpoint at end.

✅ GOOD: Single verification checkpoint

<task type="auto">Create schema</task>
<task type="auto">Create API route</task>
<task type="auto">Create UI form</task>

<task type="checkpoint:human-verify">
  <what-built>Complete auth flow (schema + API + UI)</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>Test full flow: register, login, access protected page</how-to-verify>
  <resume-signal>Type "approved"</resume-signal>
</task>

❌ BAD: Asking for automatable file operations

<task type="checkpoint:human-action">
  <action>Create .env file</action>
  <instructions>
    1. Create .env in project root
    2. Add: DATABASE_URL=...
    3. Add: STRIPE_KEY=...
  </instructions>
</task>

Why bad: Claude has Write tool. This should be type="auto".

❌ BAD: Vague verification steps

<task type="checkpoint:human-verify">
  <what-built>Dashboard</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>Check it works</how-to-verify>
  <resume-signal>Continue</resume-signal>
</task>

Why bad: No specifics. User doesn't know what to test or what "works" means.

✅ GOOD: Specific verification steps (server already running)

<task type="checkpoint:human-verify">
  <what-built>Responsive dashboard - server running at http://localhost:3000</what-built>
  <how-to-verify>
    Visit http://localhost:3000/dashboard and verify:
    1. Desktop (>1024px): Sidebar visible, content area fills remaining space
    2. Tablet (768px): Sidebar collapses to icons
    3. Mobile (375px): Sidebar hidden, hamburger menu in header
    4. No horizontal scroll at any size
  </how-to-verify>
  <resume-signal>Type "approved" or describe layout issues</resume-signal>
</task>

❌ BAD: Asking user to run any CLI command

<task type="checkpoint:human-action">
  <action>Run database migrations</action>
  <instructions>
    1. Run: npx prisma migrate deploy
    2. Run: npx prisma db seed
    3. Verify tables exist
  </instructions>
</task>

Why bad: Claude can run these commands. User should never execute CLI commands.

❌ BAD: Asking user to copy values between services

<task type="checkpoint:human-action">
  <action>Configure webhook URL in Stripe</action>
  <instructions>
    1. Copy the deployment URL from terminal
    2. Go to Stripe Dashboard → Webhooks
    3. Add endpoint with URL + /api/webhooks
    4. Copy webhook signing secret
    5. Add to .env file
  </instructions>
</task>

Why bad: Stripe has an API. Claude should create the webhook via API and write to .env directly.

</anti_patterns>

Checkpoints formalize human-in-the-loop points. Use them when Claude cannot complete a task autonomously OR when human verification is required for correctness.

The golden rule: If Claude CAN automate it, Claude MUST automate it.

Checkpoint priority:

1. checkpoint:human-verify (90% of checkpoints) - Claude automated everything, human confirms visual/functional correctness
2. checkpoint:decision (9% of checkpoints) - Human makes architectural/technology choices
3. checkpoint:human-action (1% of checkpoints) - Truly unavoidable manual steps with no API/CLI

When NOT to use checkpoints:

• Things Claude can verify programmatically (tests pass, build succeeds)
• File operations (Claude can read files to verify)
• Code correctness (use tests and static analysis)
• Anything automatable via CLI/API