The dev-story workflow is where v6's just-in-time context approach delivers its primary value, enabling the Developer (DEV) agent to implement stories with expert-level guidance injected directly into their context. This workflow is run EXCLUSIVELY by the DEV agent and operates on a single story that has been prepared by the SM through create-story and enhanced with story-context. The DEV loads both the story specification and the dynamically-generated story context XML, then proceeds through implementation with the combined knowledge of requirements and domain-specific expertise.
The workflow operates with two critical inputs: the story file (created by SM's create-story) containing acceptance criteria, tasks, and requirements; and the story-context XML (generated by SM's story-context) providing just-in-time expertise injection tailored to the story's technical needs. This dual-input approach ensures the developer has both the "what" (from the story) and the "how" (from the context) needed for successful implementation. The workflow iterates through tasks sequentially, implementing code, writing tests, and updating the story document's allowed sections until all tasks are complete.
A critical aspect of v6 flow is that dev-story may be run multiple times for the same story. Initially run to implement the story, it may be run again after code-review identifies issues that need correction. The workflow intelligently resumes from incomplete tasks, making it ideal for both initial implementation and post-review fixes. The DEV agent maintains strict boundaries on what can be modified in the story file—only Tasks/Subtasks checkboxes, Dev Agent Record, File List, Change Log, and Status may be updated, preserving the story's requirements integrity.
**Story-Context Integration**: The workflow loads and leverages the story-context XML throughout implementation, providing expert guidance without cluttering the main conversation. This ensures best practices are followed while maintaining developer autonomy.
**Task-by-Task Iteration**: Implements one task at a time, marking completion before moving to the next. This granular approach enables progress tracking and clean resumption if interrupted or after review feedback.
**Strict File Boundaries**: Only specific sections of the story file may be modified, preserving requirement integrity. The story's acceptance criteria, main description, and other planning sections remain immutable during development.
**Test-Driven Approach**: For each task, the workflow emphasizes writing tests that verify acceptance criteria before or alongside implementation, ensuring requirements are actually met.
**Resumable Implementation**: If the workflow is run again on a story with incomplete tasks (e.g., after code-review finds issues), it intelligently resumes from where it left off rather than starting over.
5. If issues found: **DEV: dev-story** ← May return here for fixes
6. After epic: retrospective (captures learnings)
This workflow may be executed multiple times for the same story as part of the review-fix cycle. Each execution picks up from incomplete tasks, making it efficient for iterative improvement.
## Workflow Process
### Phase 1: Story Selection
- If `story_path` provided: Use that story directly
- Otherwise: List recent stories from `dev_story_location`
**Load Context First**: Always ensure the story-context XML is loaded at the start. This provides the expert guidance needed throughout implementation.
**Follow Task Order**: Implement tasks in the order listed. Dependencies are typically structured in the task sequence.
**Test Each Task**: Don't wait until the end to write tests. Test each task as you complete it to ensure it meets acceptance criteria.
**Update Incrementally**: Update the story file after each task completion rather than batching updates at the end.
**Respect Boundaries**: Never modify acceptance criteria or story description. If they seem wrong, that's a code-review or correct-course issue, not a dev-story fix.
**Use Context Guidance**: Actively reference the story-context for patterns, gotchas, and best practices. It's there to help you succeed.
## Troubleshooting
**Story Not Found**: Ensure story exists in `dev_story_location` and follows naming pattern `story-{epic}.{story}.md`
**Context XML Missing**: The story-context workflow must be run first. Check for `story-{epic}.{story}-context.xml`
**Tests Failing**: If strict mode is on, the workflow halts. Fix tests before continuing or set strict=false for development iteration.
**Can't Modify Story Section**: Remember only Tasks, Dev Agent Record, File List, Change Log, and Status can be modified. Other sections are immutable.
