---
phase: 01.3-context-lifecycle-coaching-workflow-decomposition
plan: 03
subsystem: infra
tags: [protocol, routing, workflow-decomposition, state-management]

# Dependency graph
requires:
  - phase: 01.3-01
    provides: Moodboard and whiteboard workflows
  - phase: 01.3-02
    provides: Execution and checkpoint workflows
provides:
  - Minimal PROTOCOL.md entrypoint (82 lines, down from 929)
  - Workflow routing based on STATE.md mode field
  - Mode tracking in STATE.md template and active file
affects: [All future gsd-lite usage - PROTOCOL.md is session entrypoint]

# Tech tracking
tech-stack:
  added: []
  patterns: [workflow-routing, mode-based-dispatch, documentation-only-routing]

key-files:
  created:
    - gsd-lite/PROTOCOL.md
    - gsd-lite/template/PROTOCOL.md
    - gsd-lite/template/STATE.md
    - gsd-lite/STATE.md
  modified: []

key-decisions:
  - "Documentation-only routing: Agent reads STATE.md mode field, manually loads appropriate workflow (no programmatic automation)"
  - "Mode field in STATE.md: Explicit tracking enables unambiguous workflow selection"
  - "Target 82 lines: Minimal entrypoint focuses only on routing, delegates to workflow files"

patterns-established:
  - "Workflow router pattern: Minimal entrypoint reads state, routes to specialized workflows"
  - "Mode-based dispatch: STATE.md mode field determines which workflow to load"

# Metrics
duration: 2.5min
completed: 2026-01-25
---

# Phase 1.3 Plan 03: Minimal Protocol Router Summary

**82-line PROTOCOL.md router replaces 929-line monolithic protocol, routes to workflows based on STATE.md mode field**

## Performance

- **Duration:** 2.5 min
- **Started:** 2026-01-25T08:35:38Z
- **Completed:** 2026-01-25T08:38:06Z
- **Tasks:** 3
- **Files modified:** 4

## Accomplishments

- Reduced PROTOCOL.md from 929 lines to 82 lines (91% reduction)
- Created workflow routing table mapping modes to workflow files
- Added Current Mode tracking to STATE.md template with transition guidance
- Initialized active STATE.md with mode field (set to 'none' for no active phase)
- Preserved Golden Rules and Coaching Philosophy in minimal router

## Task Commits

Each task was committed atomically:

1. **Task 1: Create minimal PROTOCOL.md entrypoint** - `bf01052` (feat)
2. **Task 2: Update STATE.md template with mode tracking** - `fa51ba0` (feat)
3. **Task 3: Update active STATE.md with mode field** - `793a275` (feat)

## Files Created/Modified

- `gsd-lite/PROTOCOL.md` - Minimal router entrypoint (82 lines)
- `gsd-lite/template/PROTOCOL.md` - Template router (82 lines)
- `gsd-lite/template/STATE.md` - Template with Current Mode section
- `gsd-lite/STATE.md` - Active state with mode tracking

## Decisions Made

**Documentation-only routing approach**
- Router does not programmatically invoke workflows
- Agent manually reads STATE.md, checks mode field, then reads appropriate workflow file
- This is intentional: no automation layer, agent interprets documentation
- Rationale: Simpler mental model, no hidden orchestration, works in all chat apps

**Mode field in STATE.md**
- Explicit `Current Mode:` field with 5 possible values (none, planning, moodboard-complete, execution, checkpoint)
- Each mode maps to specific workflow file
- Mode transitions documented inline for agent reference
- Rationale: Removes ambiguity when resuming sessions - agent knows exactly which workflow to load

## Deviations from Plan

None - plan executed exactly as written.

## Issues Encountered

None

## User Setup Required

None - no external service configuration required.

## Next Phase Readiness

Workflow decomposition complete:
- PROTOCOL.md is minimal router (82 lines)
- Four workflow files created (01.3-01, 01.3-02)
- STATE.md tracks current mode for routing
- Context lifecycle pattern documented

Ready for Phase 1.3-04 and beyond.

---
*Phase: 01.3-context-lifecycle-coaching-workflow-decomposition*
*Completed: 2026-01-25*
