---
docType: review
layer: project
reviewType: slice
slice: prompt-only-pipeline-executor
project: squadron
verdict: UNKNOWN
sourceDocument: project-documents/user/slices/153-slice.prompt-only-pipeline-executor.md
aiModel: claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
status: complete
dateCreated: 20260403
dateUpdated: 20260403
findings:
  - id: F001
    severity: concern
    category: architecture
    summary: "StateManager API Clarification Needed"
    location: lines 168-171
  - id: F002
    severity: pass
    category: architecture
    summary: "CLI Surface Integration"
    location: lines 179-183
  - id: F003
    severity: pass
    category: architecture
    summary: "Architectural Alignment"
  - id: F004
    severity: pass
    category: architecture
    summary: "No Layer Violations"
  - id: F005
    severity: pass
    category: architecture
    summary: "Integration Points Verified"
    location: lines 200-215
---

# Review: slice — slice 153

**Verdict:** UNKNOWN
**Model:** claude-haiku-4-5-20251001

## Findings

### [CONCERN] StateManager API Clarification Needed

The slice references `_append_step()` as the StateManager method to record step completion (line 170: "—`--step-done` calls `_append_step()` to record completion"). However, the StateManager's documented public API (per slice 151, the dependency that defines StateManager) includes `init_run()`, `make_step_callback()`, `finalize()`, `load()`, `load_prior_outputs()`, `first_unfinished_step()`, `list_runs()`, and `find_matching_run()` — but does not list `_append_step()`.

The underscore prefix suggests this is an internal implementation detail. The design document should clarify which StateManager method(s) will be used to record step completion via the `--step-done` CLI command. It may be that a new public method needs to be added to StateManager's interface, or that `make_step_callback()` will be adapted for this use case. This should be resolved in coordination with slice 150 (Pipeline State) or documented as a design decision during implementation.

---

### [PASS] CLI Surface Integration

The proposed CLI flags (`--prompt-only`, `--next`, `--step-done`) are compatible with the established command surface from slice 151 (CLI Integration, already complete), which defines `sq run <pipeline> <target>` with optional flags. The additions are well-designed and don't conflict with existing options.

---

### [PASS] Architectural Alignment

The slice correctly reuses and composes existing architectural components without violation:
- **Step expansion**: Properly leverages step type `expand()` to generate action sequences (per architecture §237-244)
- **Model resolution**: Uses ModelResolver's cascade chain for model alias resolution
- **State persistence**: Reuses StateManager for run state without introducing new state fields  
- **State transmission**: Verdict feedback via `--step-done --verdict` is a reasonable extension that fits the state model
- **Scope**: Prompt-only mode is within initiative 140's scope — it bridges the gap between automated executor and interactive execution (per architecture §16-19)
- **Dependencies**: Properly depends on slice 151 (CLI Integration, complete) and uses its established patterns

---

### [PASS] No Layer Violations

The prompt-only executor maintains clean architectural boundaries:
- Adds a new execution path (render instructions instead of execute actions) without violating the action protocol
- Does not create hidden dependencies on action implementations
- Pure function design (`render_step_instructions()`) keeps logic isolated and testable
- Correctly delegates to existing registries and resolution chains

---

### [PASS] Integration Points Verified

The integration with `/sq:run` slash command is appropriate. The architecture (line 42) acknowledges that `/sq:run-slice` will be superseded by the pipeline system. Slice 153's approach of updating the slash command to consume `sq run --prompt-only` output achieves the architecture's goal of a single YAML source of truth serving both manual and automated execution paths.

---
