BUILD Phase

Execute tasks while maintaining spec alignment and code quality.

Build Principles

Spec Fidelity

Before writing code, re-read the relevant spec section. After writing code, verify it matches spec.

Common drift patterns:

• Adding features not in spec ("while I'm here...")
• Simplifying away spec requirements
• Changing interfaces without updating spec

If drift is intentional: update spec first, then code.

Level 3 Awareness

The implementation is one solution, not the only solution. Stay open to:

• Better approaches discovered during coding
• Spec errors revealed by implementation reality
• Edge cases the spec didn't anticipate

Flag these for VERIFY phase rather than silently changing.

Domain Connection (Width)

While building, ask: "Does this still serve the business/user intent?"

Technical correctness ≠ solving the right problem.

Quadrant Awareness

During implementation, check all perspectives:

• Individual Outer: Is the code artifact correct?
• Individual Inner: Do I understand what I'm building?
• Collective Outer: Does this integrate with existing systems?
• Collective Inner: Am I aligned with team/stakeholder expectations?

Skill Dependencies (Height)

If blocked:

• Is this a code problem or a knowledge problem?
• What adjacent skill would unblock this?
• Should I pause to learn, or flag for help?

Time Awareness

• Am I building on existing patterns (transcend and include)?
• Am I replacing something? Is deprecation handled?
• Am I creating future technical debt?

Identity Trap

Watch for defensive coding:

• Adding complexity to avoid admitting spec issues
• Protecting assumptions rather than solving problems
• "It works" vs "it's right"

Build Process

For each task:

1. Read the task description and done criteria
2. Read the relevant spec section
3. Implement the code
4. Self-verify against done criteria
5. Note any spec drift, discoveries, or concerns

Quality Checks During Build

• Does it compile/run?
• Does it match the spec interface?
• Are error cases handled?
• Is it testable?
• Would you be comfortable debugging this at 3am?

Output Per Task

## Task [N] Complete

**Status:** done / blocked / needs-spec-update

**Implementation notes:**
[Brief description of approach taken]

**Spec drift:**
[Any deviations from spec - intentional or discovered]

**Discoveries:**
[Edge cases, issues, or insights found during implementation]

**Ready for verify:** [yes/no]

When to Pause

Stop building and escalate if:

• Spec is ambiguous or contradictory
• Implementation reveals spec error
• Complexity far exceeds estimate
• Blocked by unresolved dependency

Return to appropriate earlier phase rather than guessing.

Exit Criteria

Proceed to VERIFY when:

• All tasks in current batch are complete
• Code runs without errors
• Self-verification passes
• Discoveries are documented