Sequential Thinking

Structured problem-solving through iterative reasoning with revision and branching.

When to Use

Use mcp__reasoning__sequentialthinking when:

• Problem requires multiple interconnected reasoning steps
• Initial scope or approach is uncertain
• Need to filter through complexity to find core issues
• May need to backtrack or revise earlier conclusions
• Want to explore alternative solution paths

Do not use for simple queries, direct facts, or single-step tasks.

Core Capabilities

• Iterative reasoning: break complex problems into sequential thought steps
• Dynamic scope: adjust total thought count as understanding evolves
• Revision tracking: reconsider and modify previous conclusions
• Branch exploration: explore alternative reasoning paths from any point

Parameters

- `thought` (string): current reasoning step - `nextThoughtNeeded` (boolean): whether more reasoning is needed - `thoughtNumber` (integer): current step number (starts at 1) - `totalThoughts` (integer): estimated total steps needed </required_parameters> - `isRevision` (boolean): indicates this revises previous thinking - `revisesThought` (integer): which thought number is being reconsidered - `branchFromThought` (integer): thought number to branch from - `branchId` (string): identifier for this reasoning branch </optional_parameters>

Workflow

1. Start with initial thought (thoughtNumber: 1) 2. For each step: - Express current reasoning in `thought` - Estimate remaining work via `totalThoughts` (adjust dynamically) - Set `nextThoughtNeeded: true` to continue 3. When reaching conclusion, set `nextThoughtNeeded: false`

Tips

• Start with rough estimate for totalThoughts, refine as you progress
• Use revision when assumptions prove incorrect
• Branch when multiple approaches seem viable
• Express uncertainty explicitly in thoughts
• Accuracy of scope estimate matters less than progress visibility

For revision patterns and branching strategies: references/advanced.md