Quick Start

Install the AI-DLC plugin in your Claude Code project:

/install-plugin thebushidocollective/ai-dlc

Then use the hat commands to structure your workflow:

/researcher - Switch to research mode
/planner - Switch to planning mode
/builder - Switch to building mode
/reviewer - Switch to review mode

Core Concepts

AI-DLC is built around two core concepts: hats and units.

Hats

Hats represent distinct mindsets and responsibilities. Each hat has a specific purpose and switching between them is intentional. This prevents context drift and ensures each phase of development gets proper attention.

Units

Units are focused pieces of work with clear success criteria. Breaking work into units ensures progress is measurable and momentum is maintained. Each unit goes through all four hat phases.

Documentation Pages

Introduction - An introduction to AI-DLC and its core concepts
Installation - Install AI-DLC in your Claude Code project
Quick Start - Get started with AI-DLC in 5 minutes
The Four Hats - Understanding the hat-based workflow system
Core Concepts - Fundamental concepts of AI-DLC - completion criteria, backpressure, operating modes, and units
Workflows - Named workflow patterns in AI-DLC - Default, TDD, Adversarial, and Hypothesis
Example: Feature Implementation - A complete walkthrough of implementing a real feature using AI-DLC
Example: Bug Fix with Hypothesis Workflow - Using the hypothesis workflow for systematic debugging
Community - Join the AI-DLC community - resources, support, and contribution opportunities
Adoption Roadmap - A phased approach to adopting AI-DLC, from individual developer to organization-wide
Developer Guide - Day-to-day guide for using AI-DLC as an individual developer
Tech Lead Guide - Guide for tech leads rolling out AI-DLC to their teams
Manager Guide - Business case, metrics, and ROI framework for AI-DLC adoption
AI Guide - Understanding AI-DLC from Claude's perspective - why structure helps AI be more effective
First Intent Checklist - Step-by-step checklist for completing your first AI-DLC intent
Designer Guide - Guide for UX/UI designers collaborating on AI-DLC projects
Team Onboarding Checklist - Step-by-step checklist for onboarding a team to AI-DLC
Assessment - Self-assessment to determine if AI-DLC is right for your team