Planning with Files: Manus-Style AI Agent Workflow

2026-05-14 · source · source ↗ · raw capture · wiki page

Claude Code skill implementing persistent markdown planning -- the pattern attributed to Manus AI (acquired by Meta for $2B in December 2025).

Core Problem

AI agents suffer from volatile memory, goal drift, hidden errors, and context stuffing. TodoWrite disappears after context resets.

The 3-File Pattern

task_plan.md -- phases and progress tracking
findings.md -- research and discoveries
progress.md -- session logs and test results

Fundamental Principle: "Context Window = RAM (volatile, limited); Filesystem = Disk (persistent, unlimited)"

Key Features

Automatic plan re-reading before decisions (via PreToolUse hooks)
Progress reminders after file writes
Completion verification before stopping
Session recovery after context clearing

Manus Principles

Filesystem-based memory persistence
Attention manipulation through plan re-reading
Error logging for future reference
Goal tracking via checkboxes

Results

96.7% pass rate (29/30 assertions with skill vs 6.7% without). 100% blind A/B superiority.

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