ask-questions-if-underspecified
- Repo stars 5,723
- Forks 499
- Author updated Jun 15, 2026, 04:05 PM
- Author repo skills
- Domain
- Other
- Compatible agents
-
- Claude Code
- Cursor
- Cline
- Codex
- Windsurf
- Gemini CLI
- +20
- Trust score
- 88 / 100 · community maintained
- Author / version / license
- @trailofbits · no license declared
- Token usage
- Lean
- Setup complexity
- Guided setup
- External API key
- Not required
- Operating systems
- Unspecified (assume cross-platform)
- Runtime requirements
- No special requirements
- Permissions
-
- Read-only
- Write / modify
- Shell exec
- Network behavior
- Local-only
- Install commands
- 26 variants
Profile is derived at build time from SKILL.md and install vectors. Subject to drift from author intent.
Heads up: 未限定 allowed-tools,默认拥有全部工具权限。
---
name: ask-questions-if-underspecified
description: Clarify requirements before implementing. Use when serious doubts arise. Use this skill when a r…
category: other
runtime: no special runtime
---
# ask-questions-if-underspecified output preview
## PART A: Task fit
- Use case: Clarify requirements before implementing. Use when serious doubts arise. Use this skill when a request has multiple plausible interpretations or key details (objective, scope, constraints, environment, or safety) are unclear. runs entirely locally. Works with Claude Code, Cursor, Cline and 23 more..
- Inputs: target material, constraints, expected output, and acceptance criteria.
- Evidence boundary: follow “When to Use / When NOT to Use / Goal” and do not present inference as author intent.
## PART B: Execution result
- **01** The card summarizes the use case; runtime output centers on “Clarify requirements before implementing. Use when serious doubts arise. Use this skill when a request has multiple plausible interpretations or key details (objective, scope, constraints, environment, or safety) are unclear. runs entirely locally. Works with Claude Code, Cursor, Cline and 23 more.”.
- **02** When the source has headings, the agent prioritizes “When to Use / When NOT to Use / Goal” so the result follows the author’s structure.
- **03** Typical output includes task judgment, concrete steps, required commands or file edits, validation, and follow-up options.
- **04** Risk context follows the fingerprint: read files, write/modify files, run shell commands; mostly runs locally; usually needs no extra API key.
## Running Rules
- read files, write/modify files, run shell commands; mostly runs locally; usually needs no extra API key.
- Validate with a small sample before expanding scope.
- Return the result, validation criteria, and next iteration options. The source does not require a stable slash command. After installation, invoke the skill by name and describe the task.
Name target files or source material, expected output, forbidden changes, and whether network or shell access is allowed. Permission fingerprint: read files, write/modify files, run shell commands.
Start with a small task and check whether the result follows “When to Use / When NOT to Use / Goal”. Inspect diffs, logs, previews, or tests before expanding scope.
Confirm the final output includes a concrete result, evidence, and next action. If it stays generic, tighten inputs, boundaries, and acceptance criteria.
---
name: ask-questions-if-underspecified
description: Clarify requirements before implementing. Use when serious doubts arise. Use this skill when a r…
category: other
source: trailofbits/skills
---
# ask-questions-if-underspecified
## When to use
- Clarify requirements before implementing. Use when serious doubts arise. Use this skill when a request has multiple pl…
- Use it when the task has clear inputs, repeatable steps, and validation criteria.
## What to provide
- Target material, scope, expected result, and forbidden changes.
- Whether network, commands, file writes, or external services are allowed.
## Execution rules
- Organize steps around “When to Use / When NOT to Use / Goal” and keep inference separate from source facts.
- read files, write/modify files, run shell commands; mostly runs locally; usually needs no extra API key.
- Validate with a small sample before expanding the task.
## Output requirements
- Return the deliverable, key evidence, validation method, and next action.
- Mark missing information as unknown; do not invent commands, platforms, or dependencies. The author source anchors workflow facts; repository files anchor sources and commands; Fluxly only adds fit, limitations, and quality judgment.
skill "ask-questions-if-underspecified" {
input -> user goal + target files + boundaries + acceptance criteria
context -> When to Use / When NOT to Use / Goal
rules -> SKILL.md triggers / order / output contract
runtime -> no special runtime | read files, write/modify files, run shell commands | mostly runs locally
guardrails -> usually needs no extra API key + small-sample validation + diff/log review
output -> copyable result + checklist + next iteration
} Ask Questions If Underspecified
When to Use
Use this skill when a request has multiple plausible interpretations or key details (objective, scope, constraints, environment, or safety) are unclear.
When NOT to Use
Do not use this skill when the request is already clear, or when a quick, low-risk discovery read can answer the missing details.
Goal
Ask the minimum set of clarifying questions needed to avoid wrong work; do not start implementing until the must-have questions are answered (or the user explicitly approves proceeding with stated assumptions).
Workflow
1) Decide whether the request is underspecified
Treat a request as underspecified if after exploring how to perform the work, some or all of the following are not clear:
- Define the objective (what should change vs stay the same)
- Define "done" (acceptance criteria, examples, edge cases)
- Define scope (which files/components/users are in/out)
- Define constraints (compatibility, performance, style, deps, time)
- Identify environment (language/runtime versions, OS, build/test runner)
- Clarify safety/reversibility (data migration, rollout/rollback, risk)
If multiple plausible interpretations exist, assume it is underspecified.
2) Ask must-have questions first (keep it small)
Ask 1-5 questions in the first pass. Prefer questions that eliminate whole branches of work.
Make questions easy to answer:
- Optimize for scannability (short, numbered questions; avoid paragraphs)
- Offer multiple-choice options when possible
- Suggest reasonable defaults when appropriate (mark them clearly as the default/recommended choice; bold the recommended choice in the list, or if you present options in a code block, put a bold "Recommended" line immediately above the block and also tag defaults inside the block)
- Include a fast-path response (e.g., reply
defaultsto accept all recommended/default choices) - Include a low-friction "not sure" option when helpful (e.g., "Not sure - use default")
- Separate "Need to know" from "Nice to know" if that reduces friction
- Structure options so the user can respond with compact decisions (e.g.,
1b 2a 3c); restate the chosen options in plain language to confirm
3) Pause before acting
Until must-have answers arrive:
- Do not run commands, edit files, or produce a detailed plan that depends on unknowns
- Do perform a clearly labeled, low-risk discovery step only if it does not commit you to a direction (e.g., inspect repo structure, read relevant config files)
If the user explicitly asks you to proceed without answers:
- State your assumptions as a short numbered list
- Ask for confirmation; proceed only after they confirm or correct them
4) Confirm interpretation, then proceed
Once you have answers, restate the requirements in 1-3 sentences (including key constraints and what success looks like), then start work.
Question templates
- "Before I start, I need: (1) ..., (2) ..., (3) .... If you don't care about (2), I will assume ...."
- "Which of these should it be? A) ... B) ... C) ... (pick one)"
- "What would you consider 'done'? For example: ..."
- "Any constraints I must follow (versions, performance, style, deps)? If none, I will target the existing project defaults."
- Use numbered questions with lettered options and a clear reply format
1) Scope?
a) Minimal change (default)
b) Refactor while touching the area
c) Not sure - use default
2) Compatibility target?
a) Current project defaults (default)
b) Also support older versions: <specify>
c) Not sure - use default
Reply with: defaults (or 1a 2a)
Anti-patterns
- Don't ask questions you can answer with a quick, low-risk discovery read (e.g., configs, existing patterns, docs).
- Don't ask open-ended questions if a tight multiple-choice or yes/no would eliminate ambiguity faster.
Decide Fit First
Design Intent
How To Use It
Boundaries And Review