> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Workflows Overview

> Comprehensive overview of all BMad Method workflows and execution phases

# Workflows Overview

The BMad Method provides a comprehensive set of AI-powered workflows that guide you through the complete product development lifecycle. Each workflow is designed for human-AI collaboration, with structured step-by-step processes that ensure consistency and quality.

## Workflow Architecture

All BMad workflows use a **step-file architecture** for disciplined execution:

* **Micro-file Design**: Each step is a self-contained instruction file
* **Just-In-Time Loading**: Only the current step file is loaded
* **Sequential Enforcement**: Steps must be completed in order
* **State Tracking**: Progress tracked in document frontmatter
* **Append-Only Building**: Documents built incrementally through conversation

## Development Phases

The BMad Method organizes workflows into four main phases:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Phase 1: Analysis" icon="magnifying-glass" href="/workflows/phase-1-analysis">
    Understand the problem space through brainstorming and research
  </Card>

  <Card title="Phase 2: Planning" icon="clipboard-list" href="/workflows/phase-2-planning">
    Define requirements, UX design, and product specifications
  </Card>

  <Card title="Phase 3: Solutioning" icon="lightbulb" href="/workflows/phase-3-solutioning">
    Create architecture, epics, and implementation-ready stories
  </Card>

  <Card title="Phase 4: Implementation" icon="code" href="/workflows/phase-4-implementation">
    Execute sprints, implement stories, and conduct reviews
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Special Workflows

In addition to the phase-based workflows, BMad provides specialized workflows:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Flow" icon="bolt" href="/workflows/quick-flow">
    Rapid development workflow for small features and changes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Document Project" icon="book" href="/workflows/document-project">
    Generate comprehensive documentation for brownfield projects
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Workflow Invocation

Workflows are triggered through natural language commands to your AI agent:

```bash theme={null}
# Example invocations
"Let's create a product brief"
"Help me create a PRD"
"Create the architecture"
"Run sprint planning"
"Document this project"
```

Each workflow is triggered by specific phrases defined in its configuration. The AI agent recognizes these triggers and loads the appropriate workflow.

## Key Principles

### Step Processing Rules

1. **READ COMPLETELY**: Always read the entire step file before taking action
2. **FOLLOW SEQUENCE**: Execute all numbered sections in order
3. **WAIT FOR INPUT**: Halt at menus and wait for user selection
4. **CHECK CONTINUATION**: Only proceed when user confirms
5. **SAVE STATE**: Update progress before loading next step
6. **LOAD NEXT**: Read fully and follow the next step file when directed

### Critical Rules

* 🛑 **NEVER** load multiple step files simultaneously
* 📖 **ALWAYS** read entire step file before execution
* 🚫 **NEVER** skip steps or optimize the sequence
* 💾 **ALWAYS** update frontmatter when writing outputs
* 🎯 **ALWAYS** follow exact instructions in step files
* ⏸️ **ALWAYS** halt at menus and wait for user input
* 📋 **NEVER** create mental todo lists from future steps

## Configuration

All workflows load their configuration from `{project-root}/_bmad/bmm/config.yaml`, which includes:

* Project metadata (name, folders, artifacts locations)
* User preferences (name, language, skill level)
* Communication settings (language, document output language)
* Workflow-specific settings

## Output Artifacts

Workflows generate structured documents in designated folders:

* **Planning Artifacts**: Product briefs, research reports, PRDs, UX designs, architecture
* **Implementation Artifacts**: Sprint status, stories, retrospectives
* **Project Knowledge**: Brownfield project documentation

## Next Steps

Explore the specific workflow phases to understand each workflow in detail:

* [Phase 1: Analysis](/workflows/phase-1-analysis) - Brainstorming and research
* [Phase 2: Planning](/workflows/phase-2-planning) - Requirements and design
* [Phase 3: Solutioning](/workflows/phase-3-solutioning) - Architecture and epics
* [Phase 4: Implementation](/workflows/phase-4-implementation) - Development and reviews
* [Quick Flow](/workflows/quick-flow) - Rapid development
* [Document Project](/workflows/document-project) - Documentation generation