A universal protocol that makes AI coding agents design before they code. 5 phases. 6 drivers. Zero dependencies.
Most AI coding agents go straight from prompt to code. This causes wrong implementations, wasted tokens, and rework.
Every task triggers a fresh Preflight pass. Phases scale with complexity but are never skipped.
Read relevant files, docs, and recent changes. Understand what exists before proposing anything.
Ask questions until purpose, constraints, and success criteria are clear. One question at a time.
Propose 2-3 approaches with trade-offs and a recommendation. Consider alternatives before committing.
Present the plan and wait for approval. No code until confirmed. The last checkpoint before execution.
Now write the code. This is the first phase where files are created or modified.
One protocol, six reference implementations. Each translates the 5 phases into the driver's native format.
Not all agents operate at the same level. Preflight scales depth to match responsibility.
Deep orient. Challenges assumptions. 2-3 approaches with architectural trade-offs. Presents design to human. Writes specs, not code.
Moderate orient. Focused clarification. 2-3 implementation approaches. Presents plan for approval. Writes code.
Light orient. Checks spec completeness. One approach with rationale. Self-confirms against acceptance criteria. Writes code.
Even a Tier C agent on a simple ticket runs all 5 phases. It takes seconds, not minutes.
Install Preflight in your project and your AI agents will think before they build. Every time.