ETA

Instructions

Step 1: Gather Task Context

• Task description from the user
• Path to relevant codebase (default: current directory)
• Number of files likely in scope (if known)

Step 2: Run Estimation

python scripts/estimate_task.py --task "<task_description>" --path "<codebase_path>"

• --files <n>

  : Override estimated files in scope

• --json

  : Output structured JSON for programmatic use

Step 3: Present Estimate

• Task category (trivial/simple/medium/complex/major)
• Scope analysis (files, lines, test coverage)
• Time range (low-high estimate)
• Breakdown by phase (analysis, implementation, testing, verification)
• Risk factors with explanations
• Checkpoint recommendations for long tasks

Step 4: Adjust Based on Feedback

• Re-run with

  --files

  override if scope is clearer
• Adjust category interpretation based on domain knowledge

NEVER

• Start a complex task without providing an estimate first
• Give single-point estimates (always provide ranges)
• Ignore risk factors when they're detected
• Skip the estimate for tasks over 15 minutes
• Promise exact completion times

ALWAYS

• Run the estimate script before non-trivial tasks
• Show the breakdown so users understand where time goes
• Flag risk factors visibly with explanations
• Recommend checkpoints for tasks over 30 minutes
• Update estimates if scope changes mid-task

Examples

Example 1: User asks about task duration

1. Run

   scripts/estimate_task.py --task "Add user authentication" --path .

2. Output shows:
   • Category: Complex
   • Estimated time: 24-53 minutes
   • Risk factors: High-risk changes, External dependencies
   • Recommendation: Break into phases with commits between each

Example 2: Before starting a feature

1. Detect this is a non-trivial task (feature keyword)
2. Run

   scripts/estimate_task.py --task "Add dark mode toggle to settings" --path ./src

3. Present estimate: 10-22 minutes (Medium complexity)
4. Begin implementation with checkpoint plan

Example 3: Quick fix request

1. Detect trivial task (typo keyword)
2. Run quick estimate: 3-6 minutes
3. Proceed immediately (no detailed breakdown needed for trivial tasks)