Skill: Ask Questions If Underspecified

v2.88 Key Changes (MODEL-AGNOSTIC)

• Model-agnostic: Uses model configured in ~/.claude/settings.json or CLI/env vars
• No flags required: Works with the configured default model
• Flexible: Model-agnostic — runs on whatever model the session runs
• Settings-driven: Model selection via ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_*_MODEL env vars

ultrathink - Take a deep breath. We're not here to write code. We're here to make a dent in the universe.

The Vision

Clarity is the foundation of inevitable solutions. Every question should narrow the path to truth.

Your Work, Step by Step

1. Analyze requirements: Identify missing inputs and ambiguities.
2. Separate MUST vs NICE: Block on essentials, assume the rest.
3. Ask precisely: Short, concrete questions with defaults.
4. Confirm understanding: Summarize before proceeding.

Ultrathink Principles in Practice

• Think Different: Question hidden assumptions.
• Obsess Over Details: Align questions with real constraints.
• Plan Like Da Vinci: Build the question set before asking.
• Craft, Don't Code: Precision over volume.
• Iterate Relentlessly: Refine questions as context evolves.
• Simplify Ruthlessly: Ask only what matters.

Purpose

Ensure task clarity BEFORE implementation by identifying ambiguities.

When to Use

• ANY new task or feature request
• Complex modifications
• Unclear requirements

Process

1. Analyze Requirements

Identify:

• Missing technical details
• Unclear scope boundaries
• Ambiguous terminology
• Unstated assumptions

2. Categorize Questions

MUST_HAVE (Blocking)

Questions that BLOCK implementation until answered:

• Critical architecture decisions
• Security requirements
• Data model choices
• Integration points

NICE_TO_HAVE (Assumptions)

Questions where you can make reasonable assumptions:

• UI/UX preferences
• Performance targets
• Edge case handling

3. Output Format

## 🔍 Clarification Needed

### MUST_HAVE (Please answer before I proceed):
1. [Critical question 1]
2. [Critical question 2]

### NICE_TO_HAVE (I'll assume these if not specified):
- [Optional question] → I'll assume: [default value]
- [Optional question] → I'll assume: [default value]

### My Understanding:
[Summarize what you understand so far]

4. Wait for Answers

DO NOT proceed with implementation until MUST_HAVE questions are answered.

Examples

Good Clarification

MUST_HAVE:
1. Should auth support both email/password AND OAuth providers?
2. What's the session timeout requirement?

NICE_TO_HAVE:
- Rate limiting? → I'll assume: 100 req/min
- Password complexity? → I'll assume: min 8 chars, 1 number, 1 special

Bad (Too Vague)

What do you want?
Can you give more details?