Plan mode lets p0 analyze your code without modifying anything. It’s great for understanding the scope and complexity of a task before committing to changes.
How it works
When p0 is in Plan mode, it can read and analyze your codebase but cannot execute commands or modify files. The AI will:
- Explore your codebase using read-only tools
- Analyze the requirements and current implementation
- Create a detailed plan outlining the steps needed
- Present the plan for your review and approval
This read-only analysis gives you a clear roadmap before any changes are made to your code.
In Plan mode, p0 has access to these read-only tools:
- Read - View file contents
- Grep - Search for patterns in files
- Glob - Find files by name patterns
- WebSearch - Search the web for information
- WebFetch - Fetch content from URLs
- Task - Break down complex analysis tasks
- Thinking - Internal reasoning about the problem
These tools allow comprehensive code analysis without the ability to modify anything.
When to use Plan mode
Plan mode is ideal for:
- Complex tasks - Understanding multi-step changes before execution
- Unfamiliar codebases - Exploring architecture and patterns first
- Multi-file changes - Mapping out dependencies and impact
- Architecture decisions - Evaluating different approaches before implementing
Starting in Plan mode helps you avoid surprises and ensures the AI understands your requirements correctly.
Switching to Agent mode
After reviewing the plan, you have two options:
- Approve the plan - p0 will automatically switch to Agent mode and send an “Implement plan” message to execute the proposed changes
- Use the /agent command - Manually switch to Agent mode at any time
Once in Agent mode, p0 can execute the plan by running commands and modifying files.
Start every new task in Plan mode to get a roadmap before making changes. You can switch to Plan mode at any time by typing /plan in the chat.
Next steps
