moai-workflow-thinking

Sequential Thinking MCP (--deepthink)

Structured step-by-step reasoning via mcp__sequential-thinking__sequentialthinking MCP tool.

CRITICAL: Two Distinct Modes

MoAI has TWO independent deep analysis modes. They are NOT the same thing:

Mode	Trigger	Mechanism	MCP Tool?	GLM Compatible?
--deepthink	Explicit --deepthink flag	Sequential Thinking MCP tool	YES — mcp__sequential-thinking__sequentialthinking	NO — generates server_tool_use content type
ultrathink	Keyword or auto-detection	Claude native extended reasoning (high effort)	NO — native to Claude	YES — no special content type

Rules:

• --deepthink → ALWAYS invoke Sequential Thinking MCP. NEVER use for native reasoning.
• ultrathink → ALWAYS use Claude's native extended reasoning. NEVER invoke Sequential Thinking MCP.
• They can coexist: ultrathink --deepthink activates BOTH modes independently.

Activation Triggers (--deepthink only)

Use Sequential Thinking MCP when --deepthink flag is explicitly present:

• Breaking down complex problems into steps
• Planning and design with room for revision
• Architecture decisions affect 3+ files
• Technology selection between multiple options
• Performance vs maintainability trade-offs
• Breaking changes under consideration
• Multiple approaches exist to solve the same problem
• Repetitive errors occur

Tool Parameters

Required Parameters:

• thought (string): Current thinking step content
• nextThoughtNeeded (boolean): Whether another step is needed
• thoughtNumber (integer): Current thought number (starts from 1)
• totalThoughts (integer): Estimated total thoughts needed

Optional Parameters:

• isRevision (boolean): Whether this revises previous thinking
• revisesThought (integer): Which thought is being reconsidered
• branchFromThought (integer): Branching point for alternatives
• branchId (string): Branch identifier
• needsMoreThoughts (boolean): If more thoughts needed beyond estimate

Usage Pattern

Step 1 - Initial Analysis:

thought: "Analyzing the problem: [describe problem]"
nextThoughtNeeded: true
thoughtNumber: 1
totalThoughts: 5

Step 2 - Decomposition:

thought: "Breaking down: [sub-problems]"
nextThoughtNeeded: true
thoughtNumber: 2
totalThoughts: 5

Step 3 - Revision (if needed):

thought: "Revising thought 2: [correction]"
isRevision: true
revisesThought: 2
thoughtNumber: 3
totalThoughts: 5
nextThoughtNeeded: true

Final Step - Conclusion:

thought: "Conclusion: [final answer]"
thoughtNumber: 5
totalThoughts: 5
nextThoughtNeeded: false

Guidelines

1. Start with reasonable totalThoughts estimate
2. Use isRevision when correcting previous thoughts
3. Maintain thoughtNumber sequence
4. Set nextThoughtNeeded to false only when complete
5. Use branching for exploring alternatives