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Getting Started

This guide will help you get up and running with Phased Agent Workflow (PAW) in just a few minutes.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • VS Code with GitHub Copilot installed and active
  • Git repository for your project
  • One of the following platform integrations (authenticated and configured):
    • GitHub with GitHub MCP Tools
    • Azure DevOps with Azure DevOps MCP Tools

Quick Install

  1. Download the latest .vsix from the Releases page

  2. Install in VS Code using one of these methods:

    • Command Palette: Extensions: Install from VSIX...
    • Command line: code --install-extension paw-workflow-X.X.X.vsix

  3. Configure MCP Server (Recommended): Set up the GitHub MCP Server or Azure DevOps MCP Server in VS Code for optimal agent integration. See the MCP Server Setup Guide for configuration instructions.

Starting Your First Workflow

Create a New PAW Workflow

  1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P)
  2. Type "PAW: New PAW Workflow"
  3. Enter the issue or work item URL (optional—press Enter to skip)
  4. Enter a branch name (optional—press Enter to auto-derive from issue or description)
  5. Select your workflow mode and review strategy

PAW will create your workflow structure automatically:

.paw/work/<feature-slug>/
  WorkflowContext.md    # Your workflow parameters

Check Workflow Status

At any time during a workflow:

  1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P)
  2. Type "PAW: Get Work Status"
  3. Select your work item or choose "Auto-detect from context"

The Status Agent will analyze your progress and provide actionable next-step recommendations.

Workflow Overview

PAW guides you through structured phases:

  1. Specification — Turn ideas into testable requirements; research existing system behavior
  2. Planning — Map relevant code areas; create phased implementation plans
  3. Implementation — Execute plans with optional PR review at each phase
  4. Finalization — Open final PR to main with comprehensive description

Each phase produces durable artifacts that feed the next, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Next Steps