sequential-thinking

name sequential-thinking description Use when complex problems require systematic step-by-step reasoning with ability to revise thoughts, branch into alternative approaches, or dynamically adjust scope. Ideal for multi-stage analysis, design planning, problem decomposition, or tasks with initially unclear scope. license MIT Sequential Thinking Enables structured problem-solving through iterative reasoning with revision and branching capabilities. Core Capabilities Iterative reasoning : Break complex problems into sequential thought steps Dynamic scope : Adjust total thought count as understanding evolves Revision tracking : Reconsider and modify previous conclusions Branch exploration : Explore alternative reasoning paths from any point Maintained context : Keep track of reasoning chain throughout analysis When to Use Use mcp__reasoning__sequentialthinking when: Problem requires multiple interconnected reasoning steps Initial scope or approach is uncertain Need to filter through complexity to find core issues May need to backtrack or revise earlier conclusions Want to explore alternative solution paths Don't use for : Simple queries, direct facts, or single-step tasks. Basic Usage The MCP tool mcp__reasoning__sequentialthinking accepts these parameters: Required Parameters thought (string): Current reasoning step nextThoughtNeeded (boolean): Whether more reasoning is needed thoughtNumber (integer): Current step number (starts at 1) totalThoughts (integer): Estimated total steps needed Optional Parameters isRevision (boolean): Indicates this revises previous thinking revisesThought (integer): Which thought number is being reconsidered branchFromThought (integer): Thought number to branch from branchId (string): Identifier for this reasoning branch Workflow Pattern 1. Start with initial thought (thoughtNumber: 1) 2. For each step: - Express current reasoning in `thought` - Estimate remaining work via `totalThoughts` (adjust dynamically) - Set `nextThoughtNeeded: true` to continue 3. When reaching conclusion, set `nextThoughtNeeded: false` Simple Example // First thought { thought : "Problem involves optimizing database queries. Need to identify bottlenecks first." , thoughtNumber : 1 , totalThoughts : 5 , nextThoughtNeeded : true } // Second thought { thought : "Analyzing query patterns reveals N+1 problem in user fetches." , thoughtNumber : 2 , totalThoughts : 6 , // Adjusted scope nextThoughtNeeded : true } // ... continue until done Advanced Features For revision patterns, branching strategies, and complex workflows, see: Advanced Usage - Revision and branching patterns Examples - Real-world use cases Tips Start with rough estimate for totalThoughts , refine as you progress Use revision when assumptions prove incorrect Branch when multiple approaches seem viable Express uncertainty explicitly in thoughts Adjust scope freely - accuracy matters less than progress visibility