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Workflow /new-project

Initialize a new PARA-compliant project with standard scaffolding, backlog, and first session log. Supports ecosystem/satellite type option and --meta flag.

The /new-project workflow initializes a new PARA-compliant project with standard directory scaffolding, a project contract, backlog, and first session log.

Commands Overview

/new-project [project-name]              # Standard project
/new-project [project-name] --meta       # Ecosystem meta-project (v1.6.0)

Project Initialization Flow

Choose type → Scaffold directories → Define goal → Initialize backlog → Register in config → Start first session

1. Scaffold Project

Runs ./para scaffold [project-name] to create the standard structure:

Projects/[project-name]/
├── repo/              # Source code (git init)
├── sessions/          # Session logs
├── artifacts/
│   └── tasks/
│       └── backlog.md # Product backlog
├── docs/              # Project documentation
└── project.md         # Project contract

Ecosystem / Satellite Type Option (v1.6.0)

Step 2 asks for the project type:

📐 Project type:
1. Standard — Regular project with source code
2. Ecosystem — Meta-project coordinating satellites (no repo/)

Or use the --meta flag to directly create an ecosystem project:

/new-project my-ecosystem --meta

Ecosystem structure (no repo/ directory):

Projects/my-ecosystem/
├── project.md            ← type: ecosystem, satellites: []
├── artifacts/
│   ├── tasks/backlog.md  ← Ecosystem-level backlog
│   └── plans/            ← Cross-project plans
├── docs/                 ← Strategy, architecture docs
└── sessions/             ← Session logs

2. Define Goal

Updates project.md with YAML frontmatter:

---
goal: "[Specific, measurable project goal]"
deadline: "YYYY-MM-DD"
status: "active"
type: "standard"              # or "ecosystem"
kernel_version: "1.6.1"
created_at: "YYYY-MM-DD"
dod:
  - "[Done condition 1]"
  - "[Done condition 2]"
last_reviewed: "YYYY-MM-DD"
active_plan: ""
---

3. Initialize Backlog

Populates artifacts/tasks/backlog.md with the initial feature roadmap using the standard template from /backlog.

4. Register in Workspace Config

Adds the project to .para-workspace.yml so it appears in workspace-level commands.

5. Start First Session

Records the kickoff in sessions/YYYY-MM-DD.md with project goal, initial backlog size, tech stack, and first priority.

Output Checklist

  • Project folder structure created
  • Registered in .para-workspace.yml
  • Goals defined in project.md
  • Backlog initialized
  • First session logged

Updated in v1.6.0. Ecosystem/satellite type option and --meta flag.

→ Workflow /open — Start session with context loading → Workflow /plan — Create implementation plan → Workflow /backlog — Manage project backlog → Learn: Meta-Project Guide