Sequential Thinking

Overview

Enables structured problem-solving through iterative reasoning with revision and branching capabilities. Break complex problems into sequential thought steps, dynamically adjusting scope as understanding deepens, with the ability to revise earlier conclusions and explore alternative paths.

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 factual questions, 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 step 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 a 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