Plan a character
A feat chain starts with its prerequisites, not its last reward.
Start with the role
Fighter and Wizard do not reach the same attack bonuses or spell options at the same level. Compare a level that matters to your campaign before committing to a chain. A prestige class is not a replacement for its entry requirements.
A two-handed example
Power Attack requires Strength 13. Its initial trade is −1 on melee attacks for +2 melee damage; two-handed attacks increase that damage bonus by half. A stronger damage number is not a free improvement when you already struggle to hit.
Plan the next choice
Cleave requires that earlier feat and Strength 13. It can add one attack against a second adjacent enemy within reach after your first attack hits, but costs 2 Armor Class until your next turn. It is an option for grouped enemies, not an extra attack against one isolated target.
Keep the party in mind
Plan who will stand in front and who covers spells, skills and ranged attacks. Compare actual equipment bonuses separately from class progression. The single-class sheet shows base ability scores and fixed hit-point rolls; gear and party buffs are separate decisions.