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Command Development

AnthropicOfficialPublished by Anthropic

  • Skill
  • Tool integration
  • Agent tooling
  • Apache-2.0
  • No issues found

From the author

This skill should be used when the user asks to "create a slash command", "add a command", "write a custom command", "define command arguments", "use command frontmatter", "organize commands", "create command with file references", "interactive command", "use AskUserQuestion in command", or needs guidance on slash command structure, YAML frontmatter fields, dynamic arguments, bash execution in commands, user interaction patterns, or command development best practices for Claude Code.
— the description by Anthropic

AutoGineer summary

Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author

Slash commands are Markdown-based instructions that allow Claude to execute specific, reusable tasks. This skill provides the framework for creating these commands, including how to use YAML frontmatter for configuration, dynamic arguments for flexibility, and bash execution for context-aware automation. It covers best practices for command structure, organization, and documentation to ensure commands are maintainable and easy to use.

What it does

  • Defines the structure of slash commands using Markdown and YAML frontmatter.
  • Explains how to implement dynamic arguments and file references for interactive tasks.
  • Guides the integration of bash commands to gather repository or environment context.
  • Provides patterns for organizing commands into project-specific or personal namespaces.
  • Offers best practices for command design, validation, and error handling.
  • Details how to document commands for better discoverability and maintainability.

When to use it

  • When you need to automate a recurring, multi-step task in Claude Code.
  • When you want to standardize workflows across a team or project.
  • When you need to create custom utilities that require specific tool access or model settings.
  • When you want to build complex, state-aware workflows using multiple commands.

Advantages

  • Increases efficiency by turning complex prompts into simple, reusable commands.
  • Ensures consistency in task execution across different users and projects.
  • Enables dynamic behavior through argument passing and inline bash execution.
  • Supports modular organization, making it easy to manage large sets of commands.

Usage examples

“Create a slash command to review a pull request.”
The agent will generate a Markdown file with appropriate frontmatter and instructions to analyze a PR, including steps for fetching details and checking code quality.
“How do I add an argument to my custom command?”
The agent will explain how to use $1, $2, or $ARGUMENTS syntax within your command file and how to document it using the argument-hint frontmatter field.
“Show me how to run a bash script inside a command.”
The agent will provide a template showing how to use backticks with bash commands and how to configure allowed-tools in the frontmatter for security.
“How should I organize my project commands?”
The agent will suggest a namespaced directory structure for your .claude/commands/ folder to keep related tasks grouped logically.

Install

  1. Download the skill as a ZIP:

    https://mp-staging.autogineer.com/agent-skills/anthropics/command-development/download
  2. Unzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:

    mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip command-development.zip -d .agents/skills

Documentation by Anthropic

Command Development for Claude Code

Note: The .claude/commands/ directory is a legacy format. For new skills, use the .claude/skills/<name>/SKILL.md directory format. Both are loaded identically — the only difference is file layout. See the skill-development skill for the preferred format.

Overview

Slash commands are frequently-used prompts defined as Markdown files that Claude executes during interactive sessions. Understanding command structure, frontmatter options, and dynamic features enables creating powerful, reusable workflows.

Key concepts:

  • Markdown file format for commands

  • YAML frontmatter for configuration

  • Dynamic arguments and file references

  • Bash execution for context

  • Command organization and namespacing

Command Basics

What is a Slash Command?

A slash command is a Markdown file containing a prompt that Claude executes when invoked. Commands provide:

  • Reusability: Define once, use repeatedly

  • Consistency: Standardize common workflows

  • Sharing: Distribute across team or projects

  • Efficiency: Quick access to complex prompts

Critical: Commands are Instructions FOR Claude

Commands are written for agent consumption, not human consumption.

When a user invokes /command-name, the command content becomes Claude's instructions. Write commands as directives TO Claude about what to do, not as messages TO the user.

Correct approach (instructions for Claude):

Review this code for security vulnerabilities including:

- SQL injection
- XSS attacks
- Authentication issues

Provide specific line numbers and severity ratings.

Incorrect approach (messages to user):

This command will review your code for security issues.
You'll receive a report with vulnerability details.

The first example tells Claude what to do. The second tells the user what will happen but doesn't instruct Claude. Always use the first approach.

Command Locations

Project commands (shared with team):

  • Location: .claude/commands/

  • Scope: Available in specific project

  • Label: Shown as "(project)" in /help

  • Use for: Team workflows, project-specific tasks

Personal commands (available everywhere):

  • Location: ~/.claude/commands/

  • Scope: Available in all projects

  • Label: Shown as "(user)" in /help

  • Use for: Personal workflows, cross-project utilities

Plugin commands (bundled with plugins):

  • Location: plugin-name/commands/

  • Scope: Available when plugin installed

  • Label: Shown as "(plugin-name)" in /help

  • Use for: Plugin-specific functionality

File Format

Basic Structure

Commands are Markdown files with .md extension:

.claude/commands/
├── review.md           # /review command
├── test.md             # /test command
└── deploy.md           # /deploy command

Simple command:

Review this code for security vulnerabilities including:

- SQL injection
- XSS attacks
- Authentication bypass
- Insecure data handling

No frontmatter needed for basic commands.

With YAML Frontmatter

Add configuration using YAML frontmatter:

---
description: Review code for security issues
allowed-tools: Read, Grep, Bash(git:*)
model: sonnet
---

Review this code for security vulnerabilities...

YAML Frontmatter Fields

description

Purpose: Brief description shown in /help Type: String Default: First line of command prompt

---
description: Review pull request for code quality
---

Best practice: Clear, actionable description (under 60 characters)

allowed-tools

Purpose: Specify which tools command can use Type: String or Array Default: Inherits from conversation

---
allowed-tools: Read, Write, Edit, Bash(git:*)
---

Patterns:

  • Read, Write, Edit - Specific tools

  • Bash(git:*) - Bash with git commands only

  • * - All tools (rarely needed)

Use when: Command requires specific tool access

model

Purpose: Specify model for command execution Type: String (sonnet, opus, haiku) Default: Inherits from conversation

---
model: haiku
---

Use cases:

  • haiku - Fast, simple commands

  • sonnet - Standard workflows

  • opus - Complex analysis

argument-hint

Purpose: Document expected arguments for autocomplete Type: String Default: None

---
argument-hint: [pr-number] [priority] [assignee]
---

Benefits:

  • Helps users understand command arguments

  • Improves command discovery

  • Documents command interface

disable-model-invocation

Purpose: Prevent SlashCommand tool from programmatically calling command Type: Boolean Default: false

---
disable-model-invocation: true
---

Use when: Command should only be manually invoked

Dynamic Arguments

Using $ARGUMENTS

Capture all arguments as single string:

---
description: Fix issue by number
argument-hint: [issue-number]
---

Fix issue #$ARGUMENTS following our coding standards and best practices.

Usage:

> /fix-issue 123
> /fix-issue 456

Expands to:

Fix issue #123 following our coding standards...
Fix issue #456 following our coding standards...
Using Positional Arguments

Capture individual arguments with $1, $2, $3, etc.:

---
description: Review PR with priority and assignee
argument-hint: [pr-number] [priority] [assignee]
---

Review pull request #$1 with priority level $2.
After review, assign to $3 for follow-up.

Usage:

> /review-pr 123 high alice

Expands to:

Review pull request #123 with priority level high.
After review, assign to alice for follow-up.
Combining Arguments

Mix positional and remaining arguments:

Deploy $1 to $2 environment with options: $3

Usage:

> /deploy api staging --force --skip-tests

Expands to:

Deploy api to staging environment with options: --force --skip-tests

File References

Using @ Syntax

Include file contents in command:

---
description: Review specific file
argument-hint: [file-path]
---

Review @$1 for:

- Code quality
- Best practices
- Potential bugs

Usage:

> /review-file src/api/users.ts

Effect: Claude reads src/api/users.ts before processing command

Multiple File References

Reference multiple files:

Compare @src/old-version.js with @src/new-version.js

Identify:

- Breaking changes
- New features
- Bug fixes
Static File References

Reference known files without arguments:

Review @package.json and @tsconfig.json for consistency

Ensure:

- TypeScript version matches
- Dependencies are aligned
- Build configuration is correct

Bash Execution in Commands

Commands can execute bash commands inline to dynamically gather context before Claude processes the command. This is useful for including repository state, environment information, or project-specific context.

When to use:

  • Include dynamic context (git status, environment vars, etc.)

  • Gather project/repository state

  • Build context-aware workflows

Implementation details: For complete syntax, examples, and best practices, see references/plugin-features-reference.md section on bash execution. The reference includes the exact syntax and multiple working examples to avoid execution issues

Command Organization

Flat Structure

Simple organization for small command sets:

.claude/commands/
├── build.md
├── test.md
├── deploy.md
├── review.md
└── docs.md

Use when: 5-15 commands, no clear categories

Namespaced Structure

Organize commands in subdirectories:

.claude/commands/
├── ci/
│   ├── build.md        # /build (project:ci)
│   ├── test.md         # /test (project:ci)
│   └── lint.md         # /lint (project:ci)
├── git/
│   ├── commit.md       # /commit (project:git)
│   └── pr.md           # /pr (project:git)
└── docs/
    ├── generate.md     # /generate (project:docs)
    └── publish.md      # /publish (project:docs)

Benefits:

  • Logical grouping by category

  • Namespace shown in /help

  • Easier to find related commands

Use when: 15+ commands, clear categories

Best Practices

Command Design
  1. Single responsibility: One command, one task

  2. Clear descriptions: Self-explanatory in /help

  3. Explicit dependencies: Use allowed-tools when needed

  4. Document arguments: Always provide argument-hint

  5. Consistent naming: Use verb-noun pattern (review-pr, fix-issue)

Argument Handling
  1. Validate arguments: Check for required arguments in prompt

  2. Provide defaults: Suggest defaults when arguments missing

  3. Document format: Explain expected argument format

  4. Handle edge cases: Consider missing or invalid arguments

---
argument-hint: [pr-number]
---

$IF($1,
Review PR #$1,
Please provide a PR number. Usage: /review-pr [number]
)
File References
  1. Explicit paths: Use clear file paths

  2. Check existence: Handle missing files gracefully

  3. Relative paths: Use project-relative paths

  4. Glob support: Consider using Glob tool for patterns

Bash Commands
  1. Limit scope: Use Bash(git:*) not Bash(*)

  2. Safe commands: Avoid destructive operations

  3. Handle errors: Consider command failures

  4. Keep fast: Long-running commands slow invocation

Documentation
  1. Add comments: Explain complex logic

  2. Provide examples: Show usage in comments

  3. List requirements: Document dependencies

  4. Version commands: Note breaking changes

---
description: Deploy application to environment
argument-hint: [environment] [version]
---

<!--
Usage: /deploy [staging|production] [version]
Requires: AWS credentials configured
Example: /deploy staging v1.2.3
-->

Deploy application to $1 environment using version $2...

Common Patterns

Review Pattern
---
description: Review code changes
allowed-tools: Read, Bash(git:*)
---

Files changed: !`git diff --name-only`

Review each file for:

1. Code quality and style
2. Potential bugs or issues
3. Test coverage
4. Documentation needs

Provide specific feedback for each file.
Testing Pattern
---
description: Run tests for specific file
argument-hint: [test-file]
allowed-tools: Bash(npm:*)
---

Run tests: !`npm test $1`

Analyze results and suggest fixes for failures.
Documentation Pattern
---
description: Generate documentation for file
argument-hint: [source-file]
---

Generate comprehensive documentation for @$1 including:

- Function/class descriptions
- Parameter documentation
- Return value descriptions
- Usage examples
- Edge cases and errors
Workflow Pattern
---
description: Complete PR workflow
argument-hint: [pr-number]
allowed-tools: Bash(gh:*), Read
---

PR #$1 Workflow:

1. Fetch PR: !`gh pr view $1`
2. Review changes
3. Run checks
4. Approve or request changes

Troubleshooting

Command not appearing:

  • Check file is in correct directory

  • Verify .md extension present

  • Ensure valid Markdown format

  • Restart Claude Code

Arguments not working:

  • Verify $1, $2 syntax correct

  • Check argument-hint matches usage

  • Ensure no extra spaces

Bash execution failing:

  • Check allowed-tools includes Bash

  • Verify command syntax in backticks

  • Test command in terminal first

  • Check for required permissions

File references not working:

  • Verify @ syntax correct

  • Check file path is valid

  • Ensure Read tool allowed

  • Use absolute or project-relative paths

Plugin-Specific Features

CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT Variable

Plugin commands have access to ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}, an environment variable that resolves to the plugin's absolute path.

Purpose:

  • Reference plugin files portably

  • Execute plugin scripts

  • Load plugin configuration

  • Access plugin templates

Basic usage:

---
description: Analyze using plugin script
allowed-tools: Bash(node:*)
---

Run analysis: !`node ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/analyze.js $1`

Review results and report findings.

Common patterns:

# Execute plugin script

!`bash ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/script.sh`

# Load plugin configuration

@${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/config/settings.json

# Use plugin template

@${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/templates/report.md

# Access plugin resources

@${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/docs/reference.md

Why use it:

  • Works across all installations

  • Portable between systems

  • No hardcoded paths needed

  • Essential for multi-file plugins

Plugin Command Organization

Plugin commands discovered automatically from commands/ directory:

plugin-name/
├── commands/
│   ├── foo.md              # /foo (plugin:plugin-name)
│   ├── bar.md              # /bar (plugin:plugin-name)
│   └── utils/
│       └── helper.md       # /helper (plugin:plugin-name:utils)
└── plugin.json

Namespace benefits:

  • Logical command grouping

  • Shown in /help output

  • Avoid name conflicts

  • Organize related commands

Naming conventions:

  • Use descriptive action names

  • Avoid generic names (test, run)

  • Consider plugin-specific prefix

  • Use hyphens for multi-word names

Plugin Command Patterns

Configuration-based pattern:

---
description: Deploy using plugin configuration
argument-hint: [environment]
allowed-tools: Read, Bash(*)
---

Load configuration: @${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/config/$1-deploy.json

Deploy to $1 using configuration settings.
Monitor deployment and report status.

Template-based pattern:

---
description: Generate docs from template
argument-hint: [component]
---

Template: @${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/templates/docs.md

Generate documentation for $1 following template structure.

Multi-script pattern:

---
description: Complete build workflow
allowed-tools: Bash(*)
---

Build: !`bash ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/build.sh`
Test: !`bash ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/test.sh`
Package: !`bash ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/package.sh`

Review outputs and report workflow status.

See references/plugin-features-reference.md for detailed patterns.

Integration with Plugin Components

Commands can integrate with other plugin components for powerful workflows.

Agent Integration

Launch plugin agents for complex tasks:

---
description: Deep code review
argument-hint: [file-path]
---

Initiate comprehensive review of @$1 using the code-reviewer agent.

The agent will analyze:

- Code structure
- Security issues
- Performance
- Best practices

Agent uses plugin resources:

- ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/config/rules.json
- ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/checklists/review.md

Key points:

  • Agent must exist in plugin/agents/ directory

  • Claude uses Task tool to launch agent

  • Document agent capabilities

  • Reference plugin resources agent uses

Skill Integration

Leverage plugin skills for specialized knowledge:

---
description: Document API with standards
argument-hint: [api-file]
---

Document API in @$1 following plugin standards.

Use the api-docs-standards skill to ensure:

- Complete endpoint documentation
- Consistent formatting
- Example quality
- Error documentation

Generate production-ready API docs.

Key points:

  • Skill must exist in plugin/skills/ directory

  • Mention skill name to trigger invocation

  • Document skill purpose

  • Explain what skill provides

Hook Coordination

Design commands that work with plugin hooks:

  • Commands can prepare state for hooks to process

  • Hooks execute automatically on tool events

  • Commands should document expected hook behavior

  • Guide Claude on interpreting hook output

See references/plugin-features-reference.md for examples of commands that coordinate with hooks

Multi-Component Workflows

Combine agents, skills, and scripts:

---
description: Comprehensive review workflow
argument-hint: [file]
allowed-tools: Bash(node:*), Read
---

Target: @$1

Phase 1 - Static Analysis:
!`node ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/lint.js $1`

Phase 2 - Deep Review:
Launch code-reviewer agent for detailed analysis.

Phase 3 - Standards Check:
Use coding-standards skill for validation.

Phase 4 - Report:
Template: @${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/templates/review.md

Compile findings into report following template.

When to use:

  • Complex multi-step workflows

  • Leverage multiple plugin capabilities

  • Require specialized analysis

  • Need structured outputs

Validation Patterns

Commands should validate inputs and resources before processing.

Argument Validation
---
description: Deploy with validation
argument-hint: [environment]
---

Validate environment: !`echo "$1" | grep -E "^(dev|staging|prod)$" || echo "INVALID"`

If $1 is valid environment:
Deploy to $1
Otherwise:
Explain valid environments: dev, staging, prod
Show usage: /deploy [environment]
File Existence Checks
---
description: Process configuration
argument-hint: [config-file]
---

Check file exists: !`test -f $1 && echo "EXISTS" || echo "MISSING"`

If file exists:
Process configuration: @$1
Otherwise:
Explain where to place config file
Show expected format
Provide example configuration
Plugin Resource Validation
---
description: Run plugin analyzer
allowed-tools: Bash(test:*)
---

Validate plugin setup:

- Script: !`test -x ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/bin/analyze && echo "✓" || echo "✗"`
- Config: !`test -f ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/config.json && echo "✓" || echo "✗"`

If all checks pass, run analysis.
Otherwise, report missing components.
Error Handling
---
description: Build with error handling
allowed-tools: Bash(*)
---

Execute build: !`bash ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/build.sh 2>&1 || echo "BUILD_FAILED"`

If build succeeded:
Report success and output location
If build failed:
Analyze error output
Suggest likely causes
Provide troubleshooting steps

Best practices:

  • Validate early in command

  • Provide helpful error messages

  • Suggest corrective actions

  • Handle edge cases gracefully


For detailed frontmatter field specifications, see references/frontmatter-reference.md. For plugin-specific features and patterns, see references/plugin-features-reference.md. For command pattern examples, see examples/ directory.

Files

references/advanced-workflows.md

Advanced Workflow Patterns

Multi-step command sequences and composition patterns for complex workflows.

Overview

Advanced workflows combine multiple commands, coordinate state across invocations, and create sophisticated automation sequences. These patterns enable building complex functionality from simple command building blocks.

Multi-Step Command Patterns

Sequential Workflow Command

Commands that guide users through multi-step processes:

---
description: Complete PR review workflow
argument-hint: [pr-number]
allowed-tools: Bash(gh:*), Read, Grep
---

# PR Review Workflow for #$1

## Step 1: Fetch PR Details
!`gh pr view $1 --json title,body,author,files`

## Step 2: Review Files
Files changed: !`gh pr diff $1 --name-only`

For each file:
- Check code quality
- Verify tests exist
- Review documentation

## Step 3: Run Checks
Test status: !`gh pr checks $1`

Verify:
- All tests passing
- No merge conflicts
- CI/CD successful

## Step 4: Provide Feedback

Summarize:
- Issues found (critical/minor)
- Suggestions for improvement
- Approval recommendation

Would you like to:
1. Approve PR
2. Request changes
3. Leave comments only

Reply with your choice and I'll help complete the action.

Key features:

  • Numbered steps for clarity

  • Bash execution for context

  • Decision points for user input

  • Next action suggestions

State-Carrying Workflow

Commands that maintain state between invocations:

---
description: Initialize deployment workflow
allowed-tools: Write, Bash(git:*)
---

# Initialize Deployment

Creating deployment tracking file...

Current branch: !`git branch --show-current`
Latest commit: !`git log -1 --format=%H`

Deployment state saved to `.claude/deployment-state.local.md`:

\`\`\`markdown
---
initialized: true
branch: $(git branch --show-current)
commit: $(git log -1 --format=%H)
timestamp: $(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)
status: initialized
---

# Deployment Tracking

Branch: $(git branch --show-current)
Started: $(date)

Next steps:
1. Run tests: /deploy-test
2. Build: /deploy-build
3. Deploy: /deploy-execute
\`\`\`

State saved. Run `/deploy-test` to continue.

Next command (/deploy-test):

---
description: Run deployment tests
allowed-tools: Read, Bash(npm:*)
---

Reading deployment state from `.claude/deployment-state.local.md`...

Running tests: !`npm test`

Updating state to 'tested'...

Tests complete. Run `/deploy-build` to continue.

Pattern benefits:

  • Persistent state across commands

  • Clear workflow progression

  • Safety checkpoints

  • Resume capability

Conditional Workflow Branching

Commands that adapt based on conditions:

---
description: Smart deployment workflow
argument-hint: [environment]
allowed-tools: Bash(git:*), Bash(npm:*), Read
---

# Deploy to $1

## Pre-flight Checks

Branch: !`git branch --show-current`
Status: !`git status --short`

**Checking conditions:**

1. Branch status:
   - If main/master: Require approval
   - If feature branch: Warning about target
   - If hotfix: Fast-track process

2. Tests:
   !`npm test`
   - If tests fail: STOP - fix tests first
   - If tests pass: Continue

3. Environment:
   - If $1 = 'production': Extra validation
   - If $1 = 'staging': Standard process
   - If $1 = 'dev': Minimal checks

**Workflow decision:**
Based on above, proceeding with: [determined workflow]

[Conditional steps based on environment and status]

Ready to deploy? (yes/no)

Command Composition Patterns

Command Chaining

Commands designed to work together:

---
description: Prepare for code review
---

# Prepare Code Review

Running preparation sequence:

1. Format code: /format-code
2. Run linter: /lint-code
3. Run tests: /test-all
4. Generate coverage: /coverage-report
5. Create review summary: /review-summary

This is a meta-command. After completing each step above,
I'll compile results and prepare comprehensive review materials.

Starting sequence...

Individual commands are simple:

  • /format-code - Just formats

  • /lint-code - Just lints

  • /test-all - Just tests

Composition command orchestrates them.

Pipeline Pattern

Commands that process output from previous commands:

---
description: Analyze test failures
---

# Analyze Test Failures

## Step 1: Get test results
(Run /test-all first if not done)

Reading test output...

## Step 2: Categorize failures
- Flaky tests (random failures)
- Consistent failures
- New failures vs existing

## Step 3: Prioritize
Rank by:
- Impact (critical path vs edge case)
- Frequency (always fails vs sometimes)
- Effort (quick fix vs major work)

## Step 4: Generate fix plan
For each failure:
- Root cause hypothesis
- Suggested fix approach
- Estimated effort

Would you like me to:
1. Fix highest priority failure
2. Generate detailed fix plans for all
3. Create GitHub issues for each
Parallel Execution Pattern

Commands that coordinate multiple simultaneous operations:

---
description: Run comprehensive validation
allowed-tools: Bash(*), Read
---

# Comprehensive Validation

Running validations in parallel...

Starting:
- Code quality checks
- Security scanning
- Dependency audit
- Performance profiling

This will take 2-3 minutes. I'll monitor all processes
and report when complete.

[Poll each process and report progress]

All validations complete. Summary:
- Quality: PASS (0 issues)
- Security: WARN (2 minor issues)
- Dependencies: PASS
- Performance: PASS (baseline met)

Details:
[Collated results from all checks]

Workflow State Management

Using .local.md Files

Store workflow state in plugin-specific files:

.claude/plugin-name-workflow.local.md:

---
workflow: deployment
stage: testing
started: 2025-01-15T10:30:00Z
environment: staging
branch: feature/new-api
commit: abc123def
tests_passed: false
build_complete: false
---

# Deployment Workflow State

Current stage: Testing
Started: 2025-01-15 10:30 UTC

Completed steps:
- ✅ Validation
- ✅ Branch check
- ⏳ Testing (in progress)

Pending steps:
- Build
- Deploy
- Smoke tests

Reading state in commands:

---
description: Continue deployment workflow
allowed-tools: Read, Write
---

Reading workflow state from .claude/plugin-name-workflow.local.md...

Current stage: @.claude/plugin-name-workflow.local.md

[Parse YAML frontmatter to determine next step]

Next action based on state: [determined action]
Workflow Recovery

Handle interrupted workflows:

---
description: Resume deployment workflow
allowed-tools: Read
---

# Resume Deployment

Checking for interrupted workflow...

State file: @.claude/plugin-name-workflow.local.md

**Workflow found:**
- Started: [timestamp]
- Environment: [env]
- Last completed: [step]

**Recovery options:**
1. Resume from last step
2. Restart from beginning
3. Abort and clean up

Which would you like? (1/2/3)

Workflow Coordination Patterns

Cross-Command Communication

Commands that signal each other:

---
description: Mark feature complete
allowed-tools: Write
---

# Mark Feature Complete

Writing completion marker...

Creating: .claude/feature-complete.flag

This signals other commands that feature is ready for:
- Integration testing (/integration-test will auto-detect)
- Documentation generation (/docs-generate will include)
- Release notes (/release-notes will add)

Feature marked complete.

Other commands check for flag:

---
description: Generate release notes
allowed-tools: Read, Bash(git:*)
---

Checking for completed features...

if [ -f .claude/feature-complete.flag ]; then
  Feature ready for release notes
fi

[Include in release notes]
Workflow Locking

Prevent concurrent workflow execution:

---
description: Start deployment
allowed-tools: Read, Write, Bash
---

# Start Deployment

Checking for active deployments...

if [ -f .claude/deployment.lock ]; then
  ERROR: Deployment already in progress
  Started: [timestamp from lock file]

  Cannot start concurrent deployment.
  Wait for completion or run /deployment-abort

  Exit.
fi

Creating deployment lock...

Deployment started. Lock created.
[Proceed with deployment]

Lock cleanup:

---
description: Complete deployment
allowed-tools: Write, Bash
---

Deployment complete.

Removing deployment lock...
rm .claude/deployment.lock

Ready for next deployment.

Advanced Argument Handling

Optional Arguments with Defaults
---
description: Deploy with optional version
argument-hint: [environment] [version]
---

Environment: ${1:-staging}
Version: ${2:-latest}

Deploying ${2:-latest} to ${1:-staging}...

Note: Using defaults for missing arguments:
- Environment defaults to 'staging'
- Version defaults to 'latest'
Argument Validation
---
description: Deploy to validated environment
argument-hint: [environment]
---

Environment: $1

Validating environment...

valid_envs="dev staging production"
if ! echo "$valid_envs" | grep -w "$1" > /dev/null; then
  ERROR: Invalid environment '$1'
  Valid options: dev, staging, production
  Exit.
fi

Environment validated. Proceeding...
Argument Transformation
---
description: Deploy with shorthand
argument-hint: [env-shorthand]
---

Input: $1

Expanding shorthand:
- d/dev → development
- s/stg → staging
- p/prod → production

case "$1" in
  d|dev) ENV="development";;
  s|stg) ENV="staging";;
  p|prod) ENV="production";;
  *) ENV="$1";;
esac

Deploying to: $ENV

Error Handling in Workflows

Graceful Failure
---
description: Resilient deployment workflow
---

# Deployment Workflow

Running steps with error handling...

## Step 1: Tests
!`npm test`

if [ $? -ne 0 ]; then
  ERROR: Tests failed

  Options:
  1. Fix tests and retry
  2. Skip tests (NOT recommended)
  3. Abort deployment

  What would you like to do?

  [Wait for user input before continuing]
fi

## Step 2: Build
[Continue only if Step 1 succeeded]
Rollback on Failure
---
description: Deployment with rollback
---

# Deploy with Rollback

Saving current state for rollback...
Previous version: !`current-version.sh`

Deploying new version...

!`deploy.sh`

if [ $? -ne 0 ]; then
  DEPLOYMENT FAILED

  Initiating automatic rollback...
  !`rollback.sh`

  Rolled back to previous version.
  Check logs for failure details.
fi

Deployment complete.
Checkpoint Recovery
---
description: Workflow with checkpoints
---

# Multi-Stage Deployment

## Checkpoint 1: Validation
!`validate.sh`
echo "checkpoint:validation" >> .claude/deployment-checkpoints.log

## Checkpoint 2: Build
!`build.sh`
echo "checkpoint:build" >> .claude/deployment-checkpoints.log

## Checkpoint 3: Deploy
!`deploy.sh`
echo "checkpoint:deploy" >> .claude/deployment-checkpoints.log

If any step fails, resume with:
/deployment-resume [last-successful-checkpoint]

Best Practices

Workflow Design
  1. Clear progression: Number steps, show current position

  2. Explicit state: Don't rely on implicit state

  3. User control: Provide decision points

  4. Error recovery: Handle failures gracefully

  5. Progress indication: Show what's done, what's pending

Command Composition
  1. Single responsibility: Each command does one thing well

  2. Composable design: Commands work together easily

  3. Standard interfaces: Consistent input/output formats

  4. Loose coupling: Commands don't depend on each other's internals

State Management
  1. Persistent state: Use .local.md files

  2. Atomic updates: Write complete state files atomically

  3. State validation: Check state file format/completeness

  4. Cleanup: Remove stale state files

  5. Documentation: Document state file formats

Error Handling
  1. Fail fast: Detect errors early

  2. Clear messages: Explain what went wrong

  3. Recovery options: Provide clear next steps

  4. State preservation: Keep state for recovery

  5. Rollback capability: Support undoing changes

Example: Complete Deployment Workflow

Initialize Command
---
description: Initialize deployment
argument-hint: [environment]
allowed-tools: Write, Bash(git:*)
---

# Initialize Deployment to $1

Creating workflow state...

\`\`\`yaml
---
workflow: deployment
environment: $1
branch: !`git branch --show-current`
commit: !`git rev-parse HEAD`
stage: initialized
timestamp: !`date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ`
---
\`\`\`

Written to .claude/deployment-state.local.md

Next: Run /deployment-validate
Validation Command
---
description: Validate deployment
allowed-tools: Read, Bash
---

Reading state: @.claude/deployment-state.local.md

Running validation...
- Branch check: PASS
- Tests: PASS
- Build: PASS

Updating state to 'validated'...

Next: Run /deployment-execute
Execution Command
---
description: Execute deployment
allowed-tools: Read, Bash, Write
---

Reading state: @.claude/deployment-state.local.md

Executing deployment to [environment]...

!`deploy.sh [environment]`

Deployment complete.
Updating state to 'completed'...

Cleanup: /deployment-cleanup
Cleanup Command
---
description: Clean up deployment
allowed-tools: Bash
---

Removing deployment state...
rm .claude/deployment-state.local.md

Deployment workflow complete.

This complete workflow demonstrates state management, sequential execution, error handling, and clean separation of concerns across multiple commands.

Requirements and compatibility

Written for: Claude Code, Claude apps

Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta

“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.

Needs: Names Claude Code tools, Needs Node.js

Security

No issues found by our static scan· No issues found

A static scan is not a guarantee. Skills are third-party content: review a skill before you let an agent use it.

Attribution and licence

Published by
Anthropic
Publisher
Anthropic (Official)
Source
anthropics/claude-plugins-official · plugins/plugin-dev/skills/command-development · commit 0412be7
Licence
Apache License 2.0 (redistribution allowed)
  • LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from plugins/plugin-dev/LICENSE)
  • ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)
Synced

AutoGineer is not affiliated with or endorsed by Anthropic.

Download ZIP

The ZIP holds the skill’s files, its licence files and an ATTRIBUTION.md. Download command-development.zip