Command Development
AnthropicOfficialPublished by Anthropic
- Skill
- Tool integration
- Agent tooling
- Apache-2.0
- No issues found
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
Download the skill as a ZIP:
https://autogineer.com/agent-skills/anthropics/command-development/downloadUnzip 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.mddirectory format. Both are loaded identically — the only difference is file layout. See theskill-developmentskill 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
/helpUse for: Team workflows, project-specific tasks
Personal commands (available everywhere):
Location:
~/.claude/commands/Scope: Available in all projects
Label: Shown as "(user)" in
/helpUse 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
/helpUse 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 commandSimple command:
Review this code for security vulnerabilities including:
- SQL injection
- XSS attacks
- Authentication bypass
- Insecure data handlingNo 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 toolsBash(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 commandssonnet- Standard workflowsopus- 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 456Expands 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 aliceExpands 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: $3Usage:
> /deploy api staging --force --skip-testsExpands to:
Deploy api to staging environment with options: --force --skip-testsFile References
Using @ Syntax
Include file contents in command:
---
description: Review specific file
argument-hint: [file-path]
---
Review @$1 for:
- Code quality
- Best practices
- Potential bugsUsage:
> /review-file src/api/users.tsEffect: 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 fixesStatic 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 correctBash 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.mdUse 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
/helpEasier to find related commands
Use when: 15+ commands, clear categories
Best Practices
Command Design
Single responsibility: One command, one task
Clear descriptions: Self-explanatory in
/helpExplicit dependencies: Use
allowed-toolswhen neededDocument arguments: Always provide
argument-hintConsistent naming: Use verb-noun pattern (review-pr, fix-issue)
Argument Handling
Validate arguments: Check for required arguments in prompt
Provide defaults: Suggest defaults when arguments missing
Document format: Explain expected argument format
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
Explicit paths: Use clear file paths
Check existence: Handle missing files gracefully
Relative paths: Use project-relative paths
Glob support: Consider using Glob tool for patterns
Bash Commands
Limit scope: Use
Bash(git:*)notBash(*)Safe commands: Avoid destructive operations
Handle errors: Consider command failures
Keep fast: Long-running commands slow invocation
Documentation
Add comments: Explain complex logic
Provide examples: Show usage in comments
List requirements: Document dependencies
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 errorsWorkflow 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 changesTroubleshooting
Command not appearing:
Check file is in correct directory
Verify
.mdextension presentEnsure valid Markdown format
Restart Claude Code
Arguments not working:
Verify
$1,$2syntax correctCheck
argument-hintmatches usageEnsure no extra spaces
Bash execution failing:
Check
allowed-toolsincludes BashVerify command syntax in backticks
Test command in terminal first
Check for required permissions
File references not working:
Verify
@syntax correctCheck 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.mdWhy 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.jsonNamespace benefits:
Logical command grouping
Shown in
/helpoutputAvoid 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.mdKey points:
Agent must exist in
plugin/agents/directoryClaude 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/directoryMention 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 configurationPlugin 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 stepsBest 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
- ATTRIBUTION.mdAdded by AutoGineer976 B
- LICENSELicence file added by AutoGineer11.1 KiB
- README.md7.5 KiB
- SKILL.md18.8 KiB
- examples/plugin-commands.md13.7 KiB
- examples/simple-commands.md8.5 KiB
- references/advanced-workflows.md13.3 KiB
- references/documentation-patterns.md14.6 KiB
- references/frontmatter-reference.md8.9 KiB
- references/interactive-commands.md20.5 KiB
- references/marketplace-considerations.md16.1 KiB
- references/plugin-features-reference.md14.3 KiB
- references/testing-strategies.md14.5 KiB
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 eachParallel 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 testsReading 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: $ENVError 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
Clear progression: Number steps, show current position
Explicit state: Don't rely on implicit state
User control: Provide decision points
Error recovery: Handle failures gracefully
Progress indication: Show what's done, what's pending
Command Composition
Single responsibility: Each command does one thing well
Composable design: Commands work together easily
Standard interfaces: Consistent input/output formats
Loose coupling: Commands don't depend on each other's internals
State Management
Persistent state: Use .local.md files
Atomic updates: Write complete state files atomically
State validation: Check state file format/completeness
Cleanup: Remove stale state files
Documentation: Document state file formats
Error Handling
Fail fast: Detect errors early
Clear messages: Explain what went wrong
Recovery options: Provide clear next steps
State preservation: Keep state for recovery
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-validateValidation 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-executeExecution 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-cleanupCleanup 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 or Anthropic.
Download ZIP
The ZIP holds the skill’s files, its licence files and an ATTRIBUTION.md. Download command-development.zip