task-breakdown

name	task-breakdown
description	Break work into trackable tasks and maintain TODO.md. Use when starting features, bug fixes, or complex tasks. Always update TODO.md after completing work.
allowed-tools	Read, Write, Edit, Bash

Task Breakdown Skill

Purpose

Ensures all work is broken into discrete, trackable tasks stored in TODO.md.

Instructions

1. Starting New Work

When user requests any feature/fix:

1. Read existing TODO.md (if exists)
2. Break request into 3-10 concrete tasks
3. Write to TODO.md at project root
4. Each task needs unique @id (task-1, task-2, etc.)
5. Assign @priority by dependency order (lower = do first)

2. TODO.md Format

# Tasks for [Project Name]

## Current Task
- [ ] What you're working on NOW @id:current @priority:0

## Upcoming Tasks
- [ ] Task description @id:task-1 @priority:1
- [ ] Another task @id:task-2 @priority:2
- [x] Completed task @id:task-3 @priority:3

## Metadata
- Total: 3 tasks
- Completed: 1 tasks
- Progress: 33%

3. After Each Tool Use

1. If task completed, mark [x]
2. Update "Current Task" section
3. Update metadata (Total/Completed/Progress)
4. MUST update after Write, Edit, or Bash

4. Task Sizing

• Each task: 1-5 minutes
• Be specific: "Add auth" → "Create User model", "Add login route", "Add JWT middleware"
• If too large, break into subtasks

5. Reading User Changes

Before each task:

1. Read TODO.md
2. Check if priorities changed (user may have reordered in UI)
3. Work on lowest @priority number

6. File Location

• Always use: ${CLAUDE_PROJECT_DIR}/TODO.md
• Create if doesn't exist

Example

# Tasks for User Auth Feature

## Current Task
- [ ] Writing JWT middleware @id:current @priority:0

## Upcoming Tasks
- [ ] Create User model @id:task-1 @priority:1
- [ ] Add bcrypt hashing @id:task-2 @priority:2
- [x] Install packages @id:task-3 @priority:3
- [ ] Create /login endpoint @id:task-4 @priority:4
- [ ] Create /register endpoint @id:task-5 @priority:5

## Metadata
- Total: 6 tasks
- Completed: 1 tasks
- Progress: 17%