| name | bd |
| description | Backlog management with the bd (beads) utility for issue tracking. Use when creating issues, claiming work, updating task status, closing completed work, or syncing the backlog with git. Use when this capability is needed. |
| metadata | {"author":"datorresb"} |
bd (Beads) Skill
This skill covers using bd for issue tracking and backlog management.
Run bd onboard to get started.
Core Principle: The Backlog Is Everything
Every task MUST be a bd issue. No exceptions.
Why Everything Goes Through bd
- Visibility: The human can see all planned and in-progress work
- Context Management: Subagents get focused, scoped tasks instead of sprawling conversations
- Continuity: If a session ends, the backlog preserves state
- Auditability: Every change traces back to an issue
Recommended: Use task-design Skill
When creating issues, use the task-design skill for well-structured tasks.
Well-designed tasks have:
- Context: Why this matters
- Scope: What to touch (and what NOT to)
- Requirements: Verifiable MUST/SHOULD statements
- Acceptance Criteria: Checkboxes for completion
- Validation: How to verify the work
Workflow
When asked to do something:
- Decompose the request into discrete, actionable tasks
- Author issues for each task using
bd create
- Delegate each issue to a subagent for execution
- Review the subagent's work
- Close the issue when complete
Commands
bd onboard
bd ready
bd create "<title>"
bd show <id>
bd update <id> --status in_progress
bd close <id>
bd sync
bd list
Session Management
Starting a Session
bd ready
bd update <id> --status in_progress
Completing Work
bd close <id>
bd sync
Ending a Session
File issues for any remaining work:
bd create "Continue section X"
bd create "Review feedback from Y"
Update statuses:
bd close <completed-ids>
bd update <partial-id> --status in_progress
Sync everything:
bd sync
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