shell-patterns

name	Shell Patterns
description	Background job patterns with shell and job management tools
requires_capabilities	["builtins","shell"]

Shell Patterns

Use shell tools for concrete local commands, verification, and long-running processes. Keep commands scoped to the user's workspace and report important results back into the conversation.

Operating Rules

• Use shell for short foreground commands.
• For long-running servers, watchers, or tests, use background=true, keep the returned job_id, then inspect with shell_job_status.
• Cancel stuck or obsolete jobs with shell_job_cancel.
• Shell output is truncated. Shape large output with tools such as rg, head, tail, or structured command flags.
• Set the working directory intentionally. Prefer absolute paths when a command crosses project boundaries.
• Treat shell output as evidence to reason from, not as durable work state. Add WorkGraph evidence separately when a shared item needs proof.