| name | add-new-command |
| description | Add a new Claude Code slash command to the dotcontext toolkit — author the command markdown with frontmatter and wire it into the templates and docs. Use when adding a new interactive `/command` workflow that users invoke in Claude Code. |
Skill: Add a New Claude Code Slash Command
When to Use
Use this skill when you need to add a new interactive command that users can invoke with /command-name in Claude Code.
Prerequisites
- Understanding of what the command should do
- Knowledge of Claude Code's tool system (AskUserQuestion, file tools, etc.)
Steps
1. Create the command file
Create a new markdown file in .claude/commands/:
touch .claude/commands/my-command.md
The filename (without .md) becomes the slash command name.
2. Structure the command file
Follow this template structure:
# Command Name
Brief description of what this command does.
## Instructions
Detailed instructions for Claude on how to execute this command.
**Important guidelines:**
- List specific behaviors
- Reference which tools to use
- Mention any context files to check
## Tasks
### 1. First Step
Description of what to do first.
### 2. Second Step
Description of what to do next.
## Output
Describe what the command should produce when complete.
3. Include AskUserQuestion usage
Per ADR-005, all commands should use AskUserQuestion for clarification:
**Important:** Use the AskUserQuestion tool to clarify:
- [Question 1]
- [Question 2]
4. Reference context files
Commands should check relevant context:
Before proceeding:
- Check `.context/decisions/` for related ADRs
- Consult `.claude/skills/` for patterns to follow
5. Test the command
In Claude Code, run /my-command to verify it works as expected.
Anti-Patterns
- Don't make commands too broad - Keep focused on one task
- Don't skip AskUserQuestion - Always clarify before significant work
- Don't hardcode paths - Use relative paths from project root
- Don't ignore existing patterns - Check skills/ and decisions/ first
Example
See .claude/commands/code-review.md for a well-structured command that:
- Has clear instructions
- Uses a checklist for thoroughness
- Provides specific output format
- References exact file locations
Related
- ADR-004: Claude Code integration
- ADR-005: AskUserQuestion requirement
