agent-model-selection

name	agent-model-selection
description	Guidelines for selecting appropriate AI model (Sonnet vs Haiku) based on task complexity, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining quality. Use when assigning work.

Agent Model Selection

Instructions

Core decision

Sonnet: Complex reasoning, architecture, security (2+ criteria) Haiku: Defined rules, repetitive tasks, simple commands (~95% cheaper)

Selection criteria

Use Sonnet if 2+ apply:

1. Logical reasoning and trade-off analysis
2. Architecture/design decisions
3. Semantic/intent analysis
4. Problem diagnosis and strategy
5. Multi-component interaction
6. Security/performance analysis

Use Haiku if dominant:

1. Following defined rules/templates
2. Repetitive mechanical tasks
3. Command execution and collection
4. Simple CRUD operations
5. Format validation

Decision flowchart

Architecture/design? → YES → Sonnet
Multiple options? → YES → Sonnet
Security/performance? → YES → Sonnet
Defined rules only? → YES → Haiku
Detailed guide? → YES → Haiku
Large delegated? → YES → Sonnet
Simple commands? → YES → Haiku
Default: Sonnet (quality first)

Example

Task: Add validation logic
→ Analysis: Complex rules + security + error handling
→ Decision: Sonnet (3 criteria met)

Task: Add tags to files
→ Analysis: Template exists, repetitive
→ Decision: Haiku (rule-following)

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For detailed criteria, see reference.md For more examples, see examples.md