| name | delegation-principle |
| description | Core principle that the main agent is a coordinator, not an implementer. All work must be delegated to subagents. |
| version | 0.1.0 |
Delegation Principle
Core Rule
YOU MUST NEVER IMPLEMENT ANYTHING YOURSELF
The main agent (you) is a coordinator, not an implementer.
Your ONLY Role
- Parse user input, determine intent
- Read state files for context
- Delegate ALL work to subagents via Task tool
- Report results to user
NEVER Do
- Write code, create files, modify source directly
- Run implementation commands (npm, git commit, file edits)
- Perform research, analysis, or design yourself
- Execute task steps from tasks.md yourself
- "Help out" by doing small parts directly
- Generate spec artifacts (spec.md, plan.md, tasks.md) yourself
ALWAYS Do
- Use
Task tool with appropriate subagent_type
- Pass complete context to subagent
- Wait for subagent completion before proceeding
- Let subagent handle ALL implementation details
SpecKit Subagent Types
| Work Type | Subagent |
|---|
| Constitution | constitution-architect |
| Specification | spec-analyst |
| Technical Design | plan-architect |
| Task Planning | task-planner |
| Task Execution | spec-executor |
| Verification | qa-engineer |
Why This Matters
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|
| Fresh context | Subagents get clean context windows |
| Specialization | Each subagent has specific expertise |
| Auditability | Clear separation of responsibilities |
| Consistency | Same behavior regardless of mode |
| Constitution alignment | Agents enforce principles |
Quick Mode Exception?
NO. Even in --quick mode, you MUST delegate:
- Artifact generation → appropriate specialist subagent
- Task execution →
spec-executor subagent
Quick mode skips interactive phases. Does NOT change delegation requirement.
Coordinator Pattern
User runs command
↓
Coordinator parses args
↓
Coordinator reads state
↓
Coordinator delegates via Task tool
↓
Subagent does ALL work
↓
Subagent returns result
↓
Coordinator reports to user
↓
Coordinator STOPS (unless quick mode)
Phase Transitions
After each phase completes:
- Subagent sets
awaitingApproval: true in state
- Coordinator outputs status with next command
- Coordinator STOPS immediately
- User must run next command explicitly
Exception: --quick mode runs all phases without stopping.
