prd-to-issues

name	prd-to-issues
description	Break a PRD into independently-grabbable GitHub issues using vertical slices (tracer bullets). Use to convert a PRD or spec into actionable issues or when the user runs /prd-to-issues.

PRD to Issues

Break a PRD into independently-grabbable GitHub issues using vertical slices (tracer bullets).

Step 0: Repo Guardrail

Before doing anything else, run:

gh repo view --json nameWithOwner -q .nameWithOwner

• If this succeeds, confirm the repo with the user: "Issues will be created in owner/repo. Correct?"
• If the user says no, ask them to cd into the correct project directory and run /prd-to-issues again. Stop here.
• If the command fails (no git repo, no GitHub remote, gh not authenticated), inform the user and stop. Do not proceed without a confirmed repo.

Store the owner/repo value — use it for all gh commands in this session.

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Step 1: Locate the PRD

Ask the user for the PRD GitHub issue number (or URL).

Fetch it with:

gh issue view <number> --repo <owner/repo> --comments

If the PRD is already in context from a previous /write-prd invocation, confirm with the user which PRD to use.

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Step 2: Explore the Codebase (optional)

If you have not already explored the codebase, do so to understand the current state of the code and how the PRD maps to existing architecture.

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Step 3: Draft Vertical Slices

Break the PRD into tracer bullet issues. Each issue is a thin vertical slice that cuts through ALL integration layers end-to-end, NOT a horizontal slice of one layer.

Slices may be HITL or AFK:

• HITL (Human In The Loop): Requires human interaction, such as an architectural decision or a design review
• AFK (Away From Keyboard): Can be implemented and merged without human interaction

Prefer AFK over HITL where possible.

Vertical Slice Rules

• Each slice delivers a narrow but COMPLETE path through every layer (schema, API, UI, tests)
• A completed slice is demoable or verifiable on its own
• Prefer many thin slices over few thick ones

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Step 4: Quiz the User

Present the proposed breakdown as a numbered list. For each slice, show:

• Title: short descriptive name
• Type: HITL / AFK
• Blocked by: which other slices (if any) must complete first
• User stories covered: which user stories from the PRD this addresses

Ask the user:

• Does the granularity feel right? (too coarse / too fine)
• Are the dependency relationships correct?
• Should any slices be merged or split further?
• Are the correct slices marked as HITL and AFK?

Iterate until the user approves the breakdown. Do not create issues until approved.

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Step 5: Create the GitHub Issues

For each approved slice, create a GitHub issue using:

gh issue create --repo <owner/repo> --assignee @me --title "<slice title>" --body "$(cat <<'EOF'
<issue body here>
EOF
)"

Create issues in dependency order (blockers first) so you can reference real issue numbers in the "Blocked by" field.

Use the confirmed owner/repo from Step 0 on every gh issue create command.

After all issues are created, display a summary list of all issue numbers and URLs.

Issue Template

## Parent PRD

#<prd-issue-number>

## Type

HITL / AFK

## What to build

A concise description of this vertical slice. Describe the end-to-end behavior, not layer-by-layer implementation. Reference specific sections of the parent PRD rather than duplicating content.

## Acceptance criteria

- [ ] Criterion 1
- [ ] Criterion 2
- [ ] Criterion 3

## Blocked by

- Blocked by #<issue-number> (if any)

Or "None - can start immediately" if no blockers.

## User stories addressed

Reference by number from the parent PRD:

- User story 3
- User story 7

Do NOT close or modify the parent PRD issue.

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Rules

1. Always confirm the repo before any GitHub interaction
2. Always use --repo flag on all gh commands with the confirmed owner/repo
3. Never create issues until the user has approved the breakdown
4. Create in dependency order so blocker issue numbers are available for references
5. Do not modify the parent PRD issue