task-layering

name	Task Layering
description	Breaks down specs into complexity-stratified tasks. Use when organizing tasks, assigning work to agents, or when user mentions task layering, task stratification, or parallel task execution.
allowed-tools	Read, Write, Bash

Task Layering

This skill provides task stratification by complexity and agent assignment for parallel execution.

What This Skill Provides

1. Complexity Stratification

• Trivial (0): < 5 minutes, simple changes
• Simple (1): < 30 minutes, straightforward implementation
• Moderate (2): < 2 hours, requires thought
• Complex (3): > 2 hours, architectural decisions

2. Agent Assignment Strategy

• @claude: Complex (3), security, architecture
• @copilot: Trivial (0), Simple (1)
• @qwen: Performance optimization
• @gemini: Documentation
• @codex: Testing, TDD

3. Layer Organization

• Foundation Layer: Must complete first (dependencies)
• Parallel Layer: Can execute simultaneously
• Integration Layer: Combines parallel work

4. Output Files

• layered-tasks.md - All tasks stratified by complexity
• claude-tasks.md - Tasks assigned to Claude
• copilot-tasks.md - Tasks assigned to Copilot
• qwen-tasks.md - Tasks for performance work
• gemini-tasks.md - Documentation tasks
• codex-tasks.md - Testing tasks

Instructions

Stratifying Tasks

When user wants to layer tasks from a spec:

1. Read the spec's tasks.md file

2. Analyze each task for:

   • Estimated time to complete
   • Required expertise level
   • Dependencies on other tasks
   • Appropriate agent assignment

3. Create layered-tasks.md with format:

   # Layered Tasks: [Spec Name]
   
   ## Foundation Layer (Sequential)
   - [Complex] Task 1 (@claude) - Requires arch decisions
   - [Moderate] Task 2 (@claude) - Core implementation
   
   ## Parallel Layer (Concurrent)
   - [Simple] Task 3 (@copilot) - UI component
   - [Simple] Task 4 (@copilot) - Data model
   - [Moderate] Task 5 (@qwen) - Query optimization
   
   ## Integration Layer (Sequential)
   - [Moderate] Task 6 (@claude) - Integrate components
   - [Simple] Task 7 (@codex) - Integration tests
   

4. Create agent-specific task files for distribution

Task Complexity Analysis

Trivial (0) Examples:

• Update constant value
• Fix typo
• Add simple validation

Simple (1) Examples:

• Create CRUD component
• Add new API endpoint
• Write unit test

Moderate (2) Examples:

• Implement authentication flow
• Optimize database queries
• Refactor module structure

Complex (3) Examples:

• Design system architecture
• Implement security layer
• Create caching strategy

Layered Tasks Format

# Layered Tasks: Feature Name

## Summary
- Total tasks: 15
- Foundation: 3 tasks
- Parallel: 10 tasks
- Integration: 2 tasks

## Foundation Layer
Must complete in order before parallel work:

### 1. [Complex] Design Data Schema (@claude)
**Dependencies**: None
**Estimate**: 3 hours
**Description**: Design database schema and relationships

## Parallel Layer
Can execute simultaneously:

### 2. [Simple] Create User Model (@copilot)
**Dependencies**: Task 1
**Estimate**: 20 minutes

### 3. [Simple] Create Auth Component (@copilot)
**Dependencies**: Task 1
**Estimate**: 30 minutes

## Integration Layer
Combine parallel work:

### 15. [Moderate] Integration Testing (@codex)
**Dependencies**: All parallel tasks
**Estimate**: 1 hour

Success Criteria

• ✅ Tasks are stratified by realistic complexity
• ✅ Dependencies are identified correctly
• ✅ Agent assignments match expertise
• ✅ Layers enable maximum parallelization
• ✅ Output files are complete and actionable

---

Plugin: 04-iterate Skill Type: Analysis + Organization Auto-invocation: Yes (via description matching)