bd

name	bd
description	Backlog management with the bd (beads) utility for issue tracking. Use when creating issues, claiming work, updating task status, closing completed work, or syncing the backlog with git.

bd (Beads) Skill

This skill covers using bd for issue tracking and backlog management.

Run bd onboard to get started.

Core Principle: The Backlog Is Everything

Every task MUST be a bd issue. No exceptions.

Why Everything Goes Through bd

• Visibility: The human can see all planned and in-progress work
• Context Management: Subagents get focused, scoped tasks instead of sprawling conversations
• Continuity: If a session ends, the backlog preserves state
• Auditability: Every change traces back to an issue

Workflow

When asked to do something:

1. Decompose the request into discrete, actionable tasks
2. Author issues for each task using bd create
3. Delegate each issue to a subagent for execution
4. Review the subagent's work
5. Close the issue when complete

Commands

bd onboard                              # Get oriented (run once)
bd ready                                # Find available work
bd create "<title>"                     # Create a new issue
bd show <id>                            # View issue details
bd update <id> --status in_progress     # Claim work
bd close <id>                           # Complete work
bd sync                                 # Sync issues with git
bd list                                 # List all issues

Session Management

Starting a Session

bd ready                                # See what's available
bd update <id> --status in_progress     # Claim an issue

Completing Work

bd close <id>                           # Mark issue complete
bd sync                                 # Sync with git

Ending a Session

File issues for any remaining work:

bd create "Continue section X"
bd create "Review feedback from Y"

Update statuses:

bd close <completed-ids>
bd update <partial-id> --status in_progress

Sync everything:

bd sync