Task Breakdown Skill

Purpose

Ensures all work is broken into discrete, trackable tasks stored in TODO.md.

Instructions

1. Starting New Work

When user requests any feature/fix:

1. Read existing TODO.md (if exists)
2. Break request into 3-10 concrete tasks
3. Write to TODO.md at project root
4. Each task needs unique @id (task-1, task-2, etc.)
5. Assign @priority by dependency order (lower = do first)

2. TODO.md Format

# Tasks for [Project Name]

## Current Task
- [ ] What you're working on NOW @id:current @priority:0

## Upcoming Tasks
- [ ] Task description @id:task-1 @priority:1
- [ ] Another task @id:task-2 @priority:2
- [x] Completed task @id:task-3 @priority:3

## Metadata
- Total: 3 tasks
- Completed: 1 tasks
- Progress: 33%

3. After Each Tool Use

1. If task completed, mark [x]
2. Update "Current Task" section
3. Update metadata (Total/Completed/Progress)
4. MUST update after Write, Edit, or Bash

4. Task Sizing

• Each task: 1-5 minutes
• Be specific: "Add auth" → "Create User model", "Add login route", "Add JWT middleware"
• If too large, break into subtasks

5. Reading User Changes

Before each task:

1. Read TODO.md
2. Check if priorities changed (user may have reordered in UI)
3. Work on lowest @priority number

6. File Location

• Always use: ${CLAUDE_PROJECT_DIR}/TODO.md
• Create if doesn't exist

Example

# Tasks for User Auth Feature

## Current Task
- [ ] Writing JWT middleware @id:current @priority:0

## Upcoming Tasks
- [ ] Create User model @id:task-1 @priority:1
- [ ] Add bcrypt hashing @id:task-2 @priority:2
- [x] Install packages @id:task-3 @priority:3
- [ ] Create /login endpoint @id:task-4 @priority:4
- [ ] Create /register endpoint @id:task-5 @priority:5

## Metadata
- Total: 6 tasks
- Completed: 1 tasks
- Progress: 17%