Creating Slash Commands

Overview

Slash commands automate workflows by encapsulating multi-step processes into reusable commands. They support YAML frontmatter for permissions, can integrate with CLI tools, and enable sophisticated decision logic.

When to Use

• Automate repetitive multi-step workflows
• Standardize team processes (issue triage, PR reviews, etc.)
• Integrate external tools (GitHub CLI, git, custom scripts)
• Create project-specific automation patterns

Process

1. Create command file in .claude/commands/[name].md
2. Add YAML frontmatter with permissions and description
3. Write command prompt with clear steps and decision logic
4. Use $ARGUMENTS variable for dynamic input
5. Test command with /<command-name> [args]

Command Structure

Basic Template

# .claude/commands/my-command.md
---
allowed-tools: Bash(git:*),Read,Edit
description: Brief description of what this command does
---

Command instructions here. Use $ARGUMENTS to reference user input.

Steps:
1. First action
2. Second action
3. Final action

YAML Frontmatter Fields

• allowed-tools: Restrict which tools the command can use
  • Examples: Bash(gh:*), Bash(git:*), Read, Edit, Write
  • Use wildcards: Bash(pytest:*) allows any pytest command
• description: One-line summary shown in command list

Permission Patterns

# Specific command only
allowed-tools: Bash(gh issue view:*)

# Multiple related commands
allowed-tools: Bash(gh issue view:*),Bash(gh issue comment:*)

# Tool categories
allowed-tools: Read,Edit,Grep,Glob

# Combined patterns
allowed-tools: Bash(git:*),Bash(gh:*),Read,Write

Reference Example: Issue Triage Command

This project's /plan-issue demonstrates sophisticated automation:

# .claude/commands/plan-issue.md
---
allowed-tools: Bash(gh issue view:*),Bash(gh issue comment:*)
description: Respond to a github issue with a plan of action
---

You are an expert software developer and project manager. Respond to GitHub issue $ARGUMENTS with a detailed plan. Steps:
1. Fetch issue: `gh issue view <issue-number>`
2. Analyze description and comments
3. Comment you're working on a plan: `gh issue comment <issue-number> --body "<your-comment>"`
4. Review codebase for context
5. Assess clarity: Need more info?
  - Yes: Comment clarifying questions, stop and wait
  - No: Proceed to step 6
6. Break down into smaller tasks
7. Comment detailed plan: `gh issue comment <issue-number> --body "<your-plan>"` with:
  - Issue summary
  - Resolution steps
  - Dependencies and considerations

Key strengths:

• Specific tool permissions (only issue view/comment)
• Multi-step workflow with decision branching
• GitHub CLI integration
• Context-aware (reads codebase before planning)
• Conditional logic (asks questions when unclear)

Best Practices

Permissions

• ✅ Do: Use specific tool permissions to limit scope
• ✅ Do: Use wildcards for command families (Bash(git:*))
• ❌ Don't: Grant broad permissions without reason

Command Design

• ✅ Do: Include decision logic for complex workflows
• ✅ Do: Read relevant context before taking action
• ✅ Do: Use CLI tool integration (gh, git, etc.)
• ❌ Don't: Assume context without verification
• ❌ Don't: Skip validation steps

Structure

• ✅ Do: Number steps clearly
• ✅ Do: Use $ARGUMENTS for user input
• ✅ Do: Include clear success criteria
• ❌ Don't: Write vague instructions
• ❌ Don't: Omit error handling guidance

Integration Patterns

With Skills

Reference skill files in commands:

---
description: Review code using TDD skill
---

1. Read skill: .claude/skills/testing/test-driven-development.md
2. Apply skill to files: $ARGUMENTS
3. Report findings

With GitHub CLI

---
allowed-tools: Bash(gh:*)
---

1. Fetch PR: `gh pr view $ARGUMENTS`
2. Get diff: `gh pr diff $ARGUMENTS`
3. Review and comment

With Git

---
allowed-tools: Bash(git:*)
---

1. Check status: `git status`
2. Stage changes: `git add $ARGUMENTS`
3. Commit with message

Common Use Cases

Workflow Automation

• Issue triage and planning
• PR review orchestration
• Release preparation
• Testing workflows

Code Operations

• Batch refactoring
• Migration scripts
• Code generation
• Style enforcement

Project Management

• Status reporting
• Documentation generation
• Dependency updates
• Configuration management

Anti-patterns

• ❌ Don't: Create commands for single-step tasks

  • ✅ Do: Reserve commands for multi-step workflows

• ❌ Don't: Grant unlimited tool access

  • ✅ Do: Use specific allowed-tools restrictions

• ❌ Don't: Skip context gathering

  • ✅ Do: Read relevant files before action

• ❌ Don't: Write commands without decision logic

  • ✅ Do: Include conditional workflows for edge cases

• ❌ Don't: Ignore error scenarios

  • ✅ Do: Specify what to do when things fail

Resources

• Official Docs: https://docs.claude.com/en/docs/claude-code/slash-commands
• Settings Reference: https://docs.claude.com/en/docs/claude-code/settings
• Permissions Guide: https://docs.claude.com/en/docs/claude-code/iam