Skill
Community

breakdown

Install
1
Install the plugin
$
npx claudepluginhub levifig/loaf --plugin loaf

Want just this skill?

Then install: npx claudepluginhub u/[userId]/[slug]

Description

Decomposes specs into atomic tasks with dependencies and priorities. Use when the user asks "break this down" or "create tasks for this spec."

Tool Access

This skill uses the workspace's default tool permissions.

Supporting Assets
View in Repository
templates/task.md
Skill Content

Breakdown

Decompose specifications into atomic, implementable tasks.

Contents

  • Task Breakdown Philosophy
  • Task Backend Detection
  • Process
  • Priority Levels
  • Guardrails
  • Related Skills

Input: $ARGUMENTS


Task Breakdown Philosophy

Primary principle: separation of concerns.

Right-Sizing Rules

RuleGuideline
One agent typeCompletable by ONE agent (backend-dev, frontend-dev, dba, qa, devops)
One concernTouches one layer, service, or component
Context-appropriateFits in model context with room for exploration
Not over-fragmentedDon't split what naturally belongs together

The Right Size Test

  1. Can a single specialized agent complete this? If no, split by agent type
  2. Does it touch multiple unrelated concerns? If yes, split by concern
  3. Will the agent need too much context? If yes, split into phases
  4. Am I splitting just to have more tasks? If yes, merge back

Anti-Patterns

Don'tDo Instead
Split backend + tests into separate tasksKeep tests with the code they test
Create a task per fileGroup files by concern
Separate "implement" and "verify" tasksEvery task includes its own verification

Task Backend Detection

Check .agents/loaf.yaml:

task_management:
  backend: linear  # or "local"

If no config exists, ask user.


Process

Step 1: Parse Input

$ARGUMENTS should reference a spec (e.g., "SPEC-001"). If unclear, list available specs.

Step 2: Read the Spec

Extract: test conditions, scope, implementation notes, appetite.

Step 3: Identify Task Boundaries

Break down by concern (DBA, Backend, Frontend, QA, DevOps). One concern per task. Explicit dependencies for sequential tasks.

Step 4: Interview for Priorities

Ask about highest priority parts, required ordering, preferred implementation sequence.

Step 5: Draft Task List

Create tasks following task template. Each task needs: clear title, priority, file hints, verification command, observable done condition.

Step 6: Present for Approval

Show tasks with priorities, dependencies, and dependency graph. Do NOT create tasks without explicit approval. User may adjust priorities, combine/split, add tasks, or change dependencies.

Step 7: Create Tasks

Linear backend: Create issues with title, description, labels, priority.

Local backend: Use loaf task create --spec SPEC-XXX --title "Task title" --priority P1 for each task. The CLI creates the TASKS.json entry and .md skeleton file. Then edit the .md body content (description, acceptance criteria) directly.

Step 8: Update Spec and Announce

Set spec status to implementing. Announce created tasks with next steps.


Priority Levels

PriorityMeaning
P0Urgent/blocking -- drop everything
P1High -- work next
P2Normal -- scheduled work (default)
P3Low -- when time permits

Guardrails

  1. One concern per task -- don't mix backend + frontend
  2. Clear verification -- how to prove it works
  3. Observable done condition -- not subjective
  4. File hints -- help session know where to look
  5. Get approval -- don't create without confirmation
  6. Update spec status -- mark as implementing

Related Skills

  • shape -- Create specs that get broken down
  • implement -- Start session for a task or coordinate multiple tasks
Stats
Stars1
Forks0
Last CommitMar 17, 2026

Similar Skills