Git-backed issue tracker for multi-session work with dependencies and persistent memory across conversation compaction. Use when work spans sessions, has blockers, or needs context recovery after compaction.
Git-backed issue tracker for multi-session work with dependencies and persistent memory across conversation compaction. Use when work spans sessions, has blockers, or needs context recovery after compaction.
/plugin marketplace add steveyegge/beads/plugin install beads@beads-marketplaceThis skill is limited to using the following tools:
CLAUDE.mdREADME.mdadr/0001-bd-prime-as-source-of-truth.mdresources/AGENTS.mdresources/ASYNC_GATES.mdresources/BOUNDARIES.mdresources/CHEMISTRY_PATTERNS.mdresources/CLI_REFERENCE.mdresources/DEPENDENCIES.mdresources/INTEGRATION_PATTERNS.mdresources/ISSUE_CREATION.mdresources/MOLECULES.mdresources/PATTERNS.mdresources/RESUMABILITY.mdresources/STATIC_DATA.mdresources/TROUBLESHOOTING.mdresources/WORKFLOWS.mdresources/WORKTREES.mdGraph-based issue tracker that survives conversation compaction. Provides persistent memory for multi-session work with complex dependencies.
| bd (persistent) | TodoWrite (ephemeral) |
|---|---|
| Multi-session work | Single-session tasks |
| Complex dependencies | Linear execution |
| Survives compaction | Conversation-scoped |
| Git-backed, team sync | Local to session |
Decision test: "Will I need this context in 2 weeks?" → YES = bd
When to use bd:
When to use TodoWrite:
bd --version # Requires v0.34.0+
bd init run once (humans do this, not agents)Run bd prime for AI-optimized workflow context (auto-loaded by hooks).
Run bd <command> --help for specific command usage.
Essential commands: bd ready, bd create, bd show, bd update, bd close, bd sync
bd ready — Find unblocked workbd show <id> — Get full contextbd update <id> --status in_progress — Start workbd close <id> --reason "..." — Complete taskbd sync — Persist to git (always run at session end)| Feature | CLI | Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Molecules (templates) | bd mol --help | MOLECULES.md |
| Chemistry (pour/wisp) | bd pour, bd wisp | CHEMISTRY_PATTERNS.md |
| Agent beads | bd agent --help | AGENTS.md |
| Async gates | bd gate --help | ASYNC_GATES.md |
| Worktrees | bd worktree --help | WORKTREES.md |
| Resource | Content |
|---|---|
| BOUNDARIES.md | bd vs TodoWrite detailed comparison |
| CLI_REFERENCE.md | Complete command syntax |
| DEPENDENCIES.md | Dependency system deep dive |
| INTEGRATION_PATTERNS.md | TodoWrite and tool integration |
| ISSUE_CREATION.md | When and how to create issues |
| MOLECULES.md | Proto definitions, component labels |
| PATTERNS.md | Common usage patterns |
| RESUMABILITY.md | Compaction survival guide |
| STATIC_DATA.md | Database schema reference |
| TROUBLESHOOTING.md | Error handling and fixes |
| WORKFLOWS.md | Step-by-step workflow patterns |
| AGENTS.md | Agent bead tracking (v0.40+) |
| ASYNC_GATES.md | Human-in-the-loop gates |
| CHEMISTRY_PATTERNS.md | Mol vs Wisp decision tree |
| WORKTREES.md | Parallel development patterns |
This skill should be used when the user asks to "create a slash command", "add a command", "write a custom command", "define command arguments", "use command frontmatter", "organize commands", "create command with file references", "interactive command", "use AskUserQuestion in command", or needs guidance on slash command structure, YAML frontmatter fields, dynamic arguments, bash execution in commands, user interaction patterns, or command development best practices for Claude Code.
This skill should be used when the user asks to "create an agent", "add an agent", "write a subagent", "agent frontmatter", "when to use description", "agent examples", "agent tools", "agent colors", "autonomous agent", or needs guidance on agent structure, system prompts, triggering conditions, or agent development best practices for Claude Code plugins.
This skill should be used when the user asks to "create a hook", "add a PreToolUse/PostToolUse/Stop hook", "validate tool use", "implement prompt-based hooks", "use ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}", "set up event-driven automation", "block dangerous commands", or mentions hook events (PreToolUse, PostToolUse, Stop, SubagentStop, SessionStart, SessionEnd, UserPromptSubmit, PreCompact, Notification). Provides comprehensive guidance for creating and implementing Claude Code plugin hooks with focus on advanced prompt-based hooks API.