agent-development

# Agent Development for Claude Code Plugins

## Overview

Agents are autonomous subprocesses that handle complex, multi-step tasks independently. Master agent structure, triggering conditions, and system prompt design to create powerful autonomous capabilities.

**Key concepts:**

- Agents are FOR autonomous work, commands are FOR user-initiated actions
- Markdown file format with YAML frontmatter
- Triggering via description field with examples
- System prompt defines agent behavior
- Model and color customization

> **Important - Field Name Difference:** Agents use `tools` to restrict tool access. Skills use `allowed-tools` for the same purpose. Don't confuse these when switching between component types.
>
> **Note on Official Documentation:** The `color` field documented in this skill is supported by Claude Code and is generated by the built-in `/agents` command, but it is not yet reflected in the [official sub-agents documentation](https://docs.claude.com/en/docs/claude-code/sub-agents). See [anthropics/claude-code#8501](https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code/issues/8501) for tracking. The [plugins-reference.md](https://docs.claude.com/en/docs/claude-code/plugins-reference) may show an older agent format using a `capabilities` field; for Claude Code plugins, prefer the structure documented in this skill which uses `tools` for tool restrictions.

## Quick Start

Minimal working agent (copy-paste ready):

```markdown
---
name: my-reviewer
description: Use this agent when the user asks to review code. Examples:

<example>
Context: User wrote new code
user: "Review my changes"
assistant: "I'll use the my-reviewer agent to analyze the code."
<commentary>
Code review request triggers the agent.
</commentary>
</example>

model: inherit
color: blue
---

You are a code reviewer. Analyze code for issues and provide feedback.

**Process:**

1. Read the code
2. Identify issues
3. Provide recommendations

**Output:** Summary with file:line references for each finding.
```