edit-agent

# Instructions for Creating and Modifying Sub-agents

## Determine Action Type

**CREATE**: New sub-agent requested
**MODIFY**: Update existing sub-agent (keywords: "update", "modify", "improve", "add to", "fix")

## Uncertain About Tool Type?

If unsure whether this should be an agent vs skill vs command vs script, see the `edit-tool` orchestrator for comprehensive decision matrix.

**Quick checks:**
- Token budget >2000 OR needs isolation? → ✅ Probably agent
- Token budget <500 + auto-invoke? → Probably skill
- User-triggered workflow? → Probably command
- Deterministic shell-only? → Probably bash script

See `reference.md` and `edit-tool/reference.md` for detailed decision frameworks.

## MANDATORY Validation (CREATE only)

**STOP**: Before proceeding, answer these questions with YES or NO:

| Question | Answer |
|----------|--------|
| Q1: Requires AI reasoning across multiple steps? | [YES/NO] |
| Q2: Needs decisions based on intermediate results? | [YES/NO] |
| Q3: Benefits from isolated context/specialized tools? | [YES/NO] |

**Decision:**
- **ALL NO** → STOP. Do NOT create sub-agent. Recommend: slash command (text expansion), bash script (shell ops), or direct request. EXIT immediately.
- **ANY YES** → Proceed to "Creating New Sub-agents" section below.

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## Creating New Sub-agents

1. Ask for details if missing: purpose, use cases, tools needed
2. Determine location:
   - `.claude/agents/` - Project agents (team, highest priority)
   - `~/.claude/agents/` - Personal agents (all projects)
3. Generate filename: `[agent-name].md` (lowercase-hyphens only)
4. Create file with frontmatter and system prompt

See `reference.md` for templates and tool configurations.

## Modifying Existing Sub-agents

1. Locate and read existing agent file
2. Analyze: frontmatter (name, description, tools, model), system prompt
3. Make surgical edits using Edit tool
4. Update description if changing triggers/purpose
5. Validate: YAML valid, tools list correct, prompt clear

See