writing-subagents

# Writing Subagents

## Overview

**Writing subagents IS creating specialized workers with isolated contexts.**

Subagents run via the Task tool with their own context window, tools, and system prompt. Use for tasks that benefit from focused expertise.

**Core principle:** One agent, one responsibility. Bloated agents become unfocused.

**Violating the letter of the rules is violating the spirit of the rules.**

## Task Initialization (MANDATORY)

Before ANY action, create task list using TaskCreate:

```
TaskCreate for EACH task below:
- Subject: "[writing-subagents] Task N: <action>"
- ActiveForm: "<doing action>"
```

**Tasks:**
1. Analyze requirements
2. RED - Test without subagent
3. GREEN - Write agent file
4. Validate structure
5. Test invocation
6. Verify behavior

Announce: "Created 6 tasks. Starting execution..."

**Execution rules:**
1. `TaskUpdate status="in_progress"` BEFORE starting each task
2. `TaskUpdate status="completed"` ONLY after verification passes
3. If task fails → stay in_progress, diagnose, retry
4. NEVER skip to next task until current is completed
5. At end, `TaskList` to confirm all completed

## TDD Mapping for Subagents

| TDD Phase | Subagent Creation | What You Do |
|-----------|-------------------|-------------|
| **RED** | Test without agent | Perform task in main context, note issues |
| **Verify RED** | Document problems | Note context pollution, scope creep |
| **GREEN** | Write agent | Create focused agent addressing problems |
| **Verify GREEN** | Test invocation | Verify agent runs with correct tools/prompt |
| **REFACTOR** | Optimize | Reduce tools, sharpen system prompt |

## Task 1: Analyze Requirements

**Goal:** Understand what specialized task needs isolation.

**Questions to answer:**
- What specific task needs a subagent?
- Why can't the main agent do this?
- What tools does this agent need?
- Should it be proactive or manual?

**When to use subagents:**
- Task needs isolated context (code review, deep analysis)
- Ta