Command Authoring

Reference Files

Detailed command authoring guidance:

• command-design-patterns.md - Four design patterns with complete examples and when to use each
• command-creation-process.md - Step-by-step command creation workflow (7 steps)
• command-examples.md - Real command examples with analysis and best practices

About Commands

Commands are user-invoked shortcuts that provide explicit control over when capabilities are used. They're typed as /command-name and typically delegate to agents or skills.

Key characteristics:

• User-invoked - Typed explicitly as /command-name (not auto-triggered)
• Simple - Delegate to agents/skills rather than containing complex logic
• Focused - Single, clear purpose
• Explicit - User controls timing of invocation
• Discoverable - Shown in /help output

When to use commands:

• User wants explicit shortcut for frequent task
• Simple delegation pattern
• User should control timing
• Creating convenience wrapper for agent/skill

Core Philosophy

Commands Should Be Simple

Golden rule: Commands delegate, they don't implement.

Good command (simple delegation):

---
description: Audit shell scripts for best practices, security, and portability
---

# audit-bash

Audit shell scripts for best practices, security, and portability using the bash-audit skill.

Bad command (complex logic):

# bad-example

# DON'T DO THIS - complex logic in command

Read all shell scripts, run ShellCheck, analyze results, generate report...
[50 lines of implementation details]

Why keep it simple:

• Easier to maintain
• Clear delegation target
• Less prone to errors
• Follows single responsibility principle

Commands Are Explicit

Unlike skills (which auto-trigger), commands require user action.

Use commands when:

• User wants control over timing
• Action shouldn't happen automatically
• Frequently-used prompt that deserves shortcut
• Explicit workflow trigger

Use skills when:

• Should auto-trigger based on context
• User doesn't need to remember to invoke it
• Complex domain knowledge that enhances conversation

Delegation Pattern

Commands use descriptive delegation - see ../../references/delegation-patterns.md for complete validation criteria and patterns.

Command Structure

Required Elements

Every command must have:

1. description field (in frontmatter) - Required for /help and model invocation
2. Command name heading (# command-name)
3. Clear purpose - What the command does

Optional Elements

Depending on complexity:

• Usage section - How to invoke, with/without arguments
• What It Does - Detailed explanation
• Examples - Sample invocations
• Delegation - Which agent/skill it uses
• Use Cases - When to use the command
• Output - What to expect

Two Patterns

Pattern 1: Simple Delegator (6-10 lines)

• Just frontmatter + brief description
• Minimal documentation
• Clear delegation statement

Pattern 2: Documented Delegator (30-80 lines)

• Full usage instructions
• Examples and use cases
• Detailed delegation explanation
• What It Does section

Choose based on:

• Complexity of underlying agent/skill
• Whether arguments need explanation
• How often users will reference it

See command-design-patterns.md for detailed design patterns and examples.

See command-creation-process.md for step-by-step creation workflow.

Commands vs Skills Decision Guide

📄 See when-to-use-what.md for complete decision guide including agents and output-styles (shared)

Quick guide:

Use a Command when:

• User wants explicit control over timing
• Action should be deliberate, not automatic
• Frequently-used prompt deserves shortcut
• User-initiated workflow
• Simple wrapper around agent/skill

Use a Skill when:

• AI should auto-discover capability
• Complex domain knowledge
• Should trigger on user queries automatically
• Needs progressive disclosure with references/
• Automatic workflow assistance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Complex logic in command - Commands should delegate, not implement
2. Missing description - Frontmatter description is required
3. No delegation info - Unclear what agent/skill it uses
4. Vague purpose - Command should have single, clear focus
5. Too many arguments - Keep it simple, 0-2 args typically
6. Not testing with /help - Verify command appears correctly
7. Poor naming - Use descriptive, action-oriented names

See command-examples.md for complete examples with analysis.

Tips for Success

1. Keep commands under 50 lines unless truly necessary
2. Delegate, don't implement - let agents/skills do the work
3. Test with /help to verify display
4. Use descriptive names - action verbs work well
5. Document delegation target - make it clear what runs
6. Make purpose immediately clear - no guessing
7. Optional arguments are better - provide defaults
8. Start simple - can always add documentation later

Related Skills

This skill is part of the authoring skill family:

• agent-authoring - Guide for creating agents
• skill-authoring - Guide for creating skills
• command-authoring - Guide for creating commands (this skill)
• output-style-authoring - Guide for creating output styles

For validation, use the corresponding audit skills:

• command-audit - Validate command configurations
• audit-coordinator - Comprehensive multi-faceted audits

Quick Start Checklist

Creating a new command:

• Identify what agent/skill to delegate to
• Choose descriptive name (kebab-case)
• Write clear description (50-150 chars)
• Decide: simple (6-10 lines) or documented (30-80 lines)?
• Create file at ~/.claude/commands/command-name.md
• Add required frontmatter with description
• Document delegation target
• Test with /help and invocation
• Verify arguments work correctly (if any)

Reference to Standards

For detailed standards and validation:

• Naming conventions - Use kebab-case for command names
• Frontmatter requirements - description field is required
• File organization - ~/.claude/commands/command-name.md

See audit-coordinator skill for comprehensive standards.