# Bd

> Backlog management with the bd (beads) utility for issue tracking. Use when creating issues, claiming work, updating task status, closing completed work, or syncing the backlog with git. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/bd-2` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/bd-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/bd-2/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Product & Planning
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/bd-2

---


# bd (Beads) Skill

This skill covers using **bd** for issue tracking and backlog management.

Run `bd onboard` to get started.

## Core Principle: The Backlog Is Everything

**Every task MUST be a bd issue.** No exceptions.

### Why Everything Goes Through bd

- **Visibility**: The human can see all planned and in-progress work
- **Context Management**: Subagents get focused, scoped tasks instead of sprawling conversations
- **Continuity**: If a session ends, the backlog preserves state
- **Auditability**: Every change traces back to an issue

## Workflow

When asked to do something:

1. **Decompose** the request into discrete, actionable tasks
2. **Author issues** for each task using `bd create`
3. **Delegate** each issue to a subagent for execution
4. **Review** the subagent's work
5. **Close** the issue when complete

## Commands

```bash
bd onboard                              # Get oriented (run once)
bd ready                                # Find available work
bd create "<title>"                     # Create a new issue
bd show <id>                            # View issue details
bd update <id> --status in_progress     # Claim work
bd close <id>                           # Complete work
bd sync                                 # Sync issues with git
bd list                                 # List all issues
```

## Session Management

### Starting a Session

```bash
bd ready                                # See what's available
bd update <id> --status in_progress     # Claim an issue
```

### Completing Work

```bash
bd close <id>                           # Mark issue complete
bd sync                                 # Sync with git
```

### Ending a Session

File issues for any remaining work:

```bash
bd create "Continue section X"
bd create "Review feedback from Y"
```

Update statuses:

```bash
bd close <completed-ids>
bd update <partial-id> --status in_progress
```

Sync everything:

```bash
bd sync
```

---
> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/zacharyluz) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
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