Localized reading guide
subagent-driven-developmentPurpose, usage and source
Use when executing implementation plans with independent tasks in the current session
Source retrieved:
- Source repository
- obra/superpowers
- SKILL.md
skills/subagent-driven-development/SKILL.md- Repository stars
- 309,479
- Repository updated
- 2026-10-30
- Categories
- Agent workflows
- Last collected
License: MIT
Workflow excerpts are reading aids, not executable instructions from Codez. No third-party Skill was run to produce this page.
The purpose and workflow passages below are upstream material, organized and translated for reading. They are distinct from the separately labeled Codez editorial analysis.
What this Skill does
Use when executing implementation plans with independent tasks in the current session
How the upstream workflow works
When to Use
vs. Executing Plans (inline): Fresh subagent per task (no context pollution) instead of one context doing every task Review after each task (spec compliance + code quality) instead of only at the end Costs a fresh context per task and per review; inline costs one context plus one final reviewer
Upstream passage · L33 ↗Subagent-Driven Development
Execute plan by dispatching a fresh implementer subagent per task, a task review (spec compliance + code quality) after each, and a broad whole-branch review at the end. Why subagents: You delegate tasks to specialized agents with isolated context. By precisely crafting their instructions and context, you ensure they stay focused and succeed at their task. They should never inherit your session's context or history — you construct exactly what they need. This also preserves your own context for coordination work.
Upstream passage · L6 ↗Model Selection
Use the least powerful model that can handle each role to conserve cost and increase speed. Mechanical implementation tasks (isolated functions, clear specs, 1-2 files): use a fast, cheap model. Most implementation tasks are mechanical when the plan is well-specified.
Upstream passage · L139 ↗digraph when_to_use {
"Have implementation plan?" [shape=diamond];
"Tasks mostly independent?" [shape=diamond];
"Partner chose inline, or no subagent tool?" [shape=diamond];
"subagent-driven-development" [shape=box];
"executing-plans" [shape=box];
"Manual execution or brainstorm first" [shape=box];
"Have implementation plan?" -> "Tasks mostly independent?" [label="yes"];
"Have implementation plan?" -> "Manual execution or brainstorm first" [label="no"];
"Tasks mostly independent?" -> "Partner chose inline, or no subagent tool?" [label="yes"];
"Tasks mostly independent?" -> "Manual execution or brainstorm first" [label="no - tightly coupled"];
"Partner chose inline, or no subagent tool?" -> "executing-plans" [label="yes"];
"Partner chose inline, or no subagent tool?" -> "subagent-driven-development" [label="no"];
}Requirements and setup
Setup
Ensure the work happens in an isolated workspace: use superpowers:using-git-worktrees to create one or verify the existing one. Never start implementation on a main/master branch without your human partner's explicit consent. Conversation memory does not survive compaction. In real sessions, controllers that lost their place have re-dispatched entire completed task sequences — the single most expensive failure observed. Track progress in a ledger file, not only in todos.
Upstream passage · L101 ↗Limits and quality checks
No separate limits passage was selected from this file. This does not mean the Skill is safe for every input or environment. Review the complete source and validate your own result.
Start with a safe trial
- Check the supported host and the repository installation instructions. Keep the Skill directory and its referenced scripts, assets and documentation together; SKILL.md alone may omit dependencies.
- Give the agent your real input, desired output and acceptance criteria. Invocation syntax and available tools depend on the host; this site does not assume a universal install command.
- Try the source workflow in a disposable project or on a copy. Review operations that change files, remote services or billable resources before allowing them.
- Validate the output against the source quality checks and your own requirements. A successful trigger or a high repository Star count does not establish a correct result.
Read further in the source
Related Skills
Translation and scope
This reading guide selects passages from the pinned upstream SKILL.md. Translation is assisted. It is not a complete manual or a claim of tested compatibility. Read the original and its referenced files before use.
This introduction refers to the pinned version below; current repository activity and collection time are shown separately.
- Pinned source
- Read the original ↗
- Source retrieved
- Source commit
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ba41f697136cba88a7962d60c8e2f97488ba04a8688b1d0fbeb27f6953808e75