subagent-driven-development
Use when executing implementation plans with independent tasks in the current session - dispatches fresh subagent for each task with code review between tasks, enabling fast iteration with quality gates
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/nickcrew/claude-cortex --skill subagent-driven-development- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads subagent-driven-development automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Subagent-Driven Development
Execute plan by dispatching fresh subagent per task, with code review after each.
Core principle: Fresh subagent per task + review between tasks = high quality, fast iteration
Overview
vs. Executing Plans (parallel session):
- Same session (no context switch)
- Fresh subagent per task (no context pollution)
- Code review after each task (catch issues early)
- Faster iteration (no human-in-loop between tasks)
When to use:
- Staying in this session
- Tasks are mostly independent
- Want continuous progress with quality gates
When NOT to use:
- Need to review plan first (use executing-plans)
- Tasks are tightly coupled (manual execution better)
- Plan needs revision (brainstorm first)
The Process
1. Load Plan
Read plan file, create TodoWrite with all tasks.
2. Execute Task with Subagent
For each task:
Dispatch fresh subagent:
Task tool (general-purpose):
description: "Implement Task N: [task name]"
prompt: |
You are implementing Task N from [plan-file].
Read that task carefully. Your job is to:
1. Implement exactly what the task specifies
2. Write tests (following TDD if task says to)
3. Verify implementation works
4. Commit your work
5. Report back
Work from: [directory]
Report: What you implemented, what you tested, test results, files changed, any issues
Subagent reports back with summary of work.
3. Review Subagent's Work
Dispatch code-reviewer subagent:
Task tool (code-reviewer):
Use template at requesting-code-review/code-reviewer.md
WHAT_WAS_IMPLEMENTED: [from subagent's report]
PLAN_OR_REQUIREMENTS: Task N from [plan-file]
BASE_SHA: [commit before task]
HEAD_SHA: [current commit]
DESCRIPTION: [task summary]
Code reviewer returns: Strengths, Issues (Critical/Important/Minor), Assessment
4. Apply Review Feedback
If issues found:
- Fix Critical issues immediately
- Fix Important issues before next task
- Note Minor issues
Dispatch follow-up subagent if needed:
"Fix issues from code review: [list issues]"
5. Mark Complete, Next Task
- Mark task as completed in TodoWrite
- Move to next task
- Repeat steps 2-5
6. Final Review
After all tasks complete, dispatch final code-reviewer:
- Reviews entire implementation
- Checks all plan requirements met
- Validates overall architecture
7. Complete Development
After final review passes:
- Announce: "I'm using the finishing-a-development-branch skill to complete this work."
- REQUIRED SUB-SKILL: Use finishing-a-development-branch
- Follow that skill to verify tests, present options, execute choice
Example Workflow
You: I'm using Subagent-Driven Development to execute this plan.
[Load plan, create TodoWrite]
Task 1: Hook installation script
[Dispatch implementation subagent]
Subagent: Implemented install-hook with tests, 5/5 passing
[Get git SHAs, dispatch code-reviewer]
Reviewer: Strengths: Good test coverage. Issues: None. Ready.
[Mark Task 1 complete]
Task 2: Recovery modes
[Dispatch implementation subagent]
Subagent: Added verify/repair, 8/8 tests passing
[Dispatch code-reviewer]
Reviewer: Strengths: Solid. Issues (Important): Missing progress reporting
[Dispatch fix subagent]
Fix subagent: Added progress every 100 conversations
[Verify fix, mark Task 2 complete]
...
[After all tasks]
[Dispatch final code-reviewer]
Final reviewer: All requirements met, ready to merge
Done!
Advantages
vs. Manual execution:
- Subagents follow TDD naturally
- Fresh context per task (no confusion)
- Parallel-safe (subagents don't interfere)
vs. Executing Plans:
- Same session (no handoff)
- Continuous progress (no waiting)
- Review checkpoints automatic
Cost:
- More subagent invocations
- But catches issues early (cheaper than debugging later)
Red Flags
Never:
- Skip code review between tasks
- Proceed with unfixed Critical issues
- Dispatch multiple implementation subagents in parallel (conflicts)
- Implement without reading plan task
If subagent fails task:
- Dispatch fix subagent with specific instructions
- Don't try to fix manually (context pollution)
Integration
Required workflow skills:
- writing-plans - REQUIRED: Creates the plan that this skill executes
- requesting-code-review - REQUIRED: Review after each task (see Step 3)
- finishing-a-development-branch - REQUIRED: Complete development after all tasks (see Step 7)
Subagents must use:
- Test-first discipline - Each subagent writes a failing test before implementing its task, then makes it pass
Alternative workflow:
- executing-plans - Use for parallel session instead of same-session execution
See code-reviewer template: requesting-code-review/code-reviewer.md
FAQ
What does the subagent-driven-development skill do?
Use when executing implementation plans with independent tasks in the current session - dispatches fresh subagent for each task with code review between tasks, enabling fast iteration with quality gates
How do I install subagent-driven-development?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/nickcrew/claude-cortex --skill subagent-driven-development in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/subagent-driven-development/ (personal) or .claude/skills/subagent-driven-development/ (project).
Which AI agents can use subagent-driven-development?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is subagent-driven-development safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains subagent-driven-development?
It is published by nickcrew in nickcrew/claude-cortex. It has 81 recorded installs.
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