home / skills / julianromli / ai-skills / task-generator

task-generator skill

/skills/task-generator

This skill generates structured, actionable task lists from specs or requirements to accelerate planning and ensure clear handoffs.

npx playbooks add skill julianromli/ai-skills --skill task-generator

Review the files below or copy the command above to add this skill to your agents.

Files (1)
SKILL.md
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---
name: task-generator
description: |
  Generate structured task lists from specs or requirements. IMPORTANT: After completing ANY spec via ExitSpecMode, ALWAYS ask the user: "Would you like me to generate a task list for this spec?" Use when user confirms or explicitly requests task generation from a plan/spec/PRD.
---

# Task Generator

Generate detailed, step-by-step task lists from specs, plans, or requirements.

## Workflow (2-Phase Process)

### Phase 1: Generate Parent Tasks

1. Analyze the spec/plan content for functional requirements and implementation scope
2. Create the task file at `/tasks/tasks-[feature-name].md`
3. Generate 5-7 high-level parent tasks:
   - **Always start with task 0.0**: "Create feature branch" (unless user explicitly opts out)
   - Use your judgment for the number of additional tasks
4. Present parent tasks to user in the output format (without sub-tasks)
5. Tell user: "I have generated the high-level tasks. Ready to generate sub-tasks? Reply **Go** to proceed."

### Phase 2: Generate Sub-Tasks

1. Wait for user to reply "Go"
2. Break down each parent task into smaller, actionable sub-tasks
3. Identify relevant files to create/modify (include test files)
4. Update the task file with complete structure

## Output Format

Save to `/tasks/tasks-[feature-name].md`:

```markdown
## Relevant Files

- `path/to/file.ts` - Brief description of why this file is relevant
- `path/to/file.test.ts` - Unit tests for file.ts
- `path/to/component.tsx` - Component description
- `path/to/component.test.tsx` - Unit tests for component.tsx

### Notes

- Unit tests should be placed alongside the code files they test
- Use `npx jest [optional/path/to/test/file]` to run tests

## Instructions for Completing Tasks

**IMPORTANT:** As you complete each task, check it off by changing `- [ ]` to `- [x]`. Update after completing each sub-task.

## Tasks

- [ ] 0.0 Create feature branch
  - [ ] 0.1 Create and checkout new branch (`git checkout -b feature/[feature-name]`)
- [ ] 1.0 [Parent Task Title]
  - [ ] 1.1 [Sub-task description]
  - [ ] 1.2 [Sub-task description]
- [ ] 2.0 [Parent Task Title]
  - [ ] 2.1 [Sub-task description]
```

## Guidelines

- **Target audience**: Junior developer who will implement the feature
- **Task style**: Use imperative verbs (Create, Add, Implement, Update)
- **Feature name**: Derive from spec title/topic in kebab-case
- **File identification**: Include both source and test files
- **Sub-task granularity**: Each sub-task should be completable in one focused session

Overview

This skill generates structured, actionable task lists from specs, plans, or requirements. It produces a two-phase task file with high-level parent tasks first, then detailed sub-tasks, file mappings, and test guidance tailored for a junior developer. After exiting spec mode, it will always ask the user if they want a task list generated.

How this skill works

The skill analyzes the spec to extract feature name, scope, and functional requirements, then creates /tasks/tasks-[feature-name].md. Phase 1 produces 5–7 high-level parent tasks (always starting with 0.0 Create feature branch unless opted out) and asks the user to confirm continuation. On receiving "Go" it enters Phase 2 and breaks each parent task into focused sub-tasks, identifies files and test files to create or modify, and updates the task file with checkable items.

When to use it

  • When you have a spec, plan, PRD, or requirements document and need an implementation checklist
  • Before assigning work to junior developers to ensure clear, granular tasks
  • When you want a repo-ready task file that includes test file suggestions
  • When you want consistent branch and file naming derived from spec title
  • When you need to convert a high-level plan into step-by-step actionable work

Best practices

  • Provide a clear spec title so the feature name can be derived in kebab-case
  • Confirm whether to include the default "Create feature branch" task before generation if you prefer to opt out
  • Keep each sub-task completable in one focused session (small, single-purpose steps)
  • Include file paths or examples in the spec to improve file mapping accuracy
  • Reply "Go" to proceed from parent tasks to sub-task generation

Example use cases

  • Convert a product PRD into a runnable task list with files and tests identified
  • Turn a design doc into implementation steps for a junior engineer
  • Generate a checklist from a bug-fix spec including test cases and files to update
  • Create onboarding work for a new contributor from a feature plan
  • Produce a task file to attach to a ticket or project board

FAQ

What happens after I finish the spec flow?

After exiting spec mode the skill will always ask: "Would you like me to generate a task list for this spec?" Proceeding or confirming triggers task generation.

Can I opt out of the default branch task?

Yes. If you explicitly state you do not want the default "Create feature branch" task, the skill will omit it.