to-issues
To Issues
Break a plan into independently-grabbable issues using vertical slices (tracer bullets).
The issue tracker should have been configured via /setup-workflow-skills.
Process
1. Gather context
Work from whatever is already in the conversation context. If the user passes an issue reference (issue number, URL, or path) as an argument, fetch it from the issue tracker and read its full body and comments.
2. Explore the codebase (optional)
If you have not already explored the codebase, do so to understand the current state of the code. Issue titles and descriptions should use the project's domain glossary vocabulary, and respect ADRs in the area you're touching.
3. Draft vertical slices
Break the plan into tracer bullet issues. Each issue is a thin vertical slice that cuts through ALL integration layers end-to-end, NOT a horizontal slice of one layer.
Slices may be 'HITL' or 'AFK'. HITL slices require human interaction, such as an architectural decision or a design review. AFK slices can be implemented and merged without human interaction. Prefer AFK over HITL where possible.
4. Quiz the user
Present the proposed breakdown as a numbered list. For each slice, show:
- Title: short descriptive name
- Type: HITL / AFK
- Blocked by: which other slices (if any) must complete first
- User stories covered: which user stories this addresses (if the source material has them)
Ask the user:
- Does the granularity feel right? (too coarse / too fine)
- Are the dependency relationships correct?
- Should any slices be merged or split further?
- Are the correct slices marked as HITL and AFK?
Iterate until the user approves the breakdown.
5. Publish the issues to the issue tracker
For each approved slice, publish a new issue to the issue tracker. Use the issue body template below.
Publish issues in dependency order (blockers first) so you can reference real issue identifiers in the "Blocked by" field.
A reference to the parent issue on the issue tracker (if the source was an existing issue, otherwise omit this section).
What to build
A concise description of this vertical slice. Describe the end-to-end behavior, not layer-by-layer implementation.
Acceptance criteria
- Criterion 1
- Criterion 2
- Criterion 3
Blocked by
- A reference to the blocking ticket (if any)
Or "None - can start immediately" if no blockers.
Do NOT close or modify any parent issue.
More from kehwar/skills
to-prd
Turn the current conversation context into a PRD and publish it to Beads Issue Tracker. Use when user wants to create a PRD from the current context.
10setup-workflow-skills
Sets up an `## Agent orientation` block in AGENTS.md/CLAUDE.md so the engineering skills know this repo uses Beads for issue tracking. Run before first use of `to-tasks`, `to-prd`, `tdd`, `improve-codebase-architecture`, or `zoom-out`.
10tdd
Test-driven development with red-green-refactor loop. Use when user wants to build features or fix bugs using TDD, mentions "red-green-refactor", wants integration tests, or asks for test-first development. Tracks progress in Beads Issue Tracker.
9write-a-skill
Create new agent skills with proper structure, progressive disclosure, and bundled resources. Use when user wants to create, write, or build a new skill.
9grill-me
Interview the user relentlessly about a plan or design until reaching shared understanding, resolving each branch of the decision tree. Use when user wants to stress-test a plan, get grilled on their design, or mentions "grill me".
8to-tasks
Break a plan, spec, or PRD into independently-grabbable tasks/issues on Beads Issue Tracker using tracer-bullet vertical slices. Use when user wants to convert a plan into tasks, create implementation tickets, or break down work into tasks.
8