Command Creator

WHAT: Create Claude Code slash commands - reusable markdown workflows invoked with /command-name. WHEN: User wants to create, make, or add a slash command. User wants to automate a repetitive workflow or document a consistent process for reuse. KEYWORDS: "create a command", "make a slash command", "add a command", "new command", "/command", "automate this workflow", "make this repeatable"

Slash commands are markdown files in .claude/commands/ (project) or ~/.claude/commands/ (global) that expand into prompts when invoked.

Command Structure

---
description: Brief description for /help (required)
argument-hint: <required> or [optional] (if takes arguments)
---

# Command Title

[Instructions for agent to execute autonomously]

---

Creation Workflow

Step 1: Determine Location

1. Check if in git repo: git rev-parse --is-inside-work-tree
2. Default: Git repo → .claude/commands/, No git → ~/.claude/commands/
3. Override if user explicitly says "global" or "project"

Report chosen location before proceeding.

Step 2: Identify Pattern

Load references/patterns.md and present options:

Pattern	Structure	Use When
Workflow Automation	Analyze → Act → Report	Multi-step with clear sequence
Iterative Fixing	Run → Parse → Fix → Repeat	Fix issues until passing
Agent Delegation	Context → Delegate → Iterate	Complex tasks, user review
Simple Execution	Parse → Execute → Return	Wrapper for existing tools

Ask: "Which pattern is closest to what you want?"

Step 3: Gather Information

A. Name and Purpose

• "What should the command be called?" (kebab-case: my-command)
• "What does it do?" (for description field)

B. Arguments

• "Does it take arguments? Required or optional?"
• Required: <placeholder>, Optional: [placeholder]

C. Workflow Steps

• "What specific steps should it follow?"
• "What tools or commands should it use?"

D. Constraints

• "Any specific tools to use or avoid?"
• "Any files to read for context?"

Step 4: Generate Command

Load references/best-practices.md for:

• Template structure
• Writing style (imperative form)
• Quality checklist

Key principles:

• Use imperative form: "Run X", not "You should run X"
• Be explicit: "Run make lint", not "Check for errors"
• Include expected outcomes
• Define error handling
• State success criteria

Step 5: Create File

mkdir -p [directory-path]

Write the command file. Report:

• File location
• What the command does
• How to use: /command-name [args]

Step 6: Test (Optional)

Suggest: "Test with /command-name [args]"

Iterate based on feedback.

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Writing Guidelines

Imperative form (verb-first):

• ✅ "Run git status"
• ❌ "You should run git status"

Specific, not vague:

• ✅ "Run make lint to check for errors"
• ❌ "Check for errors"

Include outcomes:

• ✅ "Run git status - should show modified files"
• ❌ "Run git status"

Realistic examples:

• ✅ git commit -m "Add OAuth2 authentication"
• ❌ git commit -m "foo bar"

---

Command Patterns Quick Reference

Workflow Automation

1. Check for .PLAN.md
2. Analyze git status/diff
3. Perform actions
4. Report results

Iterative Fixing

1. Run make all-ci (max 10 iterations)
2. Parse errors by category
3. Apply targeted fixes
4. Repeat until success or stuck

Agent Delegation

1. Present context
2. Invoke subagent with Task tool
3. Iterate with user feedback
4. Save output after approval

See references/examples.md for full command examples.

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Quality Checklist

Before finalizing:

• Name is kebab-case (my-command, not my_command)
• Description is action-oriented
• Steps are numbered and specific
• Tool usage explicitly specified
• Error handling defined
• Success criteria stated
• Uses imperative form

---

NEVER

• Use underscores in command names (use hyphens)
• Write vague instructions ("fix errors")
• Skip error handling
• Use second person ("You should...")
• Create commands without testing
• Leave success criteria undefined