claude-task-master/packages/claude-code-plugin/commands/add-dependency.md

Add a dependency between tasks.

Arguments: $ARGUMENTS

Parse the task IDs to establish dependency relationship.

Adding Dependencies

Creates a dependency where one task must be completed before another can start.

Argument Parsing

Parse natural language or IDs:

• "make 5 depend on 3" → task 5 depends on task 3
• "5 needs 3" → task 5 depends on task 3
• "5 3" → task 5 depends on task 3
• "5 after 3" → task 5 depends on task 3

Execution

task-master add-dependency --id=<task-id> --depends-on=<dependency-id>

Validation

Before adding:

1. Verify both tasks exist
2. Check for circular dependencies
3. Ensure dependency makes logical sense
4. Warn if creating complex chains

Smart Features

• Detect if dependency already exists
• Suggest related dependencies
• Show impact on task flow
• Update task priorities if needed

Post-Addition

After adding dependency:

1. Show updated dependency graph
2. Identify any newly blocked tasks
3. Suggest task order changes
4. Update project timeline

Example Flows

/taskmaster:add-dependency 5 needs 3
→ Task #5 now depends on Task #3
→ Task #5 is now blocked until #3 completes
→ Suggested: Also consider if #5 needs #4