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

Add a subtask to a parent task.

Arguments: $ARGUMENTS

Parse arguments to create a new subtask or convert existing task.

Adding Subtasks

Creates subtasks to break down complex parent tasks into manageable pieces.

Argument Parsing

Flexible natural language:

• "add subtask to 5: implement login form"
• "break down 5 with: setup, implement, test"
• "subtask for 5: handle edge cases"
• "5: validate user input" → adds subtask to task 5

Execution Modes

1. Create New Subtask

task-master add-subtask --parent=<id> --title="<title>" --description="<desc>"

2. Convert Existing Task

task-master add-subtask --parent=<id> --task-id=<existing-id>

Smart Features

1. Automatic Subtask Generation

   • If title contains "and" or commas, create multiple
   • Suggest common subtask patterns
   • Inherit parent's context

2. Intelligent Defaults

   • Priority based on parent
   • Appropriate time estimates
   • Logical dependencies between subtasks

3. Validation

   • Check parent task complexity
   • Warn if too many subtasks
   • Ensure subtask makes sense

Creation Process

1. Parse parent task context
2. Generate subtask with ID like "5.1"
3. Set appropriate defaults
4. Link to parent task
5. Update parent's time estimate

Example Flows

/taskmaster:add-subtask to 5: implement user authentication
→ Created subtask #5.1: "implement user authentication"
→ Parent task #5 now has 1 subtask
→ Suggested next subtasks: tests, documentation

/taskmaster:add-subtask 5: setup, implement, test
→ Created 3 subtasks:
  #5.1: setup
  #5.2: implement  
  #5.3: test

Post-Creation

• Show updated task hierarchy
• Suggest logical next subtasks
• Update complexity estimates
• Recommend subtask order