claude-task-master/packages/claude-code-plugin/commands/update-single-task.md

Update a single specific task with new information.

Arguments: $ARGUMENTS

Parse task ID and update details.

Single Task Update

Precisely update one task with AI assistance to maintain consistency.

Argument Parsing

Natural language updates:

• "5: add caching requirement"
• "update 5 to include error handling"
• "task 5 needs rate limiting"
• "5 change priority to high"

Execution

task-master update-task --id=<id> --prompt="<context>"

Update Types

1. Content Updates

• Enhance description
• Add requirements
• Clarify details
• Update acceptance criteria

2. Metadata Updates

• Change priority
• Adjust time estimates
• Update complexity
• Modify dependencies

3. Strategic Updates

• Revise approach
• Change test strategy
• Update implementation notes
• Adjust subtask needs

AI-Powered Updates

The AI:

1. Understands Context

   • Reads current task state
   • Identifies update intent
   • Maintains consistency
   • Preserves important info

2. Applies Changes

   • Updates relevant fields
   • Keeps style consistent
   • Adds without removing
   • Enhances clarity

3. Validates Results

   • Checks coherence
   • Verifies completeness
   • Maintains relationships
   • Suggests related updates

Example Updates

/taskmaster:update/single 5: add rate limiting
→ Updating Task #5: "Implement API endpoints"

Current: Basic CRUD endpoints
Adding: Rate limiting requirements

Updated sections:
✓ Description: Added rate limiting mention
✓ Details: Added specific limits (100/min)
✓ Test Strategy: Added rate limit tests
✓ Complexity: Increased from 5 to 6
✓ Time Estimate: Increased by 2 hours

Suggestion: Also update task #6 (API Gateway) for consistency?

Smart Features

1. Incremental Updates

   • Adds without overwriting
   • Preserves work history
   • Tracks what changed
   • Shows diff view

2. Consistency Checks

   • Related task alignment
   • Subtask compatibility
   • Dependency validity
   • Timeline impact

3. Update History

   • Timestamp changes
   • Track who/what updated
   • Reason for update
   • Previous versions

Field-Specific Updates

Quick syntax for specific fields:

• "5 priority:high" → Update priority only
• "5 add-time:4h" → Add to time estimate
• "5 status:review" → Change status
• "5 depends:3,4" → Add dependencies

Post-Update

• Show updated task
• Highlight changes
• Check related tasks
• Update suggestions
• Timeline adjustments