Modify Instructions
Edit instruction files with full analysis workflow. Use for any instruction change: optimization, bug fixes, adding rules, refactoring.
Target: $ARGUMENTS (files or description of change)
Task Tracking
FIRST: Create one TaskCreate per row below BEFORE any other work. Mark in-progress/completed as you proceed:
| # | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ensure scope identified | Skip if $ARGUMENTS is file path, else ask |
| 2 | Gather context | Read primary files, linked files, grep for related. For each related file, add sub-task "Read: [file]" |
| 3 | Analyze and clarify | Check conflicts, redundancy. For each ambiguity about user intent, use AskUserQuestion to clarify. |
| 4 | Report findings | Files affected, before/after, rationale. If multiple valid approaches, use AskUserQuestion to get direction. |
| 5 | Ensure jj change | Create new change if working copy clean, skip if already have uncommitted changes |
| 6 | Apply changes | Edit files, verify consistency across all affected |
| 7 | Commit | Message describing changes |
Instructions
STOP rushing. Invest thinking tokens now to save iteration tokens later.
- •
Ensure scope identified:
- •If target is a file path → that's the primary file
- •If target is a description → identify which file(s) need changes
- •
Gather context - Read primary file(s) and all linked files (@docs references):
- •Search for related files
- •Grep for key concepts/terms in other instruction files
- •Check commands, skills, docs that reference the same concepts
- •For each related file found, add sub-task "Read: [file]"
- •
Analyze and clarify thoroughly (ultra, deeply, freakingly, super ultrathink!):
- •Speak your mind LOUDLY. Don't just use a thinking block, but tell me everything you have in mind.
- •Think through each instruction as a fresh agent - what could be misinterpreted?
- •Check for redundancy and conflicts ACROSS files
- •For each ambiguity about user intent, use
AskUserQuestionto clarify - •Identify all changes needed (may span multiple files)
- •Apply best practices from supporting docs
- •
Report findings:
- •Files affected
- •Before/after for each change
- •Rationale
- •
Ensure jj change - Check
jj status. If working copy is clean, create new change. If already have uncommitted changes, use current change. - •
Apply changes - Preserve all salient information, verify consistency across all affected files.
- •
Commit - Commit changes with descriptive message.
What to Check
When reviewing instructions, look for:
- •Ambiguity - what could a fresh agent misinterpret?
- •Cross-file conflicts - do related files have contradicting rules?
- •Redundancy - is this duplicated elsewhere?
- •Missing context - does this assume knowledge not provided?
Supporting Files
- •@core.md: Core principles - self-verification, minimal info, writing style, examples, anti-patterns
- •@commands-skills.md: Slash command and skill structure, task tracking guidelines
- •@instructions.md: CLAUDE.md, memory files, structured prompting (XML tags)
- •@agents.md: Agent structure and patterns