Skill: Add a New Claude Code Slash Command
When to Use
Use this skill when you need to add a new interactive command that users can invoke with /command-name in Claude Code.
Prerequisites
- •Understanding of what the command should do
- •Knowledge of Claude Code's tool system (AskUserQuestion, file tools, etc.)
Steps
1. Create the command file
Create a new markdown file in .claude/commands/:
bash
touch .claude/commands/my-command.md
The filename (without .md) becomes the slash command name.
2. Structure the command file
Follow this template structure:
markdown
# Command Name Brief description of what this command does. ## Instructions Detailed instructions for Claude on how to execute this command. **Important guidelines:** - List specific behaviors - Reference which tools to use - Mention any context files to check ## Tasks ### 1. First Step Description of what to do first. ### 2. Second Step Description of what to do next. ## Output Describe what the command should produce when complete.
3. Include AskUserQuestion usage
Per ADR-005, all commands should use AskUserQuestion for clarification:
markdown
**Important:** Use the AskUserQuestion tool to clarify: - [Question 1] - [Question 2]
4. Reference context files
Commands should check relevant context:
markdown
Before proceeding: - Check `.context/decisions/` for related ADRs - Consult `.context/skills/` for patterns to follow
5. Test the command
In Claude Code, run /my-command to verify it works as expected.
Anti-Patterns
- •Don't make commands too broad - Keep focused on one task
- •Don't skip AskUserQuestion - Always clarify before significant work
- •Don't hardcode paths - Use relative paths from project root
- •Don't ignore existing patterns - Check skills/ and decisions/ first
Example
See .claude/commands/code-review.md for a well-structured command that:
- •Has clear instructions
- •Uses a checklist for thoroughness
- •Provides specific output format
- •References exact file locations
Related
- •ADR-004: Claude Code integration
- •ADR-005: AskUserQuestion requirement