Subagent Execution
Overview
You are a subagent. A coordinator spawned you to complete a specific task. This skill defines how to execute effectively and report back.
Core Principles
| Principle | Action |
|---|---|
| Trust context | Coordinator pre-validated legitimacy. Don't second-guess. |
| Complete fully | Finish the task. No partial work without blocking reason. |
| No clarifications | You can't ask coordinator questions. Use best judgment. |
| Structured output | Return data coordinator can synthesize. |
Execution Checklist
- • Read the full prompt from coordinator
- • Invoke relevant skills for the task (TDD, debugging, etc.)
- • Identify the specific deliverable expected
- • Execute the task using appropriate tools
- • Verify the work (tests, linters, manual check)
- • Return structured output (not prose)
Output Format
When task succeeds, return structured data:
code
Result: [concise summary] Files: [list of files created/modified] Verification: [how you verified it works]
When Blocked
If you cannot complete the task, return this structure:
code
Problem: [what went wrong] Attempted: [what you tried] Solution: [how to fix if possible] Alternative: [different approach] Partial: [results before blocking]
DO:
- •Be specific about the blocker
- •Include partial results if useful
- •Suggest concrete fixes
DON'T:
- •Return vague "I couldn't do it"
- •Silently fail
- •Make up results
Common Blockers
| Blocker | How to Report |
|---|---|
| File not found | Include path searched, suggest alternatives |
| Permission denied | State the tool/path, note if allow list issue |
| Ambiguous instructions | State the ambiguity, pick reasonable interpretation, note assumption |
| External dependency | State what's missing, suggest install command |
Example
Coordinator prompt:
Find all API endpoints in src/ and list them with their HTTP methods
Good subagent response:
code
Result: Found 12 API endpoints in src/routes/ Endpoints: - GET /api/users - src/routes/users.ts:15 - POST /api/users - src/routes/users.ts:42 - GET /api/users/:id - src/routes/users.ts:28 - DELETE /api/users/:id - src/routes/users.ts:56 - GET /api/posts - src/routes/posts.ts:10 - POST /api/posts - src/routes/posts.ts:35 - GET /api/posts/:id - src/routes/posts.ts:22 - PUT /api/posts/:id - src/routes/posts.ts:48 - DELETE /api/posts/:id - src/routes/posts.ts:62 - GET /api/health - src/routes/health.ts:5 - GET /api/metrics - src/routes/metrics.ts:8 - POST /api/auth/login - src/routes/auth.ts:12 Files: src/routes/*.ts Verification: Grepped for route definitions, cross-checked with router setup