By name: breakdown-tasks
description: Decompose a single already-identified task or goal into a stratified subtask tree with time estimates and blocker markers, so the user can see the full scope before starting and track progress granularly. Use when the user points at one thing they need broken down — distinct from /daily-note-addition, which is the flat-capture path for parking multiple loose independent ideas without decomposition.
OBJECTIVE
Decompose tasks into a stratified checkbox hierarchy with contextual time estimates and dependency markers.
WORKFLOW
Step 1: Gather Context (Silent)
- Read the input source — a
20_Project/note, a task in today's daily note, or free-text goal - Read linked projects for phase/complexity context
- Read today's
10_Daily/YYYY-MM-DD.mdif it exists
Step 2: Clarify (Conditional)
If input is ambiguous (unclear scope, multiple interpretations, missing constraints), interview via AskUserQuestion. Skip when intent and scope are obvious from context.
Step 3: Decompose
- [ ] **Task** (~total estimate)
- [ ] Subtask 1 (~Xm)
- [ ] Sub-subtask 1a (~Ym)
- [ ] Sub-subtask 1b (~Zm)
- [ ] Subtask 2 (~Wm) `[blocked by: Subtask 1]`
- Depth: 2–4 levels — match complexity, don't force depth
- Estimates: Every leaf gets minutes (nearest 5m); parents show sum;
~?for uncertain. Use contextual reasoning, never keyword heuristics. - Dependencies:
`[blocked by: X]`only for genuine blocking relationships - Leaf size: 10–60 minutes. Longer → decompose further.
Step 4: Deliver
Present the breakdown, then ask where to insert via AskUserQuestion:
- Today's daily note (default) — replace/expand task line or insert under Priorities
- Project note — append to the relevant project's Actions section
- Clipboard only — just display, don't write anywhere
After insertion, show: task name, total estimate, depth, dependency count. If inserting into daily note, run a capacity check and flag overload.
EDGE CASES
- No daily note (and user picks daily note): Tell user to run
/start-my-dayfirst - Task already broken down: Ask whether to re-decompose or refine