Agent Skills: Always-On Guidance

Always-On Guidance

Global Rules

• Follow instruction priority: system → developer → user → AGENTS.
• Use swarm plugin tools (hive_*, swarm_*, swarmmail_*, hivemind_*); avoid deprecated bd/cass references.
• Stay within assigned files; reserve before edits with ttl_seconds; release reservations on done; finish swarm work with swarm_complete.
• Use TaskCreate/TaskUpdate for visible progress in Claude Code UI alongside hive_* for git-backed persistence.
• When CLAUDE_CODE_EXPERIMENTAL_AGENT_TEAMS is enabled, prefer TeammateTool for real-time coordination and swarmmail_* for persistence.
• swarmmail_release_all is coordinator-only for stale/orphaned reservations.
• Keep outputs concise and action-oriented.

Model Defaults

Use model aliases (inherit, opus, sonnet, haiku) instead of version numbers.

Opus

• Allow brief rationale (1–2 sentences) for decisions.
• Use sections when work has multiple phases.
• Suggest alternatives only when risk is high, then choose one.
• Stay compact; avoid long exposition.

Sonnet/Haiku

• Prefer strict checklists and short imperatives.
• Ask a single clarifying question if blocked; otherwise proceed.
• Avoid speculative reasoning; state decisions plainly.
• Keep outputs minimal and non-narrative.

Testing Discipline

• Use red → green → refactor when tests cover the touched area.
• Use EnterPlanMode for test-driven planning before implementation.
• If tests are absent or out of scope, state that explicitly.