OpenWriterControle/dev/ai-tools/opencode/cheatsheet-context-symbols.md
darrenhinde 6d6495905b docs: improve subagent invocation clarity and add context reference guide
- Add explicit task() invocation syntax to codebase-agent with examples
- Include when-to-use guidance for each subagent (4+ files, simple tasks, etc.)
- Add comprehensive OpenCode context reference cheatsheet covering:
  - File references with @ symbol (immediate vs lazy loading)
  - Agent invocation patterns (task tool vs @ syntax)
  - Shell command execution with backtick syntax
  - Best practices and anti-patterns
  - Complete real-world examples and templates

This improves AI agent reliability in delegating to subagents by providing
clear, explicit invocation patterns following research-backed progressive
disclosure principles.
2025-11-21 16:17:20 +00:00

1801 lines
45 KiB
Markdown

# OpenCode Context Reference Cheat Sheet
> **Purpose**: Master reference for defining files, agents, and tools in prompts that work seamlessly with OpenCode's automatic tool resolution.
---
## 🎯 Quick Reference Table
| Type | Syntax | Auto-Loaded? | AI Action Required | When to Use |
|------|--------|--------------|-------------------|-------------|
| **File (Initial)** | `@file.md` | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | User's initial prompt |
| **File (Nested)** | `@file.md` | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (read_file) | Inside loaded files |
| **Directory** | `@src/components/` | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Folder context |
| **Sub-Agent (Context)** | `@agent-name` | ✅ Yes* | ❌ No | Reference agent info |
| **Sub-Agent (Invoke)** | `task(subagent_type="name")` | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (task tool) | Delegate tasks |
| **Shell Command** | `` !`command` `` | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Inline command output |
| **Config File** | `instructions: []` in `opencode.json` | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Always-needed context |
| **Agent (Markdown)** | `.opencode/agent/**/*.md` | ✅ Auto-registered | ❌ No | Define agents |
---
## 🔑 Key Takeaways
1. **@ in agent markdown** = Just informational text
2. **@ in user prompt** = OpenCode processes it (loads files/metadata)
3. **To invoke agents** = Always use `task` tool
4. **Agent names** = Full path from `.opencode/agent/` directory
5. **Don't use @ to list agents** in your prompt - it's confusing!
The `@` symbol only has special meaning in **USER PROMPTS**, not in **AGENT SYSTEM PROMPTS**.
------
## 🔧 Shell Commands
### Inline Shell Commands (Automatic Execution)
Use the `` !`command` `` syntax to execute commands and inline their output into prompts:
```markdown
# Example: Include git information
Current branch: !`git branch --show-current`
Recent commits: !`git log --oneline -5`
# Example: Include system information
Node version: !`node --version`
Available memory: !`free -h | grep Mem`
# Example: Include file contents
Database schema: !`cat schema.sql`
# Example: Include directory structure
Project structure:
!`tree -L 2 -I 'node_modules|dist'`
```
**How it works:**
- ✅ Commands execute when prompt is processed
- ✅ Output is inserted into the prompt text
- ✅ Great for dynamic context (git status, file lists, system info)
- ⚠️ Commands run in shell with current working directory
### Shell Command Patterns
#### Git Context
```markdown
## Current Work Context
Branch: !`git branch --show-current`
Modified files: !`git status --short`
Last commit: !`git log -1 --pretty=format:'%h - %s'`
Uncommitted changes:
!`git diff --stat`
```
#### Project Structure
```markdown
## Project Layout
!`find src -type f -name '*.ts' | head -20`
## Component Structure
!`tree src/components -L 2`
```
#### Environment Information
```markdown
## Environment
Node: !`node --version`
npm: !`npm --version`
OS: !`uname -a`
```
#### File Content Snippets
```markdown
## Configuration
Current eslint rules:
!`cat .eslintrc.json`
Package scripts:
!`cat package.json | jq .scripts`
```
### When to Use Shell Commands vs Tools
| Scenario | Use Shell `!` Syntax | Use `run_terminal_cmd` Tool |
|----------|---------------------|---------------------------|
| **Static context in prompt** | ✅ | ❌ |
| **Git information** | ✅ | ❌ |
| **File contents** | ✅ | ❌ |
| **Interactive AI execution** | ❌ | ✅ |
| **Based on AI decisions** | ❌ | ✅ |
| **Build/test commands** | ❌ | ✅ |
| **Requires error handling** | ❌ | ✅ |
---
## 📁 File References
### Initial Prompt (Automatic)
When **you** type this in your prompt:
```markdown
Follow guidelines in @GUIDELINES.md
Use patterns from @src/patterns/
```
**OpenCode automatically:**
- ✅ Reads `GUIDELINES.md`
- ✅ Lists `src/patterns/` directory
- ✅ Attaches content to AI context
- ❌ Does NOT read nested @ references inside these files
### Nested References (Requires AI Action)
When `GUIDELINES.md` contains:
```markdown
Also see @CODE_STYLE.md and @TESTING.md
```
**OpenCode does:**
- ❌ Does NOT automatically read these
- ✅ AI sees them as plain text
**To make AI read them, use explicit instructions:**
```markdown
# GUIDELINES.md
⚠️ **CRITICAL**: Before proceeding, read these files using read_file:
1. @CODE_STYLE.md - Coding standards (READ FIRST)
2. @TESTING.md - Testing patterns (READ FIRST)
3. @ARCHITECTURE.md - System design (READ FIRST)
[rest of your guidelines...]
```
**Key phrases that work:**
- ✅ `READ FIRST`
- ✅ `use read_file tool`
- ✅ `CRITICAL: Read these files`
- ✅ `Load immediately before proceeding`
---
## 🤖 Sub-Agent References
### ⚠️ CRITICAL: Agent Context vs Agent Invocation
**IMPORTANT DISTINCTION: Agent Files vs Agent Names**
#### Understanding the Difference
**Agent File** (Documentation):
- Path: `.opencode/agents/subagents/core/taskmanager.md`
- This is a MARKDOWN FILE describing the agent
- Use `@.opencode/agents/subagents/core/taskmanager.md` to load file content
- Result: Loads documentation/instructions as text
**Agent Name** (System Registration):
- Name: `taskmanager` (registered in OpenCode)
- This is the actual AGENT that can execute tasks
- Use `task(subagent_type="taskmanager", ...)` to invoke
- Result: Agent runs and performs work
#### Scenario 1: Using `@agent-name` (USUALLY NOT RECOMMENDED)
When you use `@agent-name` in **your initial prompt**:
```markdown
Use @reviewer agent for code review
```
**What happens:**
1. ✅ OpenCode checks if it's a file at that path
2. ❌ File doesn't exist → Checks if it's a registered agent
3. ✅ If agent exists: Attaches agent **metadata** as context (name, description, tools)
4. ❌ Does **NOT invoke/run** the agent
5. ⚠️ This loads agent info but doesn't execute anything
**Result:** AI knows the agent exists but doesn't execute it.
**When to use:** Rarely needed. Only if you want to reference agent capabilities in context.
#### Scenario 2: Agent Invocation (RECOMMENDED)
To actually **run** an agent and execute tasks:
```javascript
// AI must explicitly call the task tool
task(
subagent_type="reviewer",
description="Review code",
prompt="Review the auth implementation for security issues"
)
```
**Result:** Agent **executes** and returns results.
**When to use:** Always - this is how you actually invoke agents.
#### Scenario 3: Loading Agent Documentation Files
If you have agent documentation files:
```markdown
# Initial prompt
Follow guidelines in @.opencode/agents/subagents/core/taskmanager.md
```
**What happens:**
1. ✅ Loads the **file** content as context
2. ❌ Does NOT invoke the agent
3. ✅ Good for loading agent usage instructions
**When to use:** When you want to load documentation about how to use agents.
---
### Best Practice: Clear Agent Instructions
**❌ DON'T write this (confusing - uses @ for agents):**
```markdown
Use @reviewer to review code
Review with @taskmanager agent
```
**Problems:**
- Loads agent metadata, doesn't invoke
- AI might be confused about how to use it
- Mixing file syntax with agent invocation
**✅ DO write this (clear and explicit):**
**Option 1: If you have agent documentation files**
```markdown
# Load agent documentation (file)
@.opencode/agents/subagents/core/taskmanager.md
# Then instruct AI how to invoke (not using @)
**Agent: `taskmanager`**
- Purpose: Task planning and breakdown
- Invoke with: task(subagent_type="taskmanager", description="Plan X", prompt="Break down feature Y")
```
**Option 2: Direct invocation instructions (no @ at all)**
```markdown
**Agent: `reviewer`** - Code review agent
- Purpose: Review code for quality and security
- When: After implementing features
- Invoke with: task(subagent_type="reviewer", description="Review X", prompt="Review Y for Z issues")
**DO NOT use @reviewer** - This loads metadata, not invocation
**ALWAYS use task tool** - This actually runs the agent
```
---
### Listing Sub-Agents
```markdown
# Available Sub-Agents
⚠️ **IMPORTANT**: These agents are NOT loaded as context. You MUST invoke them using the `task` tool:
## Code Agents
**Agent: `tester`** (DO NOT use @tester as context reference)
- **Purpose**: Test generation and execution
- **When to invoke**: After implementing features, before commits
- **Tool call**:
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="tester",
description="Test auth",
prompt="Write comprehensive tests for auth module with >80% coverage"
)
```
**Agent: `reviewer`** (DO NOT use @reviewer as context reference)
- **Purpose**: Code review and quality checks
- **When to invoke**: After completing code changes
- **Tool call**:
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="reviewer",
description="Review changes",
prompt="Review the authentication implementation for security vulnerabilities, code quality, and best practices"
)
```
## Core Agents
**Agent: `planner`** (DO NOT use @planner as context reference)
- **Purpose**: Project planning and task breakdown
- **When to invoke**: Starting large features or projects
- **Tool call**:
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="planner",
description="Plan feature",
prompt="Break down the payment system feature into implementable tasks with dependencies"
)
```
```
### Proactive Sub-Agent Invocation
To make the AI **automatically** invoke sub-agents at appropriate times:
```markdown
## Agent Automation Rules
**CRITICAL**: Agents are invoked via `task` tool, NOT by referencing them with @.
**After completing code changes, ALWAYS:**
1. Invoke the `tester` agent using `task` tool to write and run tests
2. Invoke the `reviewer` agent using `task` tool to review code quality
3. Report results back to the user
**Example workflow:**
1. User requests feature
2. You implement the code
3. Automatically call:
```javascript
task(subagent_type="tester", description="Test feature", prompt="Write tests for X")
```
4. Automatically call:
```javascript
task(subagent_type="reviewer", description="Review feature", prompt="Review X for quality")
```
5. Summarize results for user
**Important**:
- Sub-agents return results ONLY to you. You must summarize for the user.
- DO NOT use `@agent-name` syntax to invoke agents
- ALWAYS use the `task` tool for agent invocation
```
---
## 🛠️ Tool References
### Built-in OpenCode Tools
```markdown
## Available Tools
**File Operations**
- `read_file` - Read file contents (supports line ranges)
- `write_file` - Create or overwrite files
- `search_replace` - Edit files with precision
- `list_dir` - List directory contents
- `glob_file_search` - Find files by pattern
**Code Operations**
- `grep` - Search code with ripgrep
- `codebase_search` - Semantic code search
**Execution**
- `run_terminal_cmd` - Execute shell commands
- `task` - Invoke sub-agents
**Planning**
- `todo_write` - Create and manage task lists
```
### When to Reference Tools
```markdown
# Task Instructions
When you need to find configuration files, use `glob_file_search` to locate them.
When analyzing code patterns, use `codebase_search` for semantic understanding.
When editing code, use `search_replace` for precision rather than rewriting entire files.
```
---
## 💡 Complete Example: Index File
Here's a **production-ready index file** that works perfectly with OpenCode:
```markdown
# Project Context Index
## 📋 Quick Start
**CRITICAL INSTRUCTION**: Before proceeding with ANY task:
1. Read the files marked `[READ FIRST]` using the `read_file` tool
2. Review the available sub-agents below
3. Follow the coding standards and patterns defined in these files
---
## 📚 Core Documentation [READ FIRST]
Load these files immediately using `read_file`:
- @docs/CODING_STANDARDS.md - TypeScript/React coding patterns
- @docs/TESTING_STRATEGY.md - Test requirements and patterns
- @docs/ARCHITECTURE.md - System design and component structure
- @.opencode/WORKFLOWS.md - Development workflows and CI/CD
---
## 🤖 Available Sub-Agents
Use the `task` tool to invoke these specialized agents:
### Development Agents
**@subagents/code/implementer** - Complex feature implementation
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="implementer",
description="Implement user auth",
prompt="Create complete authentication system with JWT tokens, including login, logout, and session management. Follow patterns in @docs/ARCHITECTURE.md"
)
```
**@subagents/code/tester** - Test generation and execution
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="tester",
description="Test auth system",
prompt="Write comprehensive unit and integration tests for the authentication module. Ensure >80% coverage. Run tests and report results."
)
```
**@subagents/code/reviewer** - Code quality and security review
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="reviewer",
description="Review auth code",
prompt="Review the authentication implementation for security vulnerabilities, code quality, and adherence to @docs/CODING_STANDARDS.md. Provide specific improvement suggestions."
)
```
### Documentation Agents
**@subagents/docs/technical-writer** - API and code documentation
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="technical-writer",
description="Document auth API",
prompt="Generate comprehensive API documentation for the authentication endpoints, including request/response examples and error codes."
)
```
### Planning Agents
**@subagents/core/architect** - System design and planning
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="architect",
description="Design payment system",
prompt="Design a payment processing system architecture that integrates with Stripe. Break down into implementable tasks. Consider scalability and error handling."
)
```
---
## 🔄 Automated Workflows
### After Implementing Code
**ALWAYS execute this workflow:**
1. **Test** - Invoke `@subagents/code/tester` to validate implementation
2. **Review** - Invoke `@subagents/code/reviewer` for quality check
3. **Document** - Update relevant documentation
4. **Report** - Summarize results to user with:
- What was implemented
- Test results and coverage
- Any issues found in review
- Next recommended steps
### Before Starting Large Features
**ALWAYS execute this workflow:**
1. **Plan** - Invoke `@subagents/core/architect` for design
2. **Load Context** - Read relevant documentation from @docs/
3. **Break Down** - Create detailed TODO list with `todo_write`
4. **Confirm** - Ask user to confirm approach
---
## 📖 Additional Context Files
### Code Patterns & Examples
For specific implementation patterns, read these on-demand:
- @examples/api-patterns.ts - REST API implementation patterns
- @examples/component-patterns.tsx - React component patterns
- @examples/test-patterns.test.ts - Testing patterns and fixtures
- @examples/error-handling.ts - Error handling strategies
### Configuration Files
Reference these when setting up tools or CI/CD:
- @.github/workflows/ - GitHub Actions workflows
- @tsconfig.json - TypeScript configuration
- @package.json - Project dependencies and scripts
---
## 🎯 Tool Usage Guidelines
### File Search Strategy
1. **Known filename**: Use `read_file` directly
2. **Pattern match**: Use `glob_file_search` (e.g., "*.test.ts")
3. **Semantic search**: Use `codebase_search` (e.g., "authentication logic")
4. **Text search**: Use `grep` for exact text matches
### Editing Strategy
1. **Small changes**: Use `search_replace` for precision
2. **New files**: Use `write_file`
3. **Large refactors**: Consider sub-agent with `task` tool
### Execution Strategy
1. **Simple commands**: Use `run_terminal_cmd`
2. **Complex workflows**: Create shell scripts first
3. **Multi-step tasks**: Use sub-agents with `task` tool
---
## ⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
### ❌ DON'T DO THIS:
```markdown
# Bad: Using @ syntax for agent invocation
Use @tester when needed
Review with @reviewer after coding
# Bad: Treating agents like files
Read @tester for testing guidelines
See @reviewer documentation
# Bad: Vague agent reference
Use the tester agent when needed
# Bad: Assuming nested files are auto-loaded
See @guidelines.md (which references @other.md)
# Bad: Not specifying how to invoke
Available agents: tester, reviewer, planner
# Bad: Mixing context and invocation
Use @agent-name to run the agent
```
### ✅ DO THIS:
```markdown
# Good: Explicit tool call for agent invocation
**Agent: `tester`** - Invoke ONLY via task tool:
task(subagent_type="tester", description="Test feature", prompt="Write comprehensive tests for X")
# Good: Clear separation of concerns
**File**: @docs/testing-guide.md - Load with read_file
**Agent**: `tester` - Invoke with task tool
# Good: Explicit read instruction for nested refs
**CRITICAL**: Read @guidelines.md, then read all files it references using read_file
# Good: Clear tool invocation
Use the `codebase_search` tool to find authentication logic
# Good: Proactive invocation instruction
After implementing code, ALWAYS invoke the tester agent:
task(subagent_type="tester", description="Test X", prompt="Write and run tests for X")
```
---
## 🚀 Quick Start Template
Copy this template to create your own index:
```markdown
# [Project Name] Context Index
## 🎯 Before Starting ANY Task
**CRITICAL**: Load these files first using `read_file`:
1. @[PATH_TO_GUIDELINES]
2. @[PATH_TO_STANDARDS]
3. @[PATH_TO_ARCHITECTURE]
---
## 🤖 Sub-Agents (MUST use `task` tool to invoke)
**Agent: `[AGENT_NAME]`** (DO NOT use @[AGENT_NAME] as context)
- Purpose: [Description]
- When to invoke: [When to invoke]
- Tool call:
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="[AGENT_NAME]",
description="[SHORT_DESC]",
prompt="[DETAILED_TASK_INSTRUCTIONS]"
)
```
---
## 🔄 Standard Workflows
### After Code Changes
1. Invoke tester agent via `task` tool
2. Invoke reviewer agent via `task` tool
3. Report results to user
Example:
```javascript
// Step 1: Test
task(subagent_type="[TESTER_AGENT]", description="Test feature", prompt="Write tests for X")
// Step 2: Review
task(subagent_type="[REVIEWER_AGENT]", description="Review feature", prompt="Review X for quality")
// Step 3: Summarize results for user
```
---
## 📚 Reference Files (Load on-demand)
- @[FILE_PATH] - [Description] (Read when: [TRIGGER])
---
```
---
## 🔍 Verification Checklist
Before sharing your index file, verify:
- [ ] All **file** references use `@` prefix
- [ ] Agent references use `task` tool, NOT `@` syntax
- [ ] Agent names are plain text (e.g., `tester`), not `@tester`
- [ ] Nested file references have explicit "READ FIRST" instructions
- [ ] Sub-agents have complete `task()` tool call examples
- [ ] Sub-agents show when/why to invoke them
- [ ] Clear distinction between files (@file.md) and agents (task tool)
- [ ] Automated workflows use `task` tool for agents
- [ ] Tool usage instructions are specific
- [ ] No ambiguous or vague instructions
- [ ] No mixing of @ syntax for agents
---
## 📝 Quick Reference Notes
- **Files**: Use `@path/to/file.md` in prompts (auto-loaded initially, nested require read_file)
- **Agent Files**: Use `@.opencode/agents/subagents/core/agent.md` to load documentation
- **Agent Invocation**: Use `task` tool, NOT `@agent-name` syntax
- **Agent Names**: Plain text only (e.g., `taskmanager`), never `@taskmanager`
- **Shell**: Use `` !`command` `` for automatic execution in prompts
- **Key Rule**: `@` is for FILES only, `task` tool is for AGENTS
- **Rare Exception**: `@agent-name` loads agent metadata (usually not needed)
---
## 🎨 Advanced Patterns
### Combining Multiple Context Types
```markdown
# Complete Feature Context
## Files to Read [READ FIRST]
@docs/auth-spec.md
@src/auth/types.ts
## Current Implementation
!`find src/auth -type f -name '*.ts'`
## Git Context
Branch: !`git branch --show-current`
Changes: !`git diff --name-only`
## Environment
Node: !`node --version`
Dependencies: !`npm list --depth=0 | grep auth`
## Sub-Agents Available
**@subagents/code/implementer** - Use for implementation
**@subagents/code/tester** - Use for testing
## Task
Implement the authentication flow following @docs/auth-spec.md
```
### Dynamic File Loading
```markdown
# Load All Test Files
Test files in project:
!`find . -name "*.test.ts" -o -name "*.spec.ts"`
**INSTRUCTION**: Read all test files above using `read_file` to understand testing patterns.
```
### Conditional Context
```markdown
# Database Migration Context
## Current Migration Status
!`npm run db:status 2>&1`
## Latest Migration
!`ls -t migrations/ | head -1 | xargs cat`
**If migrations are pending**: Read @docs/migration-guide.md
**If migrations are up-to-date**: Proceed with schema changes
```
### Nested Shell Commands with File References
```markdown
# Component Analysis
## All React Components
!`find src -name "*.tsx" | grep -v test`
## Component Guidelines
@docs/component-patterns.md
**CRITICAL**:
1. Review the component list above
2. Read @docs/component-patterns.md using `read_file`
3. Ensure new components follow established patterns
```
---
## 🔗 Shell Command Cheat Sheet
### Git Commands
```bash
# Current branch
!`git branch --show-current`
# Recent commits
!`git log --oneline -n 10`
# Modified files
!`git status --short`
# Diff summary
!`git diff --stat`
# Authors
!`git shortlog -sn --all`
# Current commit hash
!`git rev-parse HEAD`
```
### File System Commands
```bash
# List TypeScript files
!`find src -name "*.ts" -type f`
# Count lines of code
!`find src -name "*.ts" | xargs wc -l | tail -1`
# Recent files
!`ls -lt src | head -10`
# Directory tree
!`tree -L 3 -I 'node_modules|dist|.git'`
# File size summary
!`du -sh src/*`
```
### Project Info Commands
```bash
# Package version
!`cat package.json | jq -r .version`
# Dependencies
!`npm list --depth=0`
# Scripts
!`cat package.json | jq .scripts`
# Node version
!`node --version`
# npm version
!`npm --version`
```
### Search Commands
```bash
# Find TODO comments
!`grep -r "TODO" src --include="*.ts"`
# Find FIXME comments
!`grep -r "FIXME" src --include="*.ts"`
# Find specific function
!`grep -rn "function authenticate" src`
# Count test files
!`find . -name "*.test.ts" | wc -l`
```
### System Commands
```bash
# OS info
!`uname -a`
# Memory usage
!`free -h`
# Disk usage
!`df -h .`
# Process list (filtered)
!`ps aux | grep node`
```
---
## 🎯 Complete Real-World Example
```markdown
# Feature Implementation: User Authentication
## Pre-Flight Context Loading
### CRITICAL: Read These Files First
1. @docs/CODING_STANDARDS.md
2. @docs/AUTH_ARCHITECTURE.md
3. @src/auth/interfaces.ts
4. @tests/auth/auth.test.ts
### Current State
**Branch**: !`git branch --show-current`
**Modified Files**:
!`git status --short`
**Existing Auth Files**:
!`find src/auth -name "*.ts" -type f`
**Test Coverage**:
!`npm run test:coverage -- src/auth 2>&1 | tail -5`
### Dependencies
**Current Auth Libraries**:
!`npm list | grep -E "(passport|jwt|bcrypt)"`
**Node Version**: !`node --version`
## Sub-Agents Available
**@subagents/code/implementer** - Feature implementation
- Use when: Implementing new auth flows
- Example: `task(subagent_type="implementer", description="OAuth flow", prompt="Implement OAuth2 flow with Google, following patterns in @docs/AUTH_ARCHITECTURE.md")`
**@subagents/code/tester** - Test creation
- Use when: After implementing auth features
- Example: `task(subagent_type="tester", description="Test OAuth", prompt="Write integration tests for OAuth2 flow with >90% coverage")`
**@subagents/security/auditor** - Security review
- Use when: Before deploying auth changes
- Example: `task(subagent_type="auditor", description="Audit auth", prompt="Review auth implementation for security vulnerabilities, SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF")`
## Implementation Workflow
### Step 1: Context Loading
1. Read all files marked [READ FIRST]
2. Review current implementation: !`cat src/auth/auth.service.ts`
3. Review existing tests: !`cat tests/auth/auth.test.ts`
### Step 2: Implementation
1. Implement feature following @docs/CODING_STANDARDS.md
2. Follow patterns from @src/auth/interfaces.ts
3. Update types in @src/auth/types.ts
### Step 3: Testing
1. Invoke tester agent via `task` tool for test creation
```javascript
task(subagent_type="tester", description="Test auth", prompt="Write tests for auth module")
```
2. Run tests: Use `run_terminal_cmd` for `npm test`
3. Verify coverage meets requirements
### Step 4: Review
1. Invoke security auditor agent via `task` tool
```javascript
task(subagent_type="auditor", description="Security audit", prompt="Review auth for vulnerabilities")
```
2. Address any issues found
3. Re-run tests after fixes
### Step 5: Documentation
1. Update @docs/AUTH_ARCHITECTURE.md with changes
2. Add inline code documentation
3. Update API documentation
## Reference Files (Load on-demand)
- @docs/api/auth-endpoints.md - API documentation
- @examples/auth-examples.ts - Usage examples
- @config/auth.config.ts - Configuration options
## Additional Context
**Database Schema**:
!`cat migrations/latest_auth_schema.sql`
**Environment Variables**:
!`cat .env.example | grep AUTH`
---
**REMEMBER**:
- Files: Use `@filename` (nested require read_file)
- Agents: Use `task` tool, NOT `@agent-name`
- Shell: `` !`cmd` `` executes automatically in prompt
- Agent names are plain text (e.g., `tester`), never `@tester`
```
---
## 📝 Notes
- **Auto-loaded**: Initial `@` references in YOUR prompt (files only)
- **Requires tool call**: Nested `@` references in loaded files
- **Agent as context**: `@agent-name` in initial prompt attaches agent info (not invocation)
- **Agent invocation**: Always requires `task` tool call - NEVER use `@` syntax
- **Shell commands**: `` !`command` `` syntax executes automatically in prompt processing
- **Tool commands**: `run_terminal_cmd` for AI-driven execution during conversation
- **Key distinction**: Files use `@`, Agents use `task` tool
---
## 🎯 Quick Decision Tree
**Need to load a file?**
- Initial prompt → Use `@path/to/file.md`
- Nested reference → Add "READ FIRST" instruction for AI to use `read_file`
- Agent docs → Use `@.opencode/agents/subagents/core/agent.md` (file path)
**Need to invoke an agent?**
- ❌ **NEVER** use `@agent-name` syntax for invocation
- ✅ AI must call `task(subagent_type="name", ...)`
- ✅ Use plain agent names (e.g., `taskmanager`, not `@taskmanager`)
- ✅ Add clear invocation instructions in your context
- ⚠️ Using `@agent-name` only loads metadata (rarely useful)
**Need to run a command?**
- Static context → Use `` !`command` `` in prompt
- AI-driven execution → AI uses `run_terminal_cmd` tool
**Structure Example:**
```
Files (use @): Agents (use task):
@docs/guide.md task(subagent_type="reviewer", ...)
@src/types.ts task(subagent_type="tester", ...)
@.opencode/agents/ [agent name without @]
taskmanager.md
```
---
---
## 🎯 THE PERFECT PROMPT TEMPLATE
Use this template to avoid ALL confusion and work seamlessly with OpenCode:
### Template Structure
```markdown
# [Task Name]
## 📋 Context Files (Load with read_file tool)
**CRITICAL**: Read these files FIRST using the `read_file` tool:
1. @docs/coding-standards.md
2. @docs/architecture.md
3. @src/types/core.ts
---
## 📚 Additional Documentation (Auto-loaded)
Current git status:
Branch: !`git branch --show-current`
Recent changes: !`git status --short`
Project structure:
!`find src -type d -maxdepth 2`
---
## 🤖 Available Agents (Invoke via task tool ONLY)
**IMPORTANT**: DO NOT use @ syntax for agents. Use the `task` tool to invoke.
### Agent: `implementer`
**Purpose**: Complex feature implementation
**When to invoke**: When implementing new features or major refactors
**How to invoke**:
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="implementer",
description="Implement feature X",
prompt="Create complete implementation of X following @docs/architecture.md patterns. Include error handling and validation."
)
```
### Agent: `tester`
**Purpose**: Test creation and execution
**When to invoke**: After implementing features, before committing
**How to invoke**:
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="tester",
description="Test feature X",
prompt="Write comprehensive tests for X with >80% coverage. Run tests and report results."
)
```
### Agent: `reviewer`
**Purpose**: Code review and quality checks
**When to invoke**: After code changes, before finalizing
**How to invoke**:
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="reviewer",
description="Review feature X",
prompt="Review the implementation of X for code quality, security vulnerabilities, and adherence to @docs/coding-standards.md"
)
```
---
## 🔄 Required Workflow
**After implementing ANY code:**
1. Invoke `tester` agent using task tool
2. Invoke `reviewer` agent using task tool
3. Summarize results to user
---
## 🎯 Your Task
[Describe the specific task here]
---
## ⚠️ Important Reminders
- Files: Use `@path/to/file.md` syntax
- Agent invocation: Use `task(subagent_type="name", ...)`
- NEVER use `@agent-name` to invoke agents
- Agent names are plain text: `tester`, `reviewer`, NOT `@tester`
```
---
### Real-World Example: Perfect Prompt
```markdown
# Implement User Authentication System
## 📋 Context Files (Load FIRST)
**CRITICAL**: Use `read_file` tool to load these before starting:
1. @docs/CODING_STANDARDS.md - TypeScript coding patterns
2. @docs/AUTH_ARCHITECTURE.md - Authentication design patterns
3. @src/auth/types.ts - Existing auth type definitions
4. @tests/auth/auth.test.ts - Existing test patterns
---
## 📚 Current State (Auto-loaded)
**Git Context**:
Branch: !`git branch --show-current`
Modified: !`git status --short`
**Existing Auth Files**:
!`find src/auth -name "*.ts" -type f`
**Dependencies**:
!`npm list | grep -E "(jwt|bcrypt|passport)"`
---
## 🤖 Available Agents
### Agent: `implementer`
Purpose: Feature implementation
Invoke with:
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="implementer",
description="Implement auth flow",
prompt="Create authentication system with JWT tokens, including login, logout, and session management. Follow patterns in @docs/AUTH_ARCHITECTURE.md. Include middleware, controllers, and services."
)
```
### Agent: `tester`
Purpose: Test creation
Invoke with:
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="tester",
description="Test auth system",
prompt="Write unit and integration tests for authentication module. Cover login, logout, token refresh, and session management. Ensure >85% coverage. Run tests and report results."
)
```
### Agent: `reviewer`
Purpose: Security and quality review
Invoke with:
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="reviewer",
description="Review auth implementation",
prompt="Review authentication implementation for security vulnerabilities (SQL injection, XSS, CSRF), proper token handling, password security, and adherence to @docs/CODING_STANDARDS.md"
)
```
---
## 🔄 Required Workflow
**You MUST follow this workflow:**
1. **Read Context**: Load all files marked [CRITICAL] above
2. **Implement**: Create the authentication system
3. **Test**: Invoke `tester` agent via task tool
4. **Review**: Invoke `reviewer` agent via task tool
5. **Report**: Summarize implementation, test results, and review findings
---
## 🎯 Task Details
Implement a complete authentication system with:
- JWT-based authentication
- Login/logout endpoints
- Token refresh mechanism
- Session management
- Password hashing with bcrypt
- Middleware for protected routes
Requirements:
- Follow patterns in @docs/AUTH_ARCHITECTURE.md
- Adhere to @docs/CODING_STANDARDS.md
- Integrate with existing user model in @src/models/user.ts
- Add proper error handling
- Include request validation
---
## ⚠️ Important Rules
- Load files with @ syntax: `@docs/file.md`
- Invoke agents with task tool: `task(subagent_type="name", ...)`
- NEVER use `@agent-name` to invoke agents
- Agent names are plain text: `tester`, NOT `@tester`
- Shell commands auto-execute: !`git status`
```
---
## 📝 Anti-Pattern Examples (What NOT To Do)
### ❌ BAD PROMPT (Confusing)
```markdown
Use @tester and @reviewer agents to test the code.
Follow @guidelines and implement authentication.
```
**Problems:**
- Uses `@` for agents (only loads metadata, doesn't invoke)
- No clear invocation instructions
- Mixing file and agent syntax
- No explicit workflow
### ✅ GOOD PROMPT (Clear)
```markdown
# Implement Authentication
## Context Files
**Read these using read_file tool:**
- @docs/guidelines.md
## Agents
**Agent: `tester`** - Invoke with task tool:
task(subagent_type="tester", description="Test auth", prompt="...")
**Agent: `reviewer`** - Invoke with task tool:
task(subagent_type="reviewer", description="Review auth", prompt="...")
## Workflow
1. Read @docs/guidelines.md
2. Implement feature
3. Invoke tester agent via task tool
4. Invoke reviewer agent via task tool
```
---
## 🎨 Prompt Templates by Use Case
### Template 1: Simple Feature Implementation
```markdown
# Implement [Feature Name]
## Context
Read: @docs/standards.md
Git status: !`git status --short`
## Task
[Detailed description]
## No Agents Needed
(Simple task, no agents required)
```
### Template 2: Complex Feature with Agents
```markdown
# Implement [Complex Feature]
## Context Files (Read FIRST)
1. @docs/standards.md
2. @docs/architecture.md
## Current State
!`git status --short`
!`find src/[module] -name "*.ts"`
## Available Agents
**Agent: `implementer`**
Invoke: task(subagent_type="implementer", description="...", prompt="...")
**Agent: `tester`**
Invoke: task(subagent_type="tester", description="...", prompt="...")
## Workflow
1. Read context files
2. Implement feature
3. Invoke tester agent
4. Report results
```
### Template 3: Code Review Task
```markdown
# Review [Feature/Module]
## Context
Files to review:
!`git diff --name-only main...HEAD`
Recent changes:
!`git log --oneline -5`
## Agent
**Agent: `reviewer`**
Invoke immediately:
task(
subagent_type="reviewer",
description="Review recent changes",
prompt="Review all changes in current branch for code quality, security, and adherence to standards"
)
## Task
Run code review and report findings.
```
### Template 4: Documentation Task
```markdown
# Document [Feature]
## Context
Implementation files:
!`find src/[module] -name "*.ts"`
## Agent
**Agent: `documenter`**
Invoke: task(subagent_type="documenter", description="Document X", prompt="...")
## Task
Generate comprehensive documentation for [feature].
```
---
## 🔑 Golden Rules for Perfect Prompts
1. **Files**: Always use `@path/to/file.md`
2. **Agents**: Always use `task(subagent_type="name", ...)`
3. **Shell**: Always use `` !`command` `` for dynamic context
4. **Clarity**: Separate files, agents, and tasks into clear sections
5. **Workflow**: Always specify the execution order
6. **Agent Names**: Plain text only - `tester`, never `@tester`
7. **Context First**: Load all context before describing the task
8. **Explicit Instructions**: Tell AI exactly when and how to invoke agents
---
## 🎯 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE: Your Agent Setup
Based on your actual agent configurations (task-manager subagent + orchestration agent):
### Your Agent Files Structure & Naming
**CRITICAL**: Agents are defined in MARKDOWN files. The agent NAME comes from the FILE PATH!
```
.opencode/
agent/ # All agents as markdown files
subagents/
core/
task-manager.md # Agent name: "subagents/core/task-manager"
orchestration-agent.md # Agent name: "orchestration-agent"
code/
reviewer.md # Agent name: "code/reviewer"
tester.md # Agent name: "code/tester"
```
**Markdown Agent File Format:**
```markdown
---
description: "Brief description of agent"
mode: subagent # or "primary" or "all"
temperature: 0.2
tools:
read: true
write: true
edit: true
bash: true
task: true
permissions:
edit:
"**/*.secret": "deny"
bash:
"rm -rf *": "deny"
---
# Agent Prompt Content Here
Your agent instructions, personality, rules, etc.
All the markdown content becomes the agent's system prompt.
```
**How OpenCode determines agent names (from source code):**
1. Scans `.opencode/agent/**/*.md` files recursively
2. Parses YAML frontmatter (between `---` markers) for config
3. Uses markdown content as the agent's system prompt
4. Agent name = file path from `agent/` directory (minus `.md`)
**Examples:**
- File: `.opencode/agent/task-manager.md` → Name: `task-manager`
- File: `.opencode/agent/subagents/core/task-manager.md` → Name: `subagents/core/task-manager`
- File: `.opencode/agent/code/reviewer.md` → Name: `code/reviewer`
**No opencode.json needed!** Everything is in markdown.
### ❌ WRONG: Confusing Prompt
```markdown
Use @task-manager to break down the feature
Have @orchestration-agent coordinate the work
```
**Problems:**
- Using `@` for agent invocation (only loads metadata)
- AI won't actually invoke the agents
- Wrong agent name - should include full path: `subagents/core/task-manager`
- Confusing agent files with agent invocation
### ✅ CORRECT: Clear Prompt
```markdown
# Implement User Dashboard Feature
## 📋 Context Files (Load FIRST)
**Agent Documentation** (optional - only if you need to understand agent capabilities):
- @.opencode/agent/orchestration-agent.md - Main agent guidelines
- @.opencode/agent/subagents/core/task-manager.md - Task breakdown process
**Project Documentation**:
- @docs/coding-standards.md
- @docs/architecture.md
**Current State**:
Branch: !`git branch --show-current`
Files: !`find src/dashboard -name "*.ts"`
---
## 🤖 Available Agents
### Agent: `subagents/core/task-manager` (Subagent)
**IMPORTANT**: Agent is defined in a MARKDOWN file. The agent name comes from the file path!
**File location**: `.opencode/agent/subagents/core/task-manager.md`
**Agent name**: `subagents/core/task-manager` (path from `agent/` directory)
**Format**: Markdown with YAML frontmatter
**File structure:**
```markdown
---
description: "Breaks down complex features into subtasks"
mode: subagent
temperature: 0.1
tools: { read: true, write: true, ... }
---
# Task Manager Agent Prompt
[Your agent instructions here...]
```
**Purpose**: Break down complex features into atomic subtasks
**When to invoke**:
- Feature has 4+ components
- Need structured task breakdown
- Complex dependencies exist
**How to invoke**:
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="subagents/core/task-manager",
description="Break down dashboard feature",
prompt="Break down the user dashboard feature into atomic subtasks. Feature includes: profile widget, activity feed, notification center, and settings panel. Create structured task files in /tasks/ directory following your two-phase workflow."
)
```
**What it does**:
1. Analyzes feature and creates subtask plan
2. Waits for your approval
3. Creates task files in `tasks/subtasks/{feature}/`
4. Returns task sequence and dependencies
---
## 🔄 Required Workflow
**For complex features (4+ components):**
1. **Invoke task-manager** to break down the feature
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="subagents/core/task-manager",
description="Break down dashboard",
prompt="Analyze and break down user dashboard feature with profile, activity, notifications, and settings components. Create task files with dependencies and acceptance criteria."
)
```
2. **Review the task plan** (agent will request approval)
3. **Approve and let agent create files**
4. **Implement tasks** sequentially based on dependencies
5. **Validate each task** against acceptance criteria
---
## 🎯 Your Task
Implement a user dashboard feature with:
- Profile widget (avatar, name, stats)
- Activity feed (recent actions, timestamps)
- Notification center (alerts, read/unread states)
- Settings panel (preferences, theme toggle)
Requirements:
- Follow @docs/architecture.md patterns
- Responsive design
- Real-time updates for notifications
- Accessibility compliant
**Since this is complex (4+ components), invoke the task-manager agent first.**
---
## ⚠️ Important Notes
- **Agent files** (`.md` in `.opencode/agents/`): Use `@` to load as documentation
- **Agent invocation**: Use `task(subagent_type="name", ...)` to actually run the agent
- **Agent names**: Plain text - `task-manager`, NOT `@task-manager`
- The orchestration agent is your primary agent (already active)
- Invoke `task-manager` when you need feature breakdown
```
---
## 🎨 Prompt Templates for Your Specific Agents
### Template 1: Complex Feature (Needs Task Breakdown)
```markdown
# Implement [Complex Feature Name]
## 📋 Context
**Read these files:**
- @docs/coding-standards.md
- @docs/architecture.md
- @.opencode/context/core/workflows/delegation.md
**Current state:**
!`git status --short`
!`find src/[module] -type f`
---
## 🤖 Agent: subagents/core/task-manager
**Invoke immediately for task breakdown:**
```javascript
task(
subagent_type="subagents/core/task-manager",
description="Break down [feature]",
prompt="Break down [feature description] into atomic subtasks. Include:
- Component 1: [details]
- Component 2: [details]
- Component 3: [details]
Create task files in /tasks/ with dependencies, acceptance criteria, and test requirements. Follow your two-phase workflow (plan → approve → create files)."
)
```
---
## 🎯 Task Details
[Detailed feature requirements]
---
## 🔄 Workflow
1. Invoke task-manager for breakdown
2. Review and approve task plan
3. Implement tasks in dependency order
4. Validate against acceptance criteria
5. Report completion
```
### Template 2: Simple Task (Direct Execution)
```markdown
# [Simple Task Name]
## 📋 Context
**Read:**
- @docs/coding-standards.md
**Current state:**
!`git status --short`
---
## 🎯 Task
[Task description - simple, 1-3 files]
---
## ⚠️ Notes
- Simple task, no task-manager needed
- Execute directly
- Follow coding standards from @docs/coding-standards.md
```
### Template 3: Coordination Task (Uses Orchestration Features)
```markdown
# Coordinate [Multi-Step Feature]
## 📋 Context
**Read orchestration guidelines:**
- @.opencode/agents/orchestration-agent.md
- @.opencode/context/core/workflows/delegation.md
**Current state:**
!`git status --short`
---
## 🔄 Coordination Workflow
This task requires coordination across multiple steps:
1. **Break down** feature using task-manager
2. **Implement** core components
3. **Delegate** complex subsystems if needed
4. **Validate** integration
5. **Report** completion
---
## 🤖 Agents Available
**Agent: `subagents/core/task-manager`** - For feature breakdown
Invoke: task(subagent_type="subagents/core/task-manager", description="...", prompt="...")
**Agent: `general`** - For delegated complex work (if needed)
Invoke: task(subagent_type="general", description="...", prompt="...")
---
## 🎯 Task
[Complex coordinated task description]
---
## 📝 Orchestration Rules
From @.opencode/agents/orchestration-agent.md:
- Request approval before execution
- Stop on failures (don't auto-fix)
- Report → Propose → Approve → Fix
- Confirm before cleanup
```
---
## 🎯 Key Insights for Your Setup
### Your Orchestration Agent (Primary)
- **Already active** - it's processing your prompts
- **Has task delegation** capability
- **Follows approval workflow**
- **Can invoke task-manager** when needed
### Your Task-Manager Subagent
- **Invoked via task tool** when you need breakdown
- **Two-phase workflow**: Plan → Approve → Create
- **Creates files** in `tasks/subtasks/{feature}/`
- **Returns structured** task plans
### Critical Distinctions
| What | File Syntax | Agent Invocation |
|------|-------------|------------------|
| Load agent docs | `@.opencode/agent/subagents/core/task-manager.md` | N/A |
| Invoke task-manager | N/A | `task(subagent_type="subagents/core/task-manager", ...)` |
| Reference in text | "the task-manager agent" or "subagents/core/task-manager" | N/A |
| Load project docs | `@docs/standards.md` | N/A |
**KEY INSIGHT**: The agent name comes from the file path structure, NOT just the filename!
### Decision Flow
```
Is it complex (4+ components)?
↓ YES
Invoke task-manager → Get breakdown → Implement tasks
↓ NO
Execute directly (orchestration agent handles it)
Need to understand agents?
↓ YES
Load agent docs: @.opencode/agents/[agent].md
↓ NO
Skip - just invoke when needed
```
---
---
## 🤔 Design Philosophy: Why List Subagents?
**You might ask**: "Why do I need to tell the AI about subagents in my prompt when the `task` tool already lists them?"
**You're right - it's redundant!** Here's the reality:
### The Ideal World (How It Should Work)
```markdown
---
tools:
task: true # AI should figure out the rest
---
# Your Agent
Delegate complex work to specialized subagents.
```
The AI should:
1. ✅ See the `task` tool
2. ✅ Read the tool's description (which lists agents)
3. ✅ Use it when appropriate
### The Real World (Current AI Limitations)
Current AI models don't always:
- ❌ Read tool descriptions carefully
- ❌ Remember to check available tools
- ❌ Connect "complex task" → "delegate" → "use task tool"
So we **compensate** by:
- Explicitly mentioning agents in prompts
- Providing invocation examples
- Repeating instructions
### Two Approaches
**Option 1: Minimal (Trust the Tool)**
```markdown
For complex work, use the `task` tool to delegate to specialized subagents.
Available agents are documented in the task tool description.
```
- ✅ Clean, minimal
- ⚠️ AI might not delegate when it should
**Option 2: Explicit (Be Redundant)**
```markdown
Available subagents via task tool:
- subagents/core/task-manager - For feature breakdown
- subagents/code/tester - For testing
Invoke with: task(subagent_type="...", description="...", prompt="...")
```
- ⚠️ Redundant with tool description
- ✅ AI consistently delegates appropriately
**Recommendation**:
**Last Updated**: 2024-11-21
**OpenCode Version**: Latest