| name | agent-model-selection |
| description | Guidelines for selecting appropriate AI model (Sonnet vs Haiku) based on task complexity, ensuring cost efficiency while maintaining quality. Use when assigning work. |
Agent Model Selection
Instructions
Core decision
Sonnet: Complex reasoning, architecture, security (2+ criteria) Haiku: Defined rules, repetitive tasks, simple commands (~95% cheaper)
Selection criteria
Use Sonnet if 2+ apply:
- Logical reasoning and trade-off analysis
- Architecture/design decisions
- Semantic/intent analysis
- Problem diagnosis and strategy
- Multi-component interaction
- Security/performance analysis
Use Haiku if dominant:
- Following defined rules/templates
- Repetitive mechanical tasks
- Command execution and collection
- Simple CRUD operations
- Format validation
Decision flowchart
Architecture/design? → YES → Sonnet
Multiple options? → YES → Sonnet
Security/performance? → YES → Sonnet
Defined rules only? → YES → Haiku
Detailed guide? → YES → Haiku
Large delegated? → YES → Sonnet
Simple commands? → YES → Haiku
Default: Sonnet (quality first)
Example
Task: Add validation logic
→ Analysis: Complex rules + security + error handling
→ Decision: Sonnet (3 criteria met)
Task: Add tags to files
→ Analysis: Template exists, repetitive
→ Decision: Haiku (rule-following)
For detailed criteria, see reference.md For more examples, see examples.md