| name | hive-workflow |
| description | Issue tracking and task management using the hive system. Use when creating, updating, or managing work items. Use when you need to track bugs, features, tasks, or epics. Do NOT use for simple one-off questions or explorations. |
| tags | hive, issues, tracking, workflow |
| tools | hive_create, hive_query, hive_update, hive_close, hive_create_epic, hive_sync |
| related_skills | swarm-coordination |
Hive Workflow Skill
Hive is a local-first issue tracking system designed for AI agents. This skill provides best practices for effective cell management.
NOTE: For swarm workflows, combine this skill with swarm-coordination from global-skills/.
Cell Types
| Type | When to Use |
|---|---|
bug |
Something is broken and needs fixing |
feature |
New functionality to add |
task |
General work item |
chore |
Maintenance, refactoring, dependencies |
epic |
Large initiative with multiple subtasks |
Creating Effective Cells
Good Cell Titles
- "Fix null pointer exception in UserService.getProfile()"
- "Add dark mode toggle to settings page"
- "Migrate auth tokens from localStorage to httpOnly cookies"
Bad Cell Titles
- "Fix bug" (too vague)
- "Make it better" (not actionable)
- "stuff" (meaningless)
Cell Body Structure
## Problem
[Clear description of the issue or need]
## Expected Behavior
[What should happen]
## Current Behavior
[What currently happens, for bugs]
## Proposed Solution
[How to fix/implement, if known]
## Acceptance Criteria
- [ ] Criterion 1
- [ ] Criterion 2
## Notes
[Any additional context, links, or constraints]
Workflow States
open → in_progress → closed
↓
blocked (optional)
State Transitions
Open → In Progress
hive_update(id: "hv-abc123", state: "in_progress")
Use when you start working on a cell.
In Progress → Closed
hive_close(id: "hv-abc123", resolution: "Fixed in commit abc1234")
Use when work is complete.
In Progress → Blocked
hive_update(id: "hv-abc123", state: "blocked", body: "Blocked by #hv-xyz789")
Use when you can't proceed due to a dependency.
Querying Cells
Find Open Work
hive_query(state: "open", type: "bug")
Search by Keywords
hive_query(search: "authentication")
List Recent Activity
hive_query(limit: 10, sort: "updated")
Epic Management
Epics are containers for related work:
---
type: epic
title: User Authentication Overhaul
---
## Objective
Modernize the authentication system
## Subtasks
- [ ] #hv-001: Implement OAuth2 provider
- [ ] #hv-002: Add MFA support
- [ ] #hv-003: Migrate session storage
- [ ] #hv-004: Update login UI
Creating an Epic with Subtasks
- Create the epic first:
hive_create(type: "epic", title: "User Auth Overhaul", body: "...")
- Create subtasks linked to the epic:
hive_create(type: "task", title: "Implement OAuth2", parent: "epic-id")
Best Practices
1. **One cell per logical unit of work** - Don't combine unrelated fixes
2. **Update state promptly** - Keep cells reflecting reality
3. **Add context in body** - Future you will thank present you
4. **Link related cells** - Use `#hv-id` references
5. **Close with resolution** - Explain how it was resolved
6. **Use labels** - `priority:high`, `area:frontend`, etc.
Sync and Collaboration
Cells sync with git:
- Changes tracked locally
- Use
hive_sync()to commit and push to remote
Integration with Swarm
When working in a swarm:
1. Load `swarm-coordination` skill with `skills_use(name="swarm-coordination")`
2. Create epic with `hive_create_epic()` (atomic operation)
3. Coordinator assigns cells to worker agents
4. Workers load relevant skills based on subtask type
5. Close cells as subtasks complete
6. Close epic when all subtasks done
7. Sync with `hive_sync()` (MANDATORY at session end)
Skill Recommendations for Common Cell Types
- `type: "bug"` → Load `testing-patterns` for regression tests
- `type: "feature"` → Load `system-design` for architecture
- `type: "chore"` → Load `testing-patterns` if refactoring
- `type: "epic"` → Load `swarm-coordination` for decomposition