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beads-cli

Task tracking with the bd (Beads) CLI. Use when creating tasks, claiming work, closing beads, managing dependencies, or when the user mentions "beads", "bd", or "tasks".

46stars6forksUpdated 2/25/2026

Security Assessment

Safe(100/100)
Security Score100/100

About beads-cli

Beads-cli is a command-line interface (CLI) tool for task tracking and project management. It streamlines the management of tasks across different sessions, allowing users to create, claim, and close tasks efficiently. By centralizing all issue tracking through the bd (Beads) CLI, this tool ensures that team members stay on top of their work and dependencies, reducing the risk of missed or conflicting tasks. It is especially useful in environments where tasks and dependencies span multiple sessions or contributors, providing a reliable way to track and manage progress over time.

The core features of beads-cli include task lifecycle management, dependency tracking, and sub-task handling. Users can create tasks with specific attributes such as type and priority, claim tasks, and mark them as complete. The tool supports a variety of task types, including bugs, features, and general work items, while also managing task priorities. Additionally, beads-cli allows users to visualize task dependencies and detect circular dependencies. Its flexibility in handling both individual tasks and hierarchical sub-tasks makes it a robust solution for complex projects with multiple contributors and interdependent tasks.

This skill is ideal for development teams, project managers, and any users involved in task tracking and issue resolution. It is particularly suited for environments where task dependencies and detailed tracking are crucial. Whether you're looking for available tasks, managing multiple team members, or ensuring that tasks are completed in the right order, beads-cli simplifies the process and ensures that all team members are aligned on their tasks and responsibilities.

FAQ

How do I claim a task?

To claim a task, use the command `bd update <TASK_ID> --status in_progress --assignee <YOUR_NAME>`. This will mark the task as 'in progress' and assign it to you.

What happens if I only claim a parent task?

If you only claim the parent task and not its sub-tasks, other agents may see the sub-tasks as 'ready' to work on, which could lead to conflicts. It is crucial to claim both the parent and sub-tasks together.

Can I manage task dependencies?

Yes, you can manage task dependencies with the command `bd dep add <TASK_ID> <DEPENDENCY_ID> --type <TYPE>`. This lets you specify relationships like blocking or related tasks.

What should I do if a task is blocked?

Use `bd blocked` to view tasks that are waiting on dependencies. These tasks cannot be worked on until their dependencies are resolved.

Can I visualize task dependencies?

Yes, you can visualize the dependencies of a task using the command `bd dep tree <TASK_ID>`. This shows a tree structure of all dependent tasks.

Install beads-cli

Download and extract the skill files to your .claude/skills/ directory.

Quick Setup:

  1. Copy the skill folder to .claude/skills/
  2. Claude will automatically detect and use the skill