Commands should utilize Claude Code's Task feature (subagents with isolated context)

[kevnk]

Problem

None of the Agent OS commands are currently utilizing Claude Code's Task feature (subagents). This is a missed opportunity for better context management and more robust command execution.

What is the Task Feature?

Claude Code's Task tool runs sub-agents that handle complex, multi-step tasks. Each subagent runs in its own context window with a custom system prompt, specific tool access, and independent permissions. Key documentation: Claude Code Subagents

Benefits of Using the Task Feature

1. Isolated Context Window (Key Benefit!)

Each subagent runs in its own context window. This is crucial for Agent OS because:

• Commands won't pollute the main conversation's context
• You can run complex, verbose operations without consuming your primary context
• The subagent works independently and returns only relevant results
• This directly addresses the question: "How do you manage context between all of your commands?"

2. No Pre-emptive Execution Interruption

You wouldn't have to pre-emptively stop Claude's execution to inject standards or run commands. The Task feature handles this naturally through delegation.

3. Greater Portability

Subagents are defined as Markdown files with YAML frontmatter, making them:

• Easy to share across projects
• Version controllable
• Distributable through plugins

4. Tool Access Control

Each subagent can have specific tool permissions - useful for read-only operations, restricted bash access, etc.

5. Model Flexibility

Subagents can use different models (Haiku for fast operations, Sonnet/Opus for complex tasks) helping control costs.

6. Auto-compaction Support

Subagents support automatic compaction, helping preserve context during long-running operations.

Suggested Implementation

Agent OS commands could be refactored as subagents that:

1. Run in isolated context windows
2. Have their own dedicated prompts and tool permissions
3. Return summarized results to the main conversation
4. Leverage file-based "memory" storage (which you're already doing) for persistent state

Additional Context Management Ideas

Beyond the Task feature, consider:

• More aggressive file-based memory storage for preserving context between commands
• Using the skills field to preload domain knowledge into subagents
• Leveraging the hook system for pre/post command validation

This could significantly improve the user experience and address context management challenges mentioned in the intro video.

[prodigy]

Actually version 2 supported subagents and I'm really missing the orchestrate-tasks command. So supporting this! I'm thinking of "downgrading" to v2 again.

[ramax495]

@CasJam Are you going to implement this feature in v3 ?