claude-plugins/claude-code/skills/claude-commands/SKILL.md

---
name: Slash Command Creator
description: Create custom slash commands for Claude Code with argument handling, bash execution, and file references. Use PROACTIVELY when users repeat similar prompts 3+ times, mention "create a command", "reusable prompt", "/something", or "slash command". Triggers BEFORE user asks explicitly to suggest command creation for repeated workflows. NOT for complex multi-file operations.
---

# Slash Command Development

## When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:
- Creating custom slash commands for Claude Code
- Building reusable prompt templates
- User repeats similar prompts 3+ times
- Automating repetitive tasks
- Converting manual workflows to commands

Do NOT use this skill for:
- Creating full plugins (use claude-plugins skill)
- Setting up hooks (use claude-hooks skill)
- Complex multi-file operations (use subagents)

## Quick Start

Create a command file in `.claude/commands/`:

```bash
mkdir -p .claude/commands
cat > .claude/commands/review.md << 'EOF'
---
description: Review code for common issues
---

Review the following code for:
- Bugs and logic errors
- Code style issues
- Performance problems
- Security vulnerabilities

$ARGUMENTS
EOF
```

**Usage**: `/review @src/main.js`

## Command Locations

| Location | Scope | Use For |
|----------|-------|---------|
| `.claude/commands/` | Project (team) | Team workflows, standards |
| `~/.claude/commands/` | User (personal) | Personal productivity |

## Essential Syntax

### Basic Structure

```markdown
---
description: Brief description for /help
---

Prompt content here

$ARGUMENTS
```

**File name = Command name**: `review.md` → `/review`

### Frontmatter Options

```yaml
---
description: Generate unit tests for a function         # Required
argument-hint: <file-path> <function-name>             # Autocomplete
allowed-tools: Read(*), Bash(git:*)                    # Permissions
model: claude-haiku-4                                  # Model override
---
```

### Arguments

```markdown
$ARGUMENTS          # All arguments
$1, $2, $3          # Positional arguments
@$1 or @file.js     # Load file content
```

**Examples**:
```bash
/compare REST GraphQL              # $1="REST", $2="GraphQL"
/review @src/main.js               # Loads main.js content
/explain @src/a.js @src/b.js       # Loads both files
```

### Bash Execution

Prefix with `!` to execute before processing:

```markdown
---
description: Git workflow helper
allowed-tools: Bash(git:*)
---

!git status
!git diff --stat

Based on above, suggest next steps.
```

**Important**: Must include `allowed-tools` with Bash patterns.

## Quick Examples

### Simple Review Command
```markdown
---
description: Review code quality
---

Review @$1 for:
1. Logic errors
2. Code style
3. Performance issues

Provide specific fixes.
```

### Multi-Step Workflow
```markdown
---
description: Commit and push changes
allowed-tools: Bash(git:*)
---

!git status
!git diff

1. Review changes
2. Create commit message
3. Commit and push

Ask confirmation before push.
```

For more examples, see [examples.md](examples.md)

## Best Practices

### ✓ Do
- Clear descriptions under 100 chars
- Specific tool permissions
- Meaningful command names (kebab-case)
- Self-documenting prompts
- Include argument hints

### ✗ Avoid
- Vague descriptions ("Helper", "Utils")
- Wildcard permissions (`allowed-tools: *`)
- Short cryptic names (`/gt`, `/rs`)
- Hardcoded secrets or paths
- Missing frontmatter

## Testing

```bash
# List all commands
/help

# Test with arguments
/mycommand arg1
/mycommand @file.js
```

## Common Issues

| Problem | Solution |
|---------|----------|
| Command not found | Check `.claude/commands/`, restart Claude |
| Arguments not working | Use `$ARGUMENTS`, not `${ARGUMENTS}` |
| Bash not executing | Add `allowed-tools: Bash(...)` |
| File not loading | Use `@` prefix, verify path |

For detailed troubleshooting, see [troubleshooting.md](troubleshooting.md)

## Security

**Limit permissions**:
```yaml
# ✓ Specific
allowed-tools: Bash(git status:*), Bash(git diff:*)

# ✗ Too broad
allowed-tools: *
```

**No secrets**:
```markdown
# ✗ Bad
!curl -H "API-Key: sk-abc123..."

# ✓ Good
!curl -H "API-Key: $MY_API_KEY"
```

## Command Template

```markdown
---
description: [Clear, concise description]
argument-hint: [Expected arguments]
allowed-tools: [Specific patterns if needed]
---

[Command prompt template]

$ARGUMENTS
```

## Additional Resources

**Need more?**
- [Complete Examples](examples.md) - 10+ working commands
- [Command Patterns](patterns.md) - Reusable templates
- [Troubleshooting Guide](troubleshooting.md) - Problem solutions
- [Official Docs](https://docs.claude.com/en/docs/claude-code/slash-commands)
- [Plugin Development](../claude-plugins/SKILL.md) - Package commands

💡 **Tip**: Start with manual prompts, identify repetition, then create commands. Commands are for workflows you use 3+ times.

---

**Remember**: Slash commands = reusable prompts. Keep them simple, specific, and secure.