📋 Beads
Track tasks and issues using the bd CLI. Use for task management, sprint planning, dependency tracking, and project organization. Replaces TodoWrite.
npx playbooks add skill johnlindquist/claude --skill beads
About Beads
Beads is a workflow tool that enables developers to track tasks and issues using the bd command line interface, facilitating task management, sprint planning, dependency tracking, and project organization, and it replaces the previously used TodoWrite tool, allowing developers to manage their projects more efficiently, particularly during planning and organization phases. Developers would reach for Beads when they need to organize and track their tasks and issues in a project. It connects to the bd CLI, providing a streamlined way to manage workflows and dependencies.
The 21-word prompt provides structured developer workflow guidance — covering detailed methodology and consistent output formats. Install it in one command.
Use Cases
- Streamlining git workflows and commit conventions
- Setting up CI/CD pipelines and deployment scripts
- Managing monorepos and multi-package projects
- Automating release notes and changelogs
Example Prompts
System Prompt (21 words)
Track tasks and issues using the bd CLI. Use for task management, sprint planning, dependency tracking, and project organization. Replaces TodoWrite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beads?
Beads is a free developer workflow skill for AI coding agents. Track tasks and issues using the bd CLI. Use for task management, sprint planning, dependency tracking, and project organization. Replaces TodoWrite.. It provides a specialized system prompt that configures your agent with developer workflow expertise.
How do I use Beads with Claude Code?
Run npx playbooks add skill johnlindquist/claude --skill beads in your terminal to install Beads into your Claude Code session. It works immediately after installation.
Which AI coding agents work with Beads?
Beads is compatible with Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, OpenClaw, Cline, and any AI agent that supports custom system prompts or .cursorrules files.
Is Beads free to use?
Yes, Beads is completely free and open source. The full source is available on GitHub at https://github.com/johnlindquist/claude/tree/main/skills/beads. You only need a subscription to the AI agent you use it with.
