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Coding Agent Delegation Brief

Give coding agents a bounded task, files, constraints, and verification command before they touch code.

Start with this template →View original source ↗
Original sourceClaude Code best practicesChecked 2026-07-07
Use this whenCoding agents · Bug fixes · Feature slices
You will getA reusable way to start the work

Core idea

Autonomous coding agents work better when the task is a vertical slice with explicit acceptance criteria and a real test/build command.

Why it works

Agents otherwise explore too widely, change unrelated files, or stop after plausible edits without verification.

Weak

Fix the UI bug.

Better

Task: fix mobile overflow on /ko home. Touch only src/pages/[lang]/index.astro and PatternCard. Acceptance: no horizontal scroll at 390px, npm run build passes, include screenshot path.

Customize it

Task sliceAllowed filesForbidden changesAcceptance criteriaVerification command

Working template

Goal: [what I am trying to accomplish] Context: [background, audience, constraints] Use this pattern: Coding Agent Delegation Brief Variables: Task slice, Allowed files, Forbidden changes, Acceptance criteria, Verification command Return: [exact output format] Before finalizing: state limits and one improvement

Operating recipe

  1. Start with the weak version so you know what problem you are fixing.
  2. Add the missing variables instead of making the instruction longer randomly.
  3. Ask the model to follow the output contract exactly once.
  4. Review the first answer against the checklist below.
  5. Save the improved version as your reusable pattern.

Quality checklist

  • Did I give the model the real goal, not just the task?
  • Did I define the output shape before asking for the answer?
  • Did I include examples, constraints, or a quality bar?
  • Did I ask for limits, uncertainty, or failure cases?
  • Can I reuse this as a pattern next time?

Model notes

Claude Code

Strong for long context, critique, and structured writing. Give it clear sections and examples.

Codex

Works best when the task is bounded and the verification command is explicit.

ChatGPT

Strong for fast iteration and everyday templates. Be explicit about output format and assumptions.

Limits

Do not delegate secrets, billing, destructive changes, or ambiguous product decisions without human approval.

Read next

Context Pack PatternGive AI the work environment before asking for serious output.Role + Rubric PatternGet better critique by defining the judge and the scoring criteria.Ask Before Answer PatternUse clarification only when missing context changes the answer.
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