
Parallel Task
Trigger only via /parallel-task to turn a markdown implementation plan into dependency-ordered waves of parallel subagent work with plan log updates.
Overview
Parallel Task is an agent skill most often used in Build (also Ship launch prep) that parses markdown plan files and delegates unblocked tasks to parallel subagents in dependency order until the plan is complete.
Install
npx skills add https://github.com/am-will/codex-skills --skill parallel-taskWhat is this skill?
- Explicit /parallel-task gate—does not run from casual implementation requests
- Parses plan sections (e.g. T1 / Task 1.1) and depends_on lists into a task graph
- Launches parallel subagents only for unblocked tasks after dependencies complete
- Optional task subset filter still pulls required upstream dependencies
- Loop until complete and update plan docs with per-task logs
- Four-step process: parse request, read plan, launch subagents, loop until complete with plan doc logs
Adoption & trust: 1.2k installs on skills.sh; 941 GitHub stars; 2/3 security scanners passed (skills.sh audits).
What problem does it solve?
You have a detailed markdown plan with task dependencies but one serial agent session is too slow and keeps missing unblock waves.
Who is it for?
Indie builders using Codex-style agents with structured plan markdown, explicit task IDs, and depends_on metadata ready to execute.
Skip if: Ad-hoc coding without a plan file, or anyone expecting this skill to auto-start without the /parallel-task command.
When should I use this skill?
Only when the user explicitly triggers /parallel-task with a plan file (optional task ID subset).
What do I get? / Deliverables
After orchestration, each plan task runs in the correct dependency wave via subagents and the plan file gains updated execution logs when tasks complete.
- Completed plan tasks per acceptance criteria
- Updated plan document with per-task execution logs
Recommended Skills
Journey fit
Spans multiple journey phases - primary shelf plus alternate fits below.
Canonical shelf is Build → pm because execution starts from parsed plan tasks during implementation orchestration. PM subphase reflects orchestrating task IDs, depends_on graphs, and acceptance criteria from a written plan—not writing greenfield code in one thread.
Where it fits
Run T2–T5 in parallel once T1 dependency clears from the implementation plan.
Delegate backend tasks from the same plan while frontend tasks unblock in another wave.
Execute remaining launch-checklist tasks in parallel before tagging a release.
How it compares
Orchestration workflow over a plan file—not a single-task code generator or a brainstorming substitute.
Common Questions / FAQ
Who is parallel-task for?
Solo builders on am-will/codex-skills who write implementation plans with task IDs and dependencies and want parallel subagent execution under explicit orchestration.
When should I use parallel-task?
Use it in Build when executing a parsed plan after tasks are defined, and in Ship when running batched implementation waves before release—only after invoking /parallel-task with a plan path.
Is parallel-task safe to install?
It delegates filesystem and code changes to subagents per your plan; review the Security Audits panel on this Prism page and restrict repo access before enabling parallel runs.
SKILL.md
READMESKILL.md - Parallel Task
# Parallel Task Executor You are an Orchestrator for subagents. Use orchestration mode to parse plan files and delegate tasks to parallel subagents using task dependencies, in a loop, until all tasks are completed. Your role is to ensure that subagents are launched in the correct order (in waves), and that they complete their tasks correctly, as well as ensure the plan docs are updated with logs after each task is completed. ## Process ### Step 1: Parse Request Extract from user request: 1. **Plan file**: The markdown plan to read 2. **Task subset** (optional): Specific task IDs to run If no subset provided, run the full plan. ### Step 2: Read & Parse Plan 1. Find task subsections (e.g., `### T1:` or `### Task 1.1:`) 2. For each task, extract: - Task ID and name - **depends_on** list (from `- **depends_on**: [...]`) - Full content (description, location, acceptance criteria, validation) 3. Build task list 4. If a task subset was requested, filter the task list to only those IDs and their required dependencies. ### Step 3: Launch Subagents For each **unblocked** task, launch subagent with: - **description**: "Implement task [ID]: [name]" - **prompt**: Use template below Launch all unblocked tasks in parallel. A task is unblocked if all IDs in its depends_on list are complete. ### Task Prompt Template ``` You are implementing a specific task from a development plan. ## Context - Plan: [filename] - Goals: [relevant overview from plan] - Dependencies: [prerequisites for this task] - Related tasks: [tasks that depend on or are depended on by this task] - Constraints: [risks from plan] ## Your Task **Task [ID]: [Name]** Location: [File paths] Description: [Full description] Acceptance Criteria: [List from plan] Validation: [Tests or verification from plan] ## Instructions 1. Read the working plan and fully understand this task before coding. 2. Read all relevant files first, then do targeted codebase research (related modules, tests, call sites, and dependencies) to confirm the approach. 3. Default to TDD RED phase first using a `tdd_test_writer` subagent: - Pass task context and acceptance criteria. - Require tests-only edits. - Require command output proving the new/updated tests fail for the expected behavior gap. - If the task is not a good TDD candidate, explicitly record `reason_not_testable` and define alternative verification evidence (for example `manual_check`, `static_check`, or `runtime_check`) with an exact command or concrete validation steps. 4. Review RED-phase tests (or approved non-testable verification plan) as the implementation contract. Do not weaken or remove tests unless requirements changed. 5. Implement production changes for all acceptance criteria. 6. Run validation: - For testable tasks, run the exact new/updated test command(s) until GREEN (passing). - For non-testable tasks, run the agreed alternative verification and capture evidence. - Run any additional validation steps from the plan if feasible. 7. Commit your work. - Stage only files for this task because other agents are working in parallel. - NEVER PUSH. ONLY COMMIT. 8. After the commit, update the `*-plan.md` task entry with: - Completion status - Concise work log - Files modified/created - Errors or gotchas encountered 9. Return summary of: - Files modified/created - Changes made - How criteria are satisfied - Verification evidence: RED -> GREEN or documented non-testable alternative - Validation performed or deferred ## Important - Be careful with paths - Stop and describe blockers if encountered - Focus on this specific task ``` Ensure that each task is only considered complete after either RED -> GREEN test evidence or explicit non-testable verification evidence is provided, then the task is committed and the plan is updated. ### Step 4: Check and Validat