Expert knowledge for the bd (beads) CLI issue tracker. Use when working with beads issues, bd commands, .beads/ config files, or dependency management workflows.
Beads is a lightweight, dependency-aware issue tracker with first-class
support for agent workflows, Git integration, and Dolt-powered storage.
The CLI is bd. This skill provides comprehensive reference for all
commands, flags, and workflows.
Invoke this skill when:
bd commands (create, update, close, show, list, etc.).beads/ configuration or Dolt server issuesIssues flow through these statuses:
bd readybd blocked to see these)No done or complete status exists — only closed.
Dependencies express "X needs Y", not "X comes before Y":
bd dep add <dependent> <prerequisite>
WRONG mental model (temporal): "phase-1 blocks phase-2"
# WRONG:
bd dep add phase1 phase2 # This means phase1 needs phase2
CORRECT mental model (requirement): "phase-2 needs phase-1"
# CORRECT:
bd dep add phase2 phase1 # phase2 depends on phase1
Also: bd dep <blocker> --blocks <blocked> is a shorthand that reads