checking-backlog

Automatically check the project backlog when the user discusses feature ideas, priorities, or planned work.

When to Use

Invoke this skill when the user:

• Proposes new functionality: "We should add...", "It would be nice if...", "What if we..."
• Asks about planned work: "What features are planned?", "Is X in the backlog?"
• Discusses priorities: "What should we work on next?", "What's most important?"
• Mentions a specific feature by name that might be tracked

Instructions

Step 1: Load Dashboard

Scan the feature directories to generate a live dashboard:

python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/shared/lib/run_dashboard.py <project_root> --stdout

If the script fails or docs/features/ doesn't exist: "No backlog found. Use /feature-capture to start tracking."

Archive Exclusion

When checking for an existing feature, the dashboard's Archive section (collapsed <details>) contains replaced and abandoned features. By default, do not suggest these in match results — the user is looking for things they can work on. Exception: if the user's prompt explicitly mentions a tombstoned ID by name, surface it with a note like "This was replaced by X" so they know its history.

Step 2: Search for Matches

Parse the DASHBOARD.md tables to find:

• Feature IDs and names in each section (In Progress, Backlog, Completed)
• Priority and effort information

For deeper context on a specific feature, read its files:

docs/features/[id]/
├── idea.md      # Problem statement, priority, effort, impact
├── plan.md      # Implementation details (if in-progress)
└── shipped.md   # Completion notes (if completed)

Search idea.md for:

• name in frontmatter (partial match, case-insensitive)
• Problem statement content (keyword match)
• affectedAreas (if user mentions specific areas)

Step 3: Respond Based on Results

• Feature exists: Show status, priority, and category from DASHBOARD.md. Suggest /feature-plan [id] if in backlog.
• Related items found: List them with their category, ask if user's idea is an extension or new feature.
• Not tracked: Suggest /feature-capture to add it.

Example

User: "We should add dark mode support"

Response:

This feature is already tracked:

**Dark Mode Toggle** (ID: dark-mode-toggle)
- Status: backlog
- Priority: P1

Ready to start! Use `/feature-plan dark-mode-toggle`

Integration Notes

This skill works with:

• /feature-capture - Suggest when idea isn't tracked
• /feature-plan - Suggest when item is in backlog
• /feature-status - For broader status queries