Agent Development for Claude Code Plugins

Overview

Agents are autonomous subprocesses that handle complex, multi-step tasks independently. Master agent structure, triggering conditions, and system prompt design to create powerful autonomous capabilities.

Key concepts:

• Agents are FOR autonomous work, commands are FOR user-initiated actions
• Markdown file format with YAML frontmatter
• Triggering via description field with examples
• System prompt defines agent behavior
• Model and color customization

Important - Field Name Difference: Agents use tools to restrict tool access. Skills use allowed-tools for the same purpose. Don't confuse these when switching between component types.

Note on Official Documentation: The color field documented in this skill is supported by Claude Code and is generated by the built-in /agents command, but it is not yet reflected in the official sub-agents documentation. See anthropics/claude-code#8501 for tracking. The plugins-reference.md may show an older agent format using a capabilities field; for Claude Code plugins, prefer the structure documented in this skill which uses tools for tool restrictions.

Quick Start