backlog-ops

Apply lifecycle operations to backlog items with status and README updates.

1|1|Updated Feb 22, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/xxthunder/xxthunder-agentic-skills --skill backlog-ops
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: backlog-ops
Source: https://github.com/xxthunder/xxthunder-agentic-skills/tree/main/plugins/xxthunder-dev-skills/skills/backlog-ops
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/xxthunder/xxthunder-agentic-skills --skill backlog-ops

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Managing backlog lifecycles is error-prone because status changes must stay consistent across each item file and the backlog README, including any epic-level cascade rules.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Pull / Check / Complete operations: Moves an item from Open → In Progress, ticks a specific Acceptance Criteria or UAT checkbox, or completes the item to Done.
  • Staged-only edits (no commits): Applies only file edits in place so the user can commit together with related code changes.
  • Epic status cascade consistency: Keeps the parent epic’s README table-of-contents aligned with the derived state from its substories (with drift correction).
  • Strict guardrails: Refuses to silently force-complete, avoids guessing which checkbox to tick, and corrects mismatches while asking for user intent when needed.

Quick Start

Run backlog-ops to pull XAS-025 into In Progress and update the backlog README consistently with epic cascade rules.

Frequently Asked Questions about backlog-ops

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I update backlog item status and acceptance criteria without auto-committing changes?

You can update backlog item statuses and acceptance criteria by applying staged-only file edits without auto-committing. This applies lifecycle operations in place, letting you commit backlog changes together with related code updates.

What happens to an epic's status when its substories change in the backlog?

Epic status cascade consistency automatically aligns the parent epic's README table-of-contents with the derived state from its substories. It also includes drift detection to correct any mismatches based on repository backlog conventions.

Can I check a specific UAT checkbox for a letter-suffixed substory?

Yes, backlog operations support pull, tick, and complete actions for specific item IDs including letter-suffixed substories. The system enforces strict preconditions and avoids guessing which checkbox to tick, requiring explicit user intent.

Why does the backlog workflow refuse to force-complete an item with unchecked acceptance criteria?

Strict guardrails prevent silent force-completion to avoid guessing which checkbox to tick. The system requires unchecked boxes to be addressed explicitly, correcting mismatches while asking for user intent when needed to maintain backlog integrity.

Does backlog-ops support creating new backlog items?

No, backlog-ops explicitly prevents out-of-scope operations like creating items. It focuses strictly on applying lifecycle operations such as status transitions, acceptance criteria updates, and TOC sorting to existing backlog entries.

What do I need to set up before managing staged edits for backlog lifecycle operations?

You need a repository with established backlog conventions including item files, a backlog README with a table-of-contents, and defined epic cascade rules. The workflow requires consistent TOC movement and strict preconditions on current item statuses.