sub-agent-patterns

Sub-agents in Claude Code are specialized delegated agents that handle specific tasks like exploration or planning. They work by using custom prompts, selected tools, and model choices to enable parallel processing and efficient context management for complex workflows.

To create a custom agent, you define a specialized agent using YAML configuration that specifies custom prompts, selects appropriate tools, and assigns a model like Haiku, Sonnet, Opus, or inherit. This configuration enables tailored task delegation and persona-based routing.

Yes, you can use sub-agents for parallel processing to audit multiple files. The skill demonstrates defining a custom agent, like a skill-auditor, and delegating bulk operations to run in parallel, efficiently reporting back findings without manual execution.

Choosing between Haiku, Sonnet, and Opus for a custom agent depends on the complexity of the delegated task. The skill explains model choices and orchestration patterns to optimize workflow, balancing speed and capability for prompt engineering and task delegation.

The best way to orchestrate background execution for code reviews is by applying advanced sub-agent patterns. You can define a custom code-reviewer agent, use persona-based routing, and implement batch sizing and commit strategies to optimize the delegation workflow.

Use built-in Explore or Plan agents for general exploration and planning tasks, but create a custom agent when you need specialized prompt engineering, specific tool selection, or targeted persona-based routing for complex bulk operations like auditing or code reviews.