tracer-bullets

Implement features as verified vertical end-to-end slices across application layers.

14|5|Updated Jan 29, 2026

Search Tags:#feature development #iterative development #agile development #crud #vertical slicing #tracer bullets

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/oakoss/agent-skills --skill tracer-bullets

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: tracer-bullets
Source: https://github.com/oakoss/agent-skills/tree/main/skills/tracer-bullets
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/oakoss/agent-skills --skill tracer-bullets

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill addresses the inefficiency of building software in horizontal layers (e.g., all backend, then all frontend), which delays feedback and increases integration risks. It promotes building features as thin, vertical end-to-end slices.

Core Features & Use Cases

Vertical Slicing: Decomposes features into manageable vertical slices that span all necessary layers (DB, API, UI, tests).
Iterative Verification: Ensures each slice is verified before the next begins, providing rapid feedback.
Use Case: When building a new CRUD feature, use this skill to first implement the data layer and tests, then the list view, then the create form, and so on, verifying each step before proceeding.

Quick Start

Use the tracer-bullets skill to decompose the implementation of the new user profile feature into vertical slices.

Frequently Asked Questions about tracer-bullets

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

FAQPage Schema

What is vertical slicing in agile feature development?▼

Vertical slicing is an iterative development technique that implements thin, end-to-end functional slices across all application layers—database, API, and UI—to verify each slice before proceeding to the next.

How do I implement a CRUD feature as vertical slices?▼

To implement CRUD operations using vertical slices, decompose the feature into end-to-end flows like the data layer with tests, then the list view, then the create form, verifying each manageable slice before moving to the next.

When should I use tracer bullets for feature decomposition?▼

Use tracer bullets for feature decomposition when building tasks spanning multiple application layers, such as multi-step flows or CRUD operations, to prioritize rapid feedback and risk reduction over isolated horizontal development.

How does vertical slicing compare to horizontal layer development?▼

Vertical slicing builds features end-to-end across all layers simultaneously, whereas horizontal layer development builds entire layers separately, which delays feedback and increases integration risks.

Does vertical slicing work for multi-step application flows?▼

Yes, vertical slicing works for multi-step flows by decomposing complex features into vertical end-to-end slices through all necessary application layers, ensuring each slice is verified before proceeding to the next.