---

name: decompose description: Break a problem into atomic, testable subproblems. Use when facing complex tasks, unclear requirements, or planning implementation strategy. allowed-tools: ["read_file", "update_plan"] metadata: short-description: Decompose problems systematically

Problem Decomposition

Read these references:

• references/decomposition.md - Problem breakdown strategies
• ~/.config/agent/core/task-management.md - Creating TODO lists from decomposition
• ~/.config/agent/core/methodology.md - Integration with problem-solving framework

Instructions

Decompose problems into atomic, testable subproblems per references:

Decomposition Steps

1. Understand the whole problem

   • Read all requirements and constraints
   • Identify inputs, outputs, and transformations
   • Note dependencies and assumptions

2. Identify natural boundaries

   • Where can the problem be split?
   • What are the logical units?
   • Which parts are independent?

3. Break into subproblems

   • Each subproblem should be:
     • Atomic: Single, clear responsibility
     • Testable: Can be verified independently
     • Self-contained: Minimal external dependencies
   • Name each subproblem clearly

4. Map dependencies

   • Which subproblems depend on others?
   • What's the dependency graph?
   • Which must be done sequentially?

5. Identify parallelization opportunities

   • Which subproblems are independent?
   • What can run concurrently?
   • How can we maximize throughput?

Create TODO List

Per task-management.md, create a TODO list with:

• Each subproblem as an atomic task
• Dependencies clearly noted
• Parallelization opportunities marked
• Execution order specified

Example Output

CopyTODO List for Problem X:
1. [pending] Subproblem A (no dependencies)
2. [pending] Subproblem B (no dependencies) [can parallelize with A]
3. [pending] Subproblem C (depends on A, B)
4. [pending] Subproblem D (depends on C)

Arguments

Problem to decompose: ${ARGUMENTS}