designing-syntax
Design custom syntax elements with reuse-first approach for workflow orchestration. Use when user needs custom operators, checkpoints, or syntax patterns not available in core syntax.
What this skill does
# Designing Custom Workflow Syntax I design custom syntax elements following a reuse-first approach. Only create new syntax when existing patterns don't fit. ## When I Activate I activate when you: - Need custom workflow operators - Want specialized checkpoints - Ask about extending syntax - Need domain-specific patterns - Say "I need a custom syntax for..." ## Reuse-First Process Before creating new syntax, I check: 1. **Built-in syntax** - `->`, `||`, `~>`, `@`, `[...]` 2. **Global syntax library** - `library/syntax/` 3. **Template definitions** - Existing workflow definitions 4. **Similar patterns** - Adaptable existing syntax **Only create new if no match exists.** ## Syntax Types ### Operators Custom flow control operators. Example: `=>` (merge with dedup) ```markdown --- symbol: => description: Merge with deduplication --- Executes left then right, removes duplicates from combined output. ``` ### Actions Reusable sub-workflows. Example: `@deep-review` ```markdown --- name: @deep-review type: action --- Expansion: [code-reviewer:"security" || code-reviewer:"style"] -> merge ``` ### Checkpoints Manual approval gates with prompts. Example: `@security-gate` ```markdown --- name: @security-gate type: checkpoint --- Prompt: Review security findings. Verify no critical vulnerabilities. ``` ### Conditions Custom conditional logic. Example: `if security-critical` ```markdown --- name: if security-critical description: Check if changes affect security code evaluation: Modified files in: auth/, crypto/, permissions/ --- ``` ### Loops Reusable loop patterns. Example: `retry-with-backoff(n)` ```markdown --- name: retry-with-backoff type: loop params: [attempts] --- Pattern: @try -> operation -> (if failed)~> wait -> @try ``` ## Design Principles 1. **Intuitive** - Names/symbols hint at behavior 2. **Composable** - Works with existing syntax 3. **Self-documenting** - Clear from context 4. **Minimal** - Only when truly needed ## Best Practices ✅ **DO**: - Use descriptive names (`@security-gate` not `@check`) - Document behavior clearly - Provide examples - Keep composable ❌ **DON'T**: - Create for one-time use - Make too specific - Hide too much complexity - Duplicate existing syntax ## Library Structure ``` library/syntax/ ├── operators/ # Flow control operators ├── actions/ # Reusable sub-workflows ├── checkpoints/ # Approval gates ├── conditions/ # Custom conditionals ├── loops/ # Loop patterns ├── aggregators/ # Result combination └── guards/ # Pre-execution checks ``` ## Related Skills - **creating-workflows**: Use custom syntax in workflows - **executing-workflows**: Execute workflows with custom syntax --- **Need custom syntax? Describe the pattern you keep repeating!**
Related in Design
contribute
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