Make task handoffs require a commit ID

A developer paired a YAML todo script with a Claude Code helper that fetched the next job and closed it only after a commit ID was provided.

Done with Claude Code· Intermediate· Mar 2025

What they did
They first put together a Python script to keep task items in a YAML file. After that, they added a Claude Code sub-agent to handle task flow: one step pulled the next open item, and another step recorded it as finished. To tie the process to version control, the finish step would not proceed without a commit ID.
How it went
The setup improved visibility into work one task at a time and helped keep commits atomic. It still had a weakness: Claude Code sometimes skipped the custom flow and fell back to TodoWrite.
Tips
If you build something similar, check that the agent is actually using the intended handoff instead of switching tools behind your back. The commit-ID rule helps, but it does not fully prevent bypasses.

Try it yourself with Claude Code

Create a Claude Code helper named [helper name] for [project]. Have it read open items from [task file or tracker], return the next item to work on, and only close that item after I give a commit ID. Before any irreversible step such as sending, deleting, or submitting, stop and ask for my approval. Try it on one task and show me the full handoff and closeout.

Fill in the [brackets]. Agents can make mistakes, so review anything before it is sent, paid or deleted.

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