Task Dependencies - Claude Code

Task dependencies let you express "don't start B until A finishes" in the shared task list. Pending tasks wait, then unblock.

What it does

When you create a task, you can list other task IDs it depends on. The shared task list tracks the graph. Dependent tasks stay in a waiting state until every prerequisite completes successfully. Once they do, the task becomes claimable and teammates can pick it up.

When to use it

• Multi-step work where order matters (migration step 1 before step 2).
• Producer/consumer patterns (one teammate generates, another reviews).
• Preventing teammates from racing into half-done work.
• Encoding checklist-style workflows in a team.

Gotchas

• Cycles in dependencies deadlock the team. Validate before publishing tasks.
• Failed prerequisites block dependents forever unless you handle failures explicitly.
• Very deep dependency chains serialize work that could run in parallel. Shallow trees beat deep ones.

Official docs: https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-teams.md#assign-and-claim-tasks