bm-decide

Record engineering decisions with rationale, alternatives, and consequences as Basic Memory notes.

4.0k|282|Updated Dec 2, 2024
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory --skill bm-decide-basicmachines-co
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: bm-decide
Source: https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/tree/main/plugins/claude-code/skills/bm-decide
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory --skill bm-decide-basicmachines-co

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Engineering decisions made during conversations are easily lost, leaving teams without a record of why a choice was made, what alternatives were considered, and what it affects. This Skill captures durable decisions as structured Markdown notes in Basic Memory so they remain searchable and linked to related work. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Structured Decision Notes: Writes a type: decision note with status, decision timestamp, project, context, rationale, alternatives considered, and consequences. - Config-Aware Placement: Resolves the basicMemory block from user and project Claude settings to route the note to the correct project and directory. - Supersession Tracking: Links new decisions to older ones via supersedes so decision history stays traceable. - Use Case: During a coding session you say "let's go with Postgres over SQLite for the sync layer" — the Skill records the choice, the reasoning, the rejected alternative, and the affected files as a permanent decision note. ## Quick Start Tell the assistant to record the decision you just made, for example by saying "record this decision: we're going with Postgres for the sync layer".

Frequently Asked Questions about bm-decide

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I record an architecture decision from a chat conversation?▼

State the decision in conversation, such as "let's go with X" or "record this decision", and the Skill writes a structured decision note. It captures the choice, context, rationale, alternatives, and consequences without requiring you to fill in every field manually.

What fields does a Basic Memory decision note contain?▼

A decision note uses note_type decision with a status field (open, accepted, superseded, or rejected), an ISO decided timestamp, and the project. The body includes the decision, context, rationale, alternatives considered, consequences, and affected files or issues.

Where are decision notes saved in Basic Memory?▼

Notes are written to the project set as primaryProject in the basicMemory config block, resolved from user-level and project-level Claude settings files. If placementConventions specify a directory they are followed, otherwise notes go to a decisions directory.

Can a new decision supersede an older one?▼

Yes. When a new decision replaces an older one, the Skill updates the old note or links it with a supersedes relation, keeping the decision history traceable in the knowledge graph.

When should I not use decision capture?▼

Do not use it for casual preferences or transient choices without lasting consequences. It is intended for durable engineering decisions that carry rationale and affect future work, not everyday conversational picks.