hotfix

Create and manage emergency hotfix branches with audit trails and approvals.

Updated Apr 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/emcconnell/nova-scout --skill hotfix-emcconnell
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: hotfix
Source: https://github.com/emcconnell/nova-scout/tree/main/.claude/skills/hotfix
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/emcconnell/nova-scout --skill hotfix-emcconnell

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a controlled emergency workflow to bypass normal sprint processes and deliver minimal, auditable hotfixes for critical in-production bugs, ensuring fixes are tracked, approved, tested, and backported safely.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Hotfix record creation: Draft and persist a markdown hotfix record that captures problem, root cause, fix details, testing, approvals, and rollback plan.
  • Branch management: Guide creation of a hotfix branch from a release tag or main and enforce minimal-scoped changes and backport merges to release and development branches.
  • Approval coordination: Orchestrate parallel approvals from lead-programmer, qa-tester, and producer and enforce QA re-entry gates (smoke check, targeted team QA, or full QA as required).
  • Deployment and verification: Produce a deployment summary, update bug status, perform post-deploy verification, and schedule a post-incident review within 48 hours.

Quick Start

Use the /hotfix command with a bug ID or short description to initiate the emergency hotfix workflow and create the hotfix record.

Frequently Asked Questions about hotfix

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

FAQPage Schema
What is an emergency hotfix workflow and when do I need one?▼

An emergency hotfix workflow bypasses normal sprint processes to deliver minimal, auditable fixes for critical in-production bugs. You need it when urgent bugs require rapid branch creation, tracked approvals, QA gating, and safe backporting to release and development branches.

How do I create a hotfix branch and ensure it has a full audit trail?▼

To create a hotfix branch with an audit trail, initiate the workflow using a bug ID or description. The system drafts a markdown record capturing problem, root cause, fix details, testing, approvals, and rollback plan, while enforcing minimal-scoped changes from a release tag or main branch.

Can I require parallel approvals for a production hotfix from different roles?▼

Yes, the hotfix workflow orchestrates parallel approvals from lead-programmer, qa-tester, and producer roles. It enforces QA re-entry gates—ranging from smoke checks to full QA—and ensures all critical approvals are tracked before deployment proceeds.

How do I backport a hotfix to development and release branches safely?▼

To backport a hotfix safely, the workflow guides backport merges to both release and development branches after applying minimal-scoped fixes. It enforces QA gating and generates a documented rollback plan to ensure safe integration across all branch environments.

What is included in a post-deploy verification and incident review process?▼

Post-deploy verification includes producing a deployment summary, updating bug status, and performing verification steps. The hotfix workflow also schedules a post-incident review within 48 hours to ensure the critical bug fix is fully documented and resolved.

What are the limitations of bypassing sprint processes for emergency bug fixes?▼

Bypassing sprint processes for emergency bug fixes requires strict enforcement of minimal-scoped changes to prevent scope creep. Limitations include the necessity of coordinated parallel approvals and mandatory QA gating, which can delay deployment if stakeholders are unavailable.