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commands/deps.md

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+---
+description: Manage task dependencies and execution sequences. Use to establish blocking relationships and validate dependency chains.
+---
+
+# Dependency Management
+
+Create and manage dependencies between tasks to establish execution order and prevent blocked work.
+
+## Instructions
+
+### Adding Dependencies
+
+Dependencies indicate that a task cannot start until its blockers are complete.
+
+```bash
+# Add single dependency
+backlog task edit <task-id> --dep task-5
+
+# Add multiple dependencies
+backlog task edit <task-id> --dep task-1,task-2,task-3
+
+# Create task with dependencies
+backlog task create "Deploy to production" --dep task-10,task-11,task-12
+```
+
+### Viewing Dependencies
+
+- **Task view**: `backlog task <id>` shows dependencies in the details
+- **Board view**: `backlog board` displays dependency indicators
+- **List with deps**: Dependencies shown in task listings
+
+### Dependency Validation
+
+Backlog.md automatically validates dependencies:
+- **Circular dependency prevention**: Cannot create A→B→C→A chains
+- **Existence validation**: Referenced tasks must exist
+- **Status tracking**: See which dependencies are blocking
+
+### Dependency Patterns
+
+**Sequential Work**:
+```
+task-1 (Design) → task-2 (Implement) → task-3 (Test) → task-4 (Deploy)
+```
+
+**Parallel with Join**:
+```
+task-1 (Frontend) ─┐
+                   ├→ task-3 (Integration)
+task-2 (Backend)  ─┘
+```
+
+**Feature Gates**:
+```
+task-1 (Auth) ─┬→ task-2 (User Profile)
+               ├→ task-3 (Settings)
+               └→ task-4 (Dashboard)
+```
+
+## Execution Sequences
+
+View recommended execution order:
+```bash
+# Via MCP, use project analytics tools to see execution plans
+# The board view also shows dependency-aware ordering
+backlog board
+```
+
+## Best Practices
+
+1. Only add necessary dependencies - don't over-constrain
+2. Keep dependency chains short (max 3-4 levels deep)
+3. Review dependencies when tasks are blocked too long
+4. Use dependencies for true blockers, not just suggested order