Define

---
name: define
description: Create requirements and scoped work items in Taskman, from product direction to an epic, feature or task.
---

Arguments: `[product|epic|feature|task]`.

Read [the shared workflow](../../references/workflow.md) for CLI syntax, context, journals and closure rules.

Establish the intended outcome, scope, observable acceptance criteria and meaningful quality gates from the user's request and repository context. Ask only about unresolved decisions that affect the outcome. For a bug, include reproduction, expected and actual behavior; create it as type `task`.

For product work, update the project's existing vision, requirements or specification documents. For an epic or feature, create the parent and the minimum useful decomposition. For a single task, create only that task. Use `--parent` for hierarchy; do not invent separate slug-based links or mandatory tiers.

Read [composition guidance](../../rules/task-composition.md) when drafting work items. Persist with `new --body-file ... --json`, then set actual dependencies. Finalize items whose scope is agreed; leave unresolved questions visible in drafts. Return the created IDs and the outcome they describe. Definition does not authorize implementation.