Task Decomposition
Learn to break down complex goals into manageable, executable subtasks
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0 / 5 completedUnderstanding Task Dependencies
Not all tasks can run immediately—many depend on others completing first. Managing these dependencies is crucial for efficient execution. Get it wrong, and your agent wastes time or produces incorrect results.
Types of Dependencies
Sequential Dependencies
Task B requires Task A's output
Fetch data → Process data → Save results
Parallel Independence
Tasks can run simultaneously
Send emails ∥ Generate report ∥ Update dashboard
Join Dependencies
Task C needs both A and B done
(Fetch users + Fetch orders) → Create report
Circular Dependencies
A depends on B, B depends on A ❌
Deadlock! Must redesign task structure
Interactive: Dependency Execution Simulator
Watch how tasks execute respecting dependencies. Notice which can run in parallel.
A
Gather Requirements
⏸️ Waiting
B
Design Database Schema
Depends on: A
⏸️ Waiting
C
Create UI Mockups
Depends on: A
⏸️ Waiting
D
Setup Development Environment
⏸️ Waiting
E
Implement Backend API
Depends on: B, D
⏸️ Waiting
F
Build Frontend Components
Depends on: C, D
⏸️ Waiting
G
Integration Testing
Depends on: E, F
⏸️ Waiting
💡 Notice: Tasks A & D can start immediately (no dependencies). B & C wait for A. E & F wait for multiple tasks. G waits for everything.
How to Identify Dependencies
1. Ask "What does this task need?"
If Task B needs Task A's output as input, B depends on A
2. Look for shared resources
If both tasks modify the same data, they can't run in parallel—introduce ordering
3. Check preconditions
Can this task start now, or must something be true first? (e.g., "database must exist")
4. Draw a dependency graph
Visualize nodes (tasks) and edges (dependencies). Cycles = problems!