# Delegate to Cave Agents

Explains when to hand code location, small edits or diff review to compressed agents.

- Repository: https://github.com/JuliusBrussee/caveman (116680 stars)
- Category: AI and agents
- License: Apache-2.0
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add JuliusBrussee/caveman --skill cavecrew -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add JuliusBrussee/caveman --skill cavecrew -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add JuliusBrussee/caveman --skill cavecrew -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add JuliusBrussee/caveman --skill cavecrew -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add JuliusBrussee/caveman`

## Description

When to delegate to `cavecrew-investigator` (locate code), `cavecrew-builder` (1-2 file edit) or `cavecrew-reviewer` (diff review) instead of working inline or using `Explore`. Their output is compressed, so main context lasts longer.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

Cavecrew = three subagent presets that answer in ultracave voice (tool runs: one status line in, one out; nothing between routine calls). Same job as Anthropic defaults (`Explore`, edit-style agents, reviewer); difference is the tool-result they return is compressed, so main context shrinks per delegation.

## When to use cavecrew vs alternatives

| Task | Use |
|---|---|
| "Where is X defined / what calls Y / list uses of Z" | `cavecrew-investigator` |
| Same but you also want suggestions/architecture commentary | `Explore` (vanilla) |
| Surgical edit, ≤2 files, scope obvious | `cavecrew-builder` |
| New feature / 3+ files / cross-cutting refactor | Main thread, or `feature-dev:code-architect` if installed |
| Review diff, branch, or file for bugs | `cavecrew-reviewer` |
| Deep code review with rationale + alternatives | `Code Reviewer` (vanilla) if installed, else main thread |
| One-line answer you already know | Main thread, no subagent |

Rule of thumb: **if you'd want the subagent's output in 1/3 the tokens, pick cavecrew. If you'd want prose, pick vanilla.**

## Why this exists (the real win)

Subagent tool results get injected into main context verbatim. A vanilla `Explore` that returns 2k tokens of prose costs 2k tokens of main-context budget every time. The same finding from `cavecrew-investigator` comes back as a compressed `path:line` table instead. Across 20 delegations in one session that's the difference between context exhaustion and finishing the task.

## Output contracts

What main thread can rely on per agent:

**`cavecrew-investigator`**
```
<Header>:
- path:line, `symbol`, short note
totals: <counts>.
```
Or `No match.` Always file-path-first, line-number-attached, backticked symbols. Safe to grep with `path:\d+`.

**`cavecrew-builder`**
```
<path:line-range>, <change ≤10 words>.
verified: <re-read OK | mismatch @ path:line>.
```
Or one of: `too-big.` / `needs-confirm.` / `ambiguous.` / `regressed.` (terminal first token).

The rest: https://github.com/JuliusBrussee/caveman/blob/HEAD/plugins/caveman/skills/cavecrew/SKILL.md