chore(core): convert help.md to native skill directory (#1874)

* chore(core): convert help.md to native skill directory

Migrate the single-file help.md task to a bmad-help/ skill directory
following the pattern established by bmad-review-adversarial-general.
Update module-help.csv to use skill: reference and remove the entry
from the parent manifest. Fix 7 BMM workflow step files that had
hardcoded file path references to the now-relocated help task.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

* refactor(prompts): invoke bmad-help as a skill

* style(prompts): format bmad-master agent yaml

---------

Co-authored-by: Claude Opus 4.6 <noreply@anthropic.com>

.github/workflows/publish-latest.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+name: Publish Latest
+
+on:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+    inputs:
+      bump:
+        description: "Version bump type"
+        required: true
+        default: "patch"
+        type: choice
+        options:
+          - patch
+          - minor
+          - major
+
+concurrency:
+  group: publish-latest
+
+permissions:
+  id-token: write
+  contents: write
+
+jobs:
+  publish:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          fetch-depth: 0
+          token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+
+      - name: Setup Node
+        uses: actions/setup-node@v4
+        with:
+          node-version-file: ".nvmrc"
+          cache: "npm"
+          registry-url: "https://registry.npmjs.org"
+
+      - name: Configure git user
+        run: |
+          git config user.name "github-actions[bot]"
+          git config user.email "github-actions[bot]@users.noreply.github.com"
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: npm ci
+
+      - name: Run tests
+        run: npm test
+
+      - name: Bump version
+        run: 'npm version ${{ inputs.bump }} -m "chore(release): v%s [skip ci]"'
+
+      - name: Publish to npm
+        run: npm publish --tag latest --provenance
+        env:
+          NODE_AUTH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.NPM_TOKEN }}
+
+      - name: Push version commit and tag
+        run: git push origin main --follow-tags
+
+      - name: Create GitHub Release
+        run: |
+          TAG="v$(node -p 'require("./package.json").version')"
+          gh release create "$TAG" --generate-notes
+        env:
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+
+      - name: Notify Discord
+        continue-on-error: true
+        run: |
+          set -o pipefail
+          source .github/scripts/discord-helpers.sh
+          [ -z "$WEBHOOK" ] && exit 0
+
+          VERSION=$(node -p 'require("./package.json").version')
+          RELEASE_URL="${{ github.server_url }}/${{ github.repository }}/releases/tag/v${VERSION}"
+          MSG=$(printf '📦 **[bmad-method v%s released](<%s>)**' "$VERSION" "$RELEASE_URL" | esc)
+
+          jq -n --arg content "$MSG" '{content: $content}' | curl -sf --retry 2 -X POST "$WEBHOOK" -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d @-
+        env:
+          WEBHOOK: ${{ secrets.DISCORD_WEBHOOK }}

.github/workflows/publish-next.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+name: Publish Next
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [main]
+    paths:
+      - "src/**"
+      - "tools/cli/**"
+      - "package.json"
+
+concurrency:
+  group: publish-next
+  cancel-in-progress: true
+
+permissions:
+  id-token: write
+  contents: read
+
+jobs:
+  publish:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Setup Node
+        uses: actions/setup-node@v4
+        with:
+          node-version-file: ".nvmrc"
+          cache: "npm"
+          registry-url: "https://registry.npmjs.org"
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: npm ci
+
+      - name: Run tests
+        run: npm test
+
+      - name: Derive next prerelease version
+        run: |
+          NEXT_VER=$(npm view bmad-method@next version 2>/dev/null || echo "")
+          LATEST_VER=$(npm view bmad-method@latest version 2>/dev/null || echo "")
+
+          # Determine the best base version for the next prerelease
+          BASE=$(node -e "
+            const semver = require('semver');
+            const next = process.argv[1] || null;
+            const latest = process.argv[2] || null;
+            if (!next && !latest) process.exit(0);
+            if (!next) { console.log(latest); process.exit(0); }
+            if (!latest) { console.log(next); process.exit(0); }
+            // If latest is newer than next's base, use latest (next prerelease will be based on it)
+            const nextBase = next.replace(/-next\.\d+$/, '');
+            console.log(semver.gt(latest, nextBase) ? latest : next);
+          " "$NEXT_VER" "$LATEST_VER")
+
+          if [ -n "$BASE" ]; then
+            npm version "$BASE" --no-git-tag-version --allow-same-version
+          fi
+          npm version prerelease --preid=next --no-git-tag-version
+
+      - name: Publish to npm
+        run: npm publish --tag next --provenance
+        env:
+          NODE_AUTH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.NPM_TOKEN }}

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ After searching, use the [feature request template](https://github.com/bmad-code
 
 ### Target Branch
 
-Submit PRs to the `main` branch. We use [trunk-based development](https://trunkbaseddevelopment.com/branch-for-release/): `main` is the trunk where all work lands, and stable release branches receive only cherry-picked fixes.
+Submit PRs to the `main` branch. We use trunk-based development. Every push to `main` auto-publishes to `npm` under the `next` tag. Stable releases are cut ~weekly to the `latest` tag.
 
 ### PR Size
 

src/bmm/workflows/1-analysis/create-product-brief/steps/step-06-complete.md

@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ Recap that the brief captures everything needed to guide subsequent product deve
 
 ### 5. Suggest next steps
 
-Product Brief complete. Read fully and follow: `{project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/help.md`
+Product Brief complete. Invoke the `bmad-help` skill.
 
 ---
 

src/bmm/workflows/2-plan-workflows/create-prd/steps-c/step-12-complete.md

@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ Offer validation workflows to ensure PRD is ready for implementation:
 
 ### 4. Suggest Next Workflows
 
-PRD complete. Read fully and follow: `{project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/help.md`
+PRD complete. Invoke the `bmad-help` skill.
 
 ### 5. Final Completion Confirmation
 

src/bmm/workflows/2-plan-workflows/create-prd/steps-v/step-v-13-report-complete.md

@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ Display:
 - **IF X (Exit):**
   - Display: "**Validation Report Saved:** {validationReportPath}"
   - Display: "**Summary:** {overall status} - {recommendation}"
-  - PRD Validation complete. Read fully and follow: `{project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/help.md`
+  - PRD Validation complete. Invoke the `bmad-help` skill.
 
 - **IF Any other:** Help user, then redisplay menu
 

src/bmm/workflows/2-plan-workflows/create-ux-design/steps/step-14-complete.md

@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ Update the main workflow status file:
 
 ### 3. Suggest Next Steps
 
-UX Design complete. Read fully and follow: `{project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/help.md`
+UX Design complete. Invoke the `bmad-help` skill.
 
 ### 5. Final Completion Confirmation
 

src/bmm/workflows/3-solutioning/check-implementation-readiness/steps/step-06-final-assessment.md

@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ The assessment found [number] issues requiring attention. Review the detailed re
 
 The implementation readiness workflow is now complete. The report contains all findings and recommendations for the user to consider.
 
-Implementation Readiness complete. Read fully and follow: `{project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/help.md`
+Implementation Readiness complete. Invoke the `bmad-help` skill.
 
 ---
 

src/bmm/workflows/3-solutioning/create-architecture/steps/step-08-complete.md

@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ completedAt: '{{current_date}}'
 
 ### 3. Next Steps Guidance
 
-Architecture complete. Read fully and follow: `{project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/help.md`
+Architecture complete. Invoke the `bmad-help` skill.
 
 Upon Completion of task output: offer to answer any questions about the Architecture Document.
 

src/bmm/workflows/3-solutioning/create-epics-and-stories/steps/step-04-final-validation.md

@@ -144,6 +144,6 @@ If all validations pass:
 
 When C is selected, the workflow is complete and the epics.md is ready for development.
 
-Epics and Stories complete. Read fully and follow: `{project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/help.md`
+Epics and Stories complete. Invoke the `bmad-help` skill.
 
 Upon Completion of task output: offer to answer any questions about the Epics and Stories.

src/core/agents/bmad-master.agent.yaml

@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ agent:
       - Load resources at runtime, never pre-load, and always present numbered lists for choices.
 
   critical_actions:
-    - "Always greet the user and let them know they can use `/bmad-help` at any time to get advice on what to do next, and they can combine that with what they need help with <example>`/bmad-help where should I start with an idea I have that does XYZ`</example>"
+    - 'Always greet the user and let them know they can invoke the `bmad-help` skill at any time to get advice on what to do next, and they can combine it with what they need help with <example>Invoke the `bmad-help` skill with a question like "where should I start with an idea I have that does XYZ?"</example>'
 
   menu:
     - trigger: "LT or fuzzy match on list-tasks"

src/core/module-help.csv

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 module,phase,name,code,sequence,workflow-file,command,required,agent,options,description,output-location,outputs
 core,anytime,Brainstorming,BSP,,_bmad/core/workflows/brainstorming/workflow.md,bmad-brainstorming,false,analyst,,"Generate diverse ideas through interactive techniques. Use early in ideation phase or when stuck generating ideas.",{output_folder}/brainstorming/brainstorming-session-{{date}}.md,,
 core,anytime,Party Mode,PM,,_bmad/core/workflows/party-mode/workflow.md,bmad-party-mode,false,party-mode facilitator,,"Orchestrate multi-agent discussions. Use when you need multiple agent perspectives or want agents to collaborate.",,
-core,anytime,bmad-help,BH,,_bmad/core/tasks/help.md,bmad-help,false,,,"Get unstuck by showing what workflow steps come next or answering BMad Method questions.",,
+core,anytime,bmad-help,BH,,skill:bmad-help,bmad-help,false,,,"Get unstuck by showing what workflow steps come next or answering BMad Method questions.",,
 core,anytime,Index Docs,ID,,_bmad/core/tasks/index-docs.xml,bmad-index-docs,false,,,"Create lightweight index for quick LLM scanning. Use when LLM needs to understand available docs without loading everything.",,
 core,anytime,Shard Document,SD,,_bmad/core/tasks/shard-doc.xml,bmad-shard-doc,false,,,"Split large documents into smaller files by sections. Use when doc becomes too large (>500 lines) to manage effectively.",,
 core,anytime,Editorial Review - Prose,EP,,_bmad/core/tasks/editorial-review-prose.xml,bmad-editorial-review-prose,false,,,"Review prose for clarity, tone, and communication issues. Use after drafting to polish written content.",report located with target document,"three-column markdown table with suggested fixes",

src/core/tasks/bmad-help/SKILL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+---
+name: bmad-help
+description: 'Analyzes what is done and the users query and offers advice on what to do next. Use if user says what should I do next or what do I do now'
+---
+
+Follow the instructions in [workflow.md](workflow.md).

src/core/tasks/bmad-help/bmad-skill-manifest.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+type: skill

src/core/tasks/bmad-help/workflow.md

@@ -1,7 +1,3 @@
----
-name: help
-description: 'Analyzes what is done and the users query and offers advice on what to do next. Use if user says what should I do next or what do I do now'
----
 
 # Task: BMAD Help
 

src/core/tasks/bmad-skill-manifest.yaml

@@ -3,10 +3,6 @@ editorial-review-prose.xml:
   type: task
   description: "Clinical copy-editor that reviews text for communication issues"
 
-help.md:
-  canonicalId: bmad-help
-  type: task
-  description: "Analyzes what is done and the users query and offers advice on what to do next"
 
 index-docs.xml:
   canonicalId: bmad-index-docs

src/utility/agent-components/activation-steps.txt

@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
     <step n="3">Remember: user's name is {user_name}</step>
     {AGENT_SPECIFIC_STEPS}
     <step n="{MENU_STEP}">Show greeting using {user_name} from config, communicate in {communication_language}, then display numbered list of ALL menu items from menu section</step>
-    <step n="{HELP_STEP}">Let {user_name} know they can type command `/bmad-help` at any time to get advice on what to do next, and that they can combine that with what they need help with <example>`/bmad-help where should I start with an idea I have that does XYZ`</example></step>
+    <step n="{HELP_STEP}">Let {user_name} know they can invoke the `bmad-help` skill at any time to get advice on what to do next, and that they can combine it with what they need help with <example>Invoke the `bmad-help` skill with a question like "where should I start with an idea I have that does XYZ?"</example></step>
     <step n="{HALT_STEP}">STOP and WAIT for user input - do NOT execute menu items automatically - accept number or cmd trigger or fuzzy command match</step>
     <step n="{INPUT_STEP}">On user input: Number → process menu item[n] | Text → case-insensitive substring match | Multiple matches → ask user to clarify | No match → show "Not recognized"</step>
-    <step n="{EXECUTE_STEP}">When processing a menu item: Check menu-handlers section below - extract any attributes from the selected menu item (exec, tmpl, data, action, multi) and follow the corresponding handler instructions</step>
+    <step n="{EXECUTE_STEP}">When processing a menu item: Check menu-handlers section below - extract any attributes from the selected menu item (exec, tmpl, data, action, multi) and follow the corresponding handler instructions</step>