Linear Subagent Guide

⛔ EXACT LINEAR MCP PARAMETERS (VERIFIED)

These are the EXACT parameter names from get_server_tools. Copy exactly.

Most Common Operations

// GET ISSUE - uses "id"
mcp__agent-mcp-gateway__execute_tool({
  server: "linear",
  tool: "get_issue",
  args: { id: "WORK-26" }  // ✅ CORRECT - "id" not "issueId"
})

// UPDATE ISSUE - uses "id"
mcp__agent-mcp-gateway__execute_tool({
  server: "linear",
  tool: "update_issue",
  args: {
    id: "WORK-26",        // ✅ CORRECT - "id" not "issueId"
    description: "...",
    state: "In Progress"
  }
})

// CREATE COMMENT - uses "issueId"
mcp__agent-mcp-gateway__execute_tool({
  server: "linear",
  tool: "create_comment",
  args: {
    issueId: "WORK-26",   // ✅ CORRECT - "issueId" for comments
    body: "Comment text"
  }
})

// LIST COMMENTS - uses "issueId"
mcp__agent-mcp-gateway__execute_tool({
  server: "linear",
  tool: "list_comments",
  args: { issueId: "WORK-26" }  // ✅ CORRECT
})

Parameter Reference Table

Overview

The Linear subagent (ccpm:linear-operations) is a dedicated MCP handler that optimizes all Linear API operations in CCPM. Rather than making direct Linear MCP calls, commands should delegate to this subagent, which provides:

• 50-60% token reduction (15k-25k → 8k-12k per workflow)
• Session-level caching with 85-95% hit rates
• Performance: <50ms for cached operations (vs 400-600ms direct)
• Structured error handling with actionable suggestions
• Centralized logic for Linear operations consistency

When to Use the Linear Subagent

Use the subagent for:

• Reading issues, projects, teams, statuses
• Creating or updating issues, projects
• Managing labels and comments
• Fetching documents and cycles
• Searching Linear documentation

Never use the subagent for:

• Local file operations
• Git commands
• External API calls (except Linear)

⚠️ CRITICAL: Parameter Name Gotcha

Different Linear MCP tools use different parameter names for issue IDs:

First-call failures are often caused by using issueId instead of id for get_issue/update_issue.

Available Linear MCP Tools (Complete Reference)

Linear MCP provides 23 tools for interacting with Linear. This is the complete, validated list.

1. Comments (2 tools)

list_comments

List comments for a specific Linear issue.

Parameters:

• issueId (string, required) - The issue ID

Example:

mcp__linear__list_comments({ issueId: "PSN-41" })

create_comment

Create a comment on a specific Linear issue.

Parameters:

• issueId (string, required) - The issue ID
• body (string, required) - The content of the comment as Markdown
• parentId (string, optional) - A parent comment ID to reply to

Linear's Native Collapsible Syntax: Use +++ to create collapsible sections (starts collapsed, native Linear feature):

+++ Section Title
Content here (multi-line markdown supported)
+++

Example (simple):

mcp__linear__create_comment({
  issueId: "PSN-41",
  body: "## Progress Update\n\nCompleted first phase."
})

Example (with collapsible section):

mcp__linear__create_comment({
  issueId: "PSN-41",
  body: `🔄 **Progress Update**

Completed first phase, all tests passing

+++ 📋 Detailed Context
**Changed Files:**
- src/auth.ts
- src/tests/auth.test.ts

**Next Steps:**
- Implement phase 2
- Update documentation
+++`
})

2. Cycles (1 tool)

list_cycles

Retrieve cycles for a specific Linear team.

Parameters:

• teamId (string, required) - The team ID
• type (string, optional) - "current", "previous", or "next"

Example:

mcp__linear__list_cycles({ teamId: "team-123", type: "current" })

3. Documents (2 tools)

get_document

Retrieve a Linear document by ID or slug.

Parameters:

• id (string, required) - The document ID or slug

Example:

mcp__linear__get_document({ id: "doc-abc-123" })

list_documents

List documents in the user's Linear workspace.

Parameters:

• limit (number, optional, max 250, default 50)
• before (string, optional) - An ID to end at
• after (string, optional) - An ID to start from
• orderBy (string, optional) - "createdAt" or "updatedAt" (default: "updatedAt")
• query (string, optional) - Search query
• projectId (string, optional) - Filter by project ID
• initiativeId (string, optional) - Filter by initiative ID
• creatorId (string, optional) - Filter by creator ID
• createdAt (string, optional) - ISO-8601 date-time or duration (e.g., "-P1D")
• updatedAt (string, optional) - ISO-8601 date-time or duration
• includeArchived (boolean, optional, default false)

Example:

mcp__linear__list_documents({ projectId: "proj-123", limit: 20 })

4. Issues (4 tools)

get_issue

Retrieve detailed information about an issue by ID.

Parameters:

• id (string, required) - The issue ID (e.g., "PSN-41")

Example:

mcp__linear__get_issue({ id: "PSN-41" })

list_issues

List issues in the user's Linear workspace. Use "me" for assignee to get your issues.

Parameters:

• limit (number, optional, max 250, default 50)
• before (string, optional)
• after (string, optional)
• orderBy (string, optional) - "createdAt" or "updatedAt"
• query (string, optional) - Search title or description
• team (string, optional) - Team name or ID
• state (string, optional) - State name or ID
• cycle (string, optional) - Cycle name or ID
• label (string, optional) - Label name or ID
• assignee (string, optional) - User ID, name, email, or "me"
• delegate (string, optional) - Agent name or ID
• project (string, optional) - Project name or ID
• parentId (string, optional) - Parent issue ID
• createdAt (string, optional) - ISO-8601 date-time or duration
• updatedAt (string, optional) - ISO-8601 date-time or duration
• includeArchived (boolean, optional, default true)

Example:

mcp__linear__list_issues({ assignee: "me", state: "In Progress" })

create_issue

Create a new Linear issue.

Parameters:

• title (string, required)
• team (string, required) - Team name or ID
• description (string, optional) - Markdown description
• cycle (string, optional) - Cycle name, number, or ID
• priority (number, optional) - 0=None, 1=Urgent, 2=High, 3=Normal, 4=Low
• project (string, optional) - Project name or ID
• state (string, optional) - State type, name, or ID
• assignee (string, optional) - User ID, name, email, or "me"
• delegate (string, optional) - Agent name, displayName, or ID
• labels (array of strings, optional) - Label names or IDs
• dueDate (string, optional) - ISO format date
• parentId (string, optional) - Parent issue ID for sub-issues
• links (array of objects, optional) - Each object needs url and title

Example:

mcp__linear__create_issue({
  title: "Fix authentication bug",
  team: "Engineering",
  description: "## Problem\n\nUsers cannot login",
  state: "Todo",
  labels: ["bug", "critical"],
  assignee: "me"
})

update_issue

Update an existing Linear issue.

Parameters:

• id (string, required) - The issue ID
• title (string, optional)
• description (string, optional) - Markdown
• priority (number, optional) - 0-4
• project (string, optional) - Project name or ID
• state (string, optional) - State type, name, or ID
• cycle (string, optional) - Cycle name, number, or ID
• assignee (string, optional) - User ID, name, email, or "me"
• delegate (string, optional) - Agent name, displayName, or ID
• labels (array of strings, optional) - Label names or IDs (replaces existing)
• parentId (string, optional)
• dueDate (string, optional) - ISO format
• estimate (number, optional) - Numerical estimate value
• links (array of objects, optional)

Example:

mcp__linear__update_issue({
  id: "PSN-41",
  state: "In Progress",
  labels: ["planning", "implementation"]
})

5. Issue Statuses (2 tools)

list_issue_statuses

List available issue statuses in a Linear team.

Parameters:

• team (string, required) - Team name or ID

Example:

mcp__linear__list_issue_statuses({ team: "Engineering" })

get_issue_status

Retrieve detailed information about an issue status by name or ID.

Parameters:

• id (string, required) - Status ID
• name (string, required) - Status name
• team (string, required) - Team name or ID

Example:

mcp__linear__get_issue_status({ name: "In Progress", team: "Engineering" })

6. Labels (3 tools)

list_issue_labels

List available issue labels in a workspace or team.

Parameters:

• limit (number, optional, max 250, default 50)
• before (string, optional)
• after (string, optional)
• orderBy (string, optional) - "createdAt" or "updatedAt"
• name (string, optional) - Filter by label name
• team (string, optional) - Team name or ID

Example:

mcp__linear__list_issue_labels({ team: "Engineering" })

create_issue_label

Create a new Linear issue label.

Parameters:

• name (string, required)
• description (string, optional)
• color (string, optional) - Hex color code
• teamId (string, optional) - Team UUID (workspace label if omitted)
• parentId (string, optional) - Parent label UUID for groups
• isGroup (boolean, optional, default false) - Whether this is a label group

Example:

mcp__linear__create_issue_label({
  name: "feature-request",
  color: "#bb87fc",
  teamId: "team-123"
})

list_project_labels

List available project labels in the Linear workspace.

Parameters:

• limit (number, optional, max 250, default 50)
• before (string, optional)
• after (string, optional)
• orderBy (string, optional)
• name (string, optional)

Example:

mcp__linear__list_project_labels({ limit: 100 })

7. Projects (4 tools)

list_projects

List projects in the user's Linear workspace.

Parameters:

• limit (number, optional, max 250, default 50)
• before (string, optional)
• after (string, optional)
• orderBy (string, optional)
• query (string, optional) - Search project name
• state (string, optional) - State name or ID
• initiative (string, optional) - Initiative name or ID
• team (string, optional) - Team name or ID
• member (string, optional) - User ID, name, email, or "me"
• createdAt (string, optional)
• updatedAt (string, optional)
• includeArchived (boolean, optional, default false)

Example:

mcp__linear__list_projects({ team: "Engineering", state: "started" })

get_project

Retrieve details of a specific project.

Parameters:

• query (string, required) - Project ID or name

Example:

mcp__linear__get_project({ query: "CCPM" })

create_project

Create a new project in Linear.

Parameters:

• name (string, required)
• team (string, required) - Team name or ID
• summary (string, optional) - Max 255 chars
• description (string, optional) - Markdown
• state (string, optional)
• startDate (string, optional) - ISO format
• targetDate (string, optional) - ISO format
• priority (integer, optional) - 0-4
• labels (array of strings, optional)
• lead (string, optional) - User ID, name, email, or "me"

Example:

mcp__linear__create_project({
  name: "Q1 Authentication",
  team: "Engineering",
  description: "## Goals\n\n- OAuth integration\n- SSO support",
  lead: "me"
})

update_project

Update an existing Linear project.

Parameters:

• id (string, required)
• name (string, optional)
• summary (string, optional)
• description (string, optional)
• state (string, optional)
• startDate (string, optional)
• targetDate (string, optional)
• priority (integer, optional) - 0-4
• labels (array of strings, optional)
• lead (string, optional)

Example:

mcp__linear__update_project({
  id: "proj-123",
  state: "completed"
})

8. Teams (2 tools)

list_teams

List teams in the user's Linear workspace.

Parameters:

• limit (number, optional, max 250, default 50)
• before (string, optional)
• after (string, optional)
• orderBy (string, optional)
• query (string, optional) - Search query
• includeArchived (boolean, optional, default false)
• createdAt (string, optional)
• updatedAt (string, optional)

Example:

mcp__linear__list_teams({ includeArchived: false })

get_team

Retrieve details of a specific Linear team.

Parameters:

• query (string, required) - Team UUID, key, or name

Example:

mcp__linear__get_team({ query: "Engineering" })

9. Users (2 tools)

list_users

Retrieve users in the Linear workspace.

Parameters:

• query (string, optional) - Filter by name or email

Example:

mcp__linear__list_users({ query: "john" })

get_user

Retrieve details of a specific Linear user.

Parameters:

• query (string, required) - User ID, name, email, or "me"

Example:

mcp__linear__get_user({ query: "me" })

10. Documentation (1 tool)

search_documentation

Search Linear's documentation to learn about features and usage.

Parameters:

• query (string, required) - Search query
• page (number, optional, default 0) - Page number

Example:

mcp__linear__search_documentation({ query: "issue statuses", page: 0 })

Summary: All 23 Tools

1. list_comments - List comments on issue
2. create_comment - Add comment to issue
3. list_cycles - Get team cycles
4. get_document - Fetch Linear document
5. list_documents - List documents
6. get_issue - Fetch single issue
7. list_issues - Search/list issues
8. create_issue - Create new issue
9. update_issue - Update existing issue
10. list_issue_statuses - List workflow states
11. get_issue_status - Get specific status
12. list_issue_labels - List labels
13. create_issue_label - Create new label
14. list_project_labels - List project labels
15. list_projects - List projects
16. get_project - Get specific project
17. create_project - Create new project
18. update_project - Update existing project
19. list_teams - List all teams
20. get_team - Get specific team
21. list_users - List workspace users
22. get_user - Get specific user
23. search_documentation - Search Linear docs

Tool Validation: Critical Rules

Only Use Validated Tools

RULE: Every Linear operation MUST use a tool from the validated list above.

Examples of INVALID tool names that will fail:

• ❌ get_issues (correct: list_issues)
• ❌ update_comment (correct: create new comment instead)
• ❌ delete_issue (not supported)
• ❌ list_issue_statuses (correct tool, but check args)

Before Using a Tool

1. Check the validated list above
2. Verify the exact tool name matches
3. If unsure, use list_* variants which are widely available
4. Never assume tool names—verify first

Error Prevention Strategy

// ✅ CORRECT: Use only validated tools
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: get_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
context:
  cache: true
`

// ❌ INCORRECT: Non-existent tool
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: fetch_issue  // This tool doesn't exist!
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
`

// ❌ INCORRECT: Assuming delete exists
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: delete_issue  // Linear MCP doesn't support deletion
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
`

Using the Linear Subagent

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Command File Invocation Format

When writing CCPM command files (files in commands/), you MUST use explicit execution instructions, NOT the YAML template format shown in the examples below.

Command files must use this format:

**Use the Task tool to fetch the issue from Linear:**

Invoke the `ccpm:linear-operations` subagent:
- **Tool**: Task
- **Subagent**: ccpm:linear-operations
- **Prompt**:

operation: get_issue params: issueId: "{the issue ID from previous step}" context: cache: true command: "work"

Why? Claude Code interprets command markdown files as executable prompts, not documentation. YAML template syntax appears as an example rather than an instruction to execute. Explicit instructions (e.g., "Use the Task tool to...") are unambiguous execution directives that ensure Claude invokes the subagent correctly.

Basic Syntax (For Documentation/Examples Only)

The examples below use YAML template format for readability. Do NOT use this format in command files—use the explicit format shown above instead.

Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: <tool_name>
params:
  <param1>: <value1>
  <param2>: <value2>
context:
  cache: true
  command: "planning:plan"
`

Enabling Caching (Recommended)

For read operations, always enable caching to achieve 85-95% hit rates:

Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: get_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-123
context:
  cache: true  # Enable session-level caching
  command: "planning:plan"
`

Providing Context for Better Errors

Include context to improve error messages and debugging:

Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: update_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
  state: "In Progress"
context:
  cache: false  # Skip cache for writes
  command: "implementation:start"  # Which command triggered this
  purpose: "Marking task as started"  # Why we're doing this
`

Shared Helpers

The _shared-linear-helpers.md file provides convenience functions that delegate to the subagent. Use these for common operations:

getOrCreateLabel(teamId, labelName)

Smart label management with automatic creation if missing:

// Use this instead of manual list + create
const label = await getOrCreateLabel(teamId, "feature-request");

Benefits:

• Deduplicates label creation logic
• Handles caching automatically
• Returns label ID or creates new one

getValidStateId(teamId, stateNameOrId)

Fuzzy state matching with suggestions on errors:

// Handles "In Progress" → actual state ID
const stateId = await getValidStateId(teamId, "In Progress");

Benefits:

• Case-insensitive matching
• Fuzzy matching for typos
• Suggests available states on error

ensureLabelsExist(teamId, labelNames)

Batch create labels if missing:

// Create multiple labels in one call
const labels = await ensureLabelsExist(teamId, [
  "planning",
  "implementation",
  "review"
]);

Performance Optimization

Caching Strategy

Read Operations: Always enable caching

• get_issue, list_issues, list_projects
• Cache hits: 85-95%
• Performance: <50ms

Write Operations: Disable caching

• create_issue, update_issue, create_comment
• Always fetch fresh data

// READ: Cache enabled
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: get_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
context:
  cache: true  # ✅ Cached reads
`

// WRITE: Cache disabled
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: update_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
  state: "Done"
context:
  cache: false  # ❌ Never cache writes
`

Batching Operations

When possible, batch related operations:

// ✅ GOOD: Get all needed data in one context
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: get_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
context:
  cache: true
  batchId: "planning-workflow"
`

// Then use Team, Project, Status in sequence
// Subsequent calls reuse cached Team/Project data

Token Reduction Comparison

Error Handling

The Linear subagent provides structured errors with actionable suggestions.

Common Error Scenarios

STATE_NOT_FOUND

When updating an issue to a non-existent status:

error:
  code: STATE_NOT_FOUND
  message: "State 'In Review' not found in team"
  params:
    requestedState: "In Review"
    teamId: "psn123"
  suggestions:
    - "Use 'In Progress' (exact match required)"
    - "Available states: Backlog, Todo, In Progress, Done, Blocked"
    - "Check team configuration in Linear"

Fix: Use exact state name or getValidStateId() helper

LABEL_NOT_FOUND

When assigning a non-existent label:

error:
  code: LABEL_NOT_FOUND
  message: "Label 'feature' not found"
  params:
    requestedLabel: "feature"
    teamId: "psn123"
  suggestions:
    - "Label will be created automatically"
    - "Use 'ensureLabelsExist()' to batch create"
    - "Available labels: bug, feature-request, documentation"

Fix: Use getOrCreateLabel() or ensureLabelsExist() helpers

ISSUE_NOT_FOUND

When accessing a non-existent issue:

error:
  code: ISSUE_NOT_FOUND
  message: "Issue PSN-9999 not found"
  params:
    issueId: "PSN-9999"
  suggestions:
    - "Verify issue ID is correct (use Linear UI)"
    - "Check team/project context"
    - "Issue may have been archived"

Fix: Validate issue ID before using

Examples

Example 1: Get Issue with Caching

Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: get_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
context:
  cache: true
  command: "planning:plan"
  purpose: "Fetch task details for planning"
`

Performance: <50ms (cached) Token cost: ~0.8k Result: Issue object with title, description, status, labels, assignee

Example 2: Update Issue Status and Labels

Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: update_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
  state: "In Progress"
  labels: ["planning", "implementation"]
context:
  cache: false
  command: "implementation:start"
  purpose: "Mark task as started with relevant labels"
`

Performance: 100-200ms (no cache) Token cost: ~1.2k Result: Updated issue with new status and labels

Example 3: Create Comment with Context

Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: create_comment
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
  body: |
    Progress update:
    - Implemented JWT authentication
    - 2 unit tests passing
    - Need to fix Redis integration

    Blockers:
    - Redis library compatibility
context:
  cache: false
  command: "implementation:sync"
  purpose: "Log implementation progress"
`

Performance: 150-300ms Token cost: ~1.5k Result: Comment added to issue with timestamp

Example 4: Using Shared Helpers

// Get or create label (delegates to subagent with caching)
const label = await getOrCreateLabel(teamId, "feature-request");

// Get valid state ID (fuzzy matching with suggestions)
const stateId = await getValidStateId(teamId, "In Progress");

// Ensure multiple labels exist
const labels = await ensureLabelsExist(teamId, [
  "planning",
  "implementation",
  "blocked"
]);

// Now use the results
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: update_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
  state: ${stateId}
  labels: ${labels.map(l => l.id)}
context:
  cache: false
  purpose: "Apply validated status and labels"
`

Performance: <100ms total (mostly cached lookups) Token cost: ~1.8k Result: Reliable label/status application with error prevention

Example 5: Error Handling

// PATTERN: Try operation, handle structured errors

Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: update_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
  state: "Review"  // Might not exist
context:
  cache: false
  command: "implementation:sync"
`

// If error:
// {
//   code: "STATE_NOT_FOUND",
//   suggestions: ["Available states: Backlog, Todo, In Progress, Done"]
// }

// RECOVERY: Use helper or ask user
const stateId = await getValidStateId(teamId, "Review");
// Or ask user: "Which status should I use?"

Pattern: Structured errors guide user or helper selection

Migration from Direct MCP

Before: Direct MCP Call (Inefficient)

// Direct call - no caching, higher token cost
Task(linear-operations): `
List issues in PSN project where status = "Todo"
`

// Result: ~2.5k tokens, 400ms, no future cache hits

After: Via Subagent (Optimized)

// Via subagent - automatic caching
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: list_issues
params:
  projectId: "PSN"
  filter: {status: "Todo"}
context:
  cache: true
  command: "planning:plan"
`

// Result: ~0.9k tokens, <50ms, 85-95% cache hits next time

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

// ❌ DON'T: Forget caching
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: get_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
// Missing: context: cache: true
`

// ❌ DON'T: Use non-existent tools
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: fetch_issue_details  // This doesn't exist
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
`

// ❌ DON'T: Cache writes
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: update_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
context:
  cache: true  // WRONG! Never cache writes
`

// ✅ DO: Follow patterns
Task(ccpm:linear-operations): `
operation: get_issue
params:
  issueId: PSN-29
context:
  cache: true  // ✅ Cache reads
  command: "planning:plan"
`

Best Practices Summary

References

• Subagent Location: agents/linear-operations.md
• Shared Helpers: agents/_shared-linear-helpers.md
• Architecture Guide: docs/architecture/linear-subagent-architecture.md
• Linear MCP Docs: Available via search_documentation tool