agent: shorten branch names in make-branch command

[p-iknow]

Context

The /make-branch command currently generates branch names by converting the full issue title/description into the branch name format i{issue-index}-{type}/{action-description_with_underscores}. This results in excessively long branch names that are difficult to work with.

For example, issue #21 "agent: rename custom commands to shorter aliases for easier invocation" would create: i21-agent/rename-custom-commands-to-shorter-aliases-for-easier-invocation

Users expect more concise, manageable branch names while maintaining clarity about the issue's purpose.

Requirement

When generating branch names with /make-branch, the command should create shorter, more concise branch names while preserving the essential meaning of the issue. Branch names should be compressed and easier to type/read.

Expected behavior:

• Branch names should be limited to a reasonable length (e.g., 50-60 characters max)
• The core intent of the issue should be preserved
• Names should remain readable and meaningful

Solution

Enhance the /make-branch command to intelligently shorten branch names:

1. Implement length limiting (max 50-60 characters total)

2. Intelligent truncation strategy:

   • Remove common filler words (the, a, an, for, to, of, with, etc.)
   • Keep only key action verbs and nouns
   • Use abbreviations for common terms
   • Truncate at word boundaries, not mid-word

3. Add AI-powered summarization:

   • Extract core intent from issue title
   • Generate concise branch-friendly descriptions
   • Maintain clarity while reducing length

Example transformations:

• Before: i21-agent/rename-custom-commands-to-shorter-aliases-for-easier-invocation

• After: i21-agent/rename-commands-to-aliases

• Before: i19-agent/update-make-task-issue-to-use-prompt-based-input-instead-of-editor

• After: i19-agent/prompt-based-input

Test Plan

The enhanced command should:

• Maintain the i{index}-{type}/{description} format
• Keep branch names under 50 characters when possible
• Preserve essential meaning from the issue title
• Handle edge cases (very short titles, special characters, etc.)
• Allow manual override if user wants a different name

Test with various issue titles:

• Long descriptive titles
• Short titles (should not over-truncate)
• Titles with special characters
• Titles with common filler words

Reference

• .claude/commands/make-branch.md - Main command file to update