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steveyegge

beads

by steveyegge

Beads - A memory upgrade for your coding agent

11,961🍴 731📅 Jan 23, 2026

FAQ

SKILL.md


name: beads description: > Git-backed issue tracker for multi-session work with dependencies and persistent memory across conversation compaction. Use when work spans sessions, has blockers, or needs context recovery after compaction. allowed-tools: "Read,Bash(bd:*)" version: "0.47.1" author: "Steve Yegge https://github.com/steveyegge" license: "MIT"

Beads - Persistent Task Memory for AI Agents

Graph-based issue tracker that survives conversation compaction. Provides persistent memory for multi-session work with complex dependencies.

bd vs TodoWrite

bd (persistent)TodoWrite (ephemeral)
Multi-session workSingle-session tasks
Complex dependenciesLinear execution
Survives compactionConversation-scoped
Git-backed, team syncLocal to session

Decision test: "Will I need this context in 2 weeks?" → YES = bd

When to use bd:

  • Work spans multiple sessions or days
  • Tasks have dependencies or blockers
  • Need to survive conversation compaction
  • Exploratory/research work with fuzzy boundaries
  • Collaboration with team (git sync)

When to use TodoWrite:

  • Single-session linear tasks
  • Simple checklist for immediate work
  • All context is in current conversation
  • Will complete within current session

Prerequisites

bd --version  # Requires v0.47.0+
  • bd CLI installed and in PATH
  • Git repository (bd requires git for sync)
  • Initialization: bd init run once (humans do this, not agents)

CLI Reference

Run bd prime for AI-optimized workflow context (auto-loaded by hooks). Run bd <command> --help for specific command usage.

Essential commands: bd ready, bd create, bd show, bd update, bd close, bd sync

Session Protocol

  1. bd ready — Find unblocked work
  2. bd show <id> — Get full context
  3. bd update <id> --status in_progress — Start work
  4. Add notes as you work (critical for compaction survival)
  5. bd close <id> --reason "..." — Complete task
  6. bd sync — Persist to git (always run at session end)

Advanced Features

FeatureCLIResource
Molecules (templates)bd mol --helpMOLECULES.md
Chemistry (pour/wisp)bd pour, bd wispCHEMISTRY_PATTERNS.md
Agent beadsbd agent --helpAGENTS.md
Async gatesbd gate --helpASYNC_GATES.md
Worktreesbd worktree --helpWORKTREES.md

Resources

ResourceContent
BOUNDARIES.mdbd vs TodoWrite detailed comparison
CLI_REFERENCE.mdComplete command syntax
DEPENDENCIES.mdDependency system deep dive
INTEGRATION_PATTERNS.mdTodoWrite and tool integration
ISSUE_CREATION.mdWhen and how to create issues
MOLECULES.mdProto definitions, component labels
PATTERNS.mdCommon usage patterns
RESUMABILITY.mdCompaction survival guide
STATIC_DATA.mdDatabase schema reference
TROUBLESHOOTING.mdError handling and fixes
WORKFLOWS.mdStep-by-step workflow patterns
AGENTS.mdAgent bead tracking (v0.40+)
ASYNC_GATES.mdHuman-in-the-loop gates
CHEMISTRY_PATTERNS.mdMol vs Wisp decision tree
WORKTREES.mdParallel development patterns

Full Documentation

Score

Total Score

80/100

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