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 work | Single-session tasks |
| Complex dependencies | Linear execution |
| Survives compaction | Conversation-scoped |
| Git-backed, team sync | Local 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 initrun 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
bd ready— Find unblocked workbd show <id>— Get full contextbd update <id> --status in_progress— Start work- Add notes as you work (critical for compaction survival)
bd close <id> --reason "..."— Complete taskbd sync— Persist to git (always run at session end)
Advanced Features
| Feature | CLI | Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Molecules (templates) | bd mol --help | MOLECULES.md |
| Chemistry (pour/wisp) | bd pour, bd wisp | CHEMISTRY_PATTERNS.md |
| Agent beads | bd agent --help | AGENTS.md |
| Async gates | bd gate --help | ASYNC_GATES.md |
| Worktrees | bd worktree --help | WORKTREES.md |
Resources
| Resource | Content |
|---|---|
| BOUNDARIES.md | bd vs TodoWrite detailed comparison |
| CLI_REFERENCE.md | Complete command syntax |
| DEPENDENCIES.md | Dependency system deep dive |
| INTEGRATION_PATTERNS.md | TodoWrite and tool integration |
| ISSUE_CREATION.md | When and how to create issues |
| MOLECULES.md | Proto definitions, component labels |
| PATTERNS.md | Common usage patterns |
| RESUMABILITY.md | Compaction survival guide |
| STATIC_DATA.md | Database schema reference |
| TROUBLESHOOTING.md | Error handling and fixes |
| WORKFLOWS.md | Step-by-step workflow patterns |
| AGENTS.md | Agent bead tracking (v0.40+) |
| ASYNC_GATES.md | Human-in-the-loop gates |
| CHEMISTRY_PATTERNS.md | Mol vs Wisp decision tree |
| WORKTREES.md | Parallel development patterns |
Full Documentation
- bd prime: AI-optimized workflow context
- GitHub: github.com/steveyegge/beads