beads

# 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 **Decision test**: "Will I need this context in 2 weeks?" YES = bd, NO = TodoWrite. | bd (persistent) | TodoWrite (ephemeral) | |-----------------|----------------------| | Multi-session, dependencies, compaction survival | Single-session linear tasks | | Dolt-backed team sync | Conversation-scoped | See [BOUNDARIES.md](${CLAUDE_SKILL_DIR}/resources/BOUNDARIES.md) for detailed comparison. ## Prerequisites ```bash bd --version # Requires v0.60.0+ ``` - **bd CLI** installed and in PATH - **Git repository** (optional — use `BEADS_DIR` + `--stealth` for git-free operation) - **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 dolt push` ## Session Protocol 1. `bd ready` — Find unblocked work 2. `bd show <id>` — Get full context 3. `bd update <id> --claim` — Claim and start work atomically 4. Add notes as you work (critical for compaction survival) 5. `bd close <id> --reason "..."` — Complete task 6. `bd dolt push` — Push to Dolt remote (if configured) ## Output Append `--json` to any command for structured outpu...