# Beads Issue Tracker

Tracks multi-session work with dependencies and memory across context compaction.

- Repository: https://github.com/gastownhall/beads (28396 stars)
- Category: AI and agents
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add gastownhall/beads --skill beads -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add gastownhall/beads --skill beads -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add gastownhall/beads --skill beads -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add gastownhall/beads --skill beads -g -a gemini-cli -y`
Claude Code plugin marketplace: `/plugin marketplace add gastownhall/beads`

## Description

Dolt-powered 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. Trigger with "create task", "what's ready", "track this work", "resume after compaction". Make sure to use this skill whenever managing multi-session work, tracking dependencies, or recovering context.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# 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](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 output. Use `bd show <id> --long` for extended metadata. Status icons: `○` open `◐` in_progress `●` blocked `✓` closed `❄` deferred.

## Error Handling

| Error | Fix |
|-------|-----|
| `database not found` | `bd init <prefix>` in project root |
| `not in a git repository` | `git init` first |
| `disk I/O error (522)` | Move `.beads/` off cloud-synced filesystem |
| Status updates lag | Use server mode: `bd dolt start` |

See [TROUBLESHOOTING.md](resources/TROUBLESHOOTING.md) for full details.

## Examples

The rest: https://github.com/gastownhall/beads/blob/HEAD/plugins/beads/skills/beads/SKILL.md