AGENTS.md · git:20261003.b978dca · 2026-10-03 · sha256 5b5a6d002be1a43a

AGENTS.md git:20261003.b978dcaA

Immutable. This exact content never changes and is served at /api/v1/blob/5b5a6d002be1a43a.

# Tlamatini instructions for Codex and every coding agent

## HEADLESS IS FORBIDDEN. ALL EXECUTION MUST BE VISIBLE.

Angela reaffirmed this mandatory repository rule on 2026-09-23. Read
[TestsVisiblesAndVisibleExecutionFromClaude2Codex.md](TestsVisiblesAndVisibleExecutionFromClaude2Codex.md)
before executing anything. This applies to every automated test, command,
diagnostic, script, build, agent, prompt, CMD/PowerShell session and browser.

- Run in a **visible, forked foreground window on Angela's real desktop**.
Keep consoles and browsers visible while the work runs, and leave the console
open afterward so its output can be read. Use PowerShell `-NoExit` or CMD `/k`.
- Browser automation must explicitly use **`headless=False` / `headless: false`**.
Never rely on a browser library's default. Headless mode is forbidden for CI,
smoke checks, diagnostics, long runs and all other execution too.
- With Tlamatini's Executer/Pythonxer, use `execute_forked_window: true`;
with `execute_file`, request `foreground=True`; with Playwrighter, use
`headless: false` and sufficient `hold_open_seconds` for inspection.
- Never use hidden/minimized windows, `run_in_background`, detached jobs,
`CREATE_NO_WINDOW`, `DETACHED_PROCESS`, or `-WindowStyle Hidden` to perform
the requested work. A saved log or screenshot is not a substitute for visibility.
- Verify that the actual window is visible on the interactive desktop before
running the workload. A PID, successful launch call, or activation request
alone does not establish that. **If visibility cannot be confirmed, do not
execute the workload; explain the limitation to Angela.**
- Monitor long runs live. Read the live transcript every 5–15 seconds, report
meaningful progress or failures, and inspect the first error and application
log. Record the exit code and final result; never report unseen work as watched.
- Every new skill, runbook, harness and execution example must preserve this rule.
Legacy headless flags must be refused loudly and must never enable a hidden
browser. Review launch sites and fallbacks, not only default settings.

The linked policy contains the concrete launch instructions. It governs development and verification, including tests of background product
implementation. It does not require additional end-user service windows.

## Product UX boundary — clarified by Angela on 2026-09-27

The visibility rule governs our development work and verification. It must not
be imposed on end users as extra application windows. Internal chat dictation
runs without a separate console or foreground activation; its status belongs in
the chat and its diagnostics in Tlamatini's main console/log. Verify this product
behavior from a visible development console. Do not reintroduce a persistent
Whisperer PowerShell/conhost window or require its visibility to enable recording.

## Existing repository contracts

Read [CLAUDE.md](CLAUDE.md) and relevant documents indexed by
[docs/claude/INDEX.md](docs/claude/INDEX.md). Preserve unrelated local edits.
Never rewrite Git history. Do not modify the protected database backup/restore
mechanics unless Angela explicitly requests it in the current turn.

## Compact mode is a real switch (2026-10-02)

Since 2026-10-02 (shipped in `v1.75.0`, tag at `f7eb53ff`) the chat
toolbar's **Compact mode** box (`#compact-mode-enabled`; `agent/compact_mode.py`,
model `CompactState`, migration 0211) rewrites the REAL Configure rows:

- Ticking it unticks every MCP, tool, agent and skill row (Config ▸ Configure
MCPs, Configure Agents, ACPX-Skills) except **System-Metrics, Files-Search and
Current-Time**, and pauses the External MCPs (the active list is saved, then
restored). The user ticks back only what she needs; a Compact request binds
exactly the ticked tools. Unticking it ticks EVERY row again.
- **STRICT = locked ON:** a model that cannot hold everything activated switches
the box ON by itself and locks it (greyed, 🔒); the server refuses a forged
untick. A big model unlocks it and keeps Compact ON until the user unticks it.
- Saved Configure dialogs apply at once (`compact_mode.after_toggles_saved`);
there is no "restart the agent" any more. The old Compact badge and ACPX lock
are gone: ACPX tools ride along only when their rows are ticked AND the
toolbar's ACPX box is on.
- The gauge legend reads **CONTEXT-WINDOW** and may pass 100 % (`OVER`); a cut
request shows `CUT · read X of ≈Y tokens`, and its answer carries a
CONTEXT-WINDOW warning line. The Configure dialogs price every row
(`compact_costs.js`, `GET /agent/compact_mode/costs/`).
- Register every new built-in tool in **`tools.tool_gate_table()`**, the one
gate list that binding, Compact mode and the cost labels read.

Contract: [CLAUDE.md](CLAUDE.md) → *Compact mode*,
`docs/claude/architecture.md` → *Compact mode*,
`docs/claude/recent-fixes.md` (2026-10-02).

## Self-modify is a switch, only where it exists (2026-10-03)

The chat toolbar's **Self-modify** box (`#self-modify-toggle`, after Compact
mode; `self_modify_switch.js`; `CompactState.self_modify`, migration 0212, ON by
default) decides per request whether her self-knowledge (`Tlamatini.md`,
115,711 chars ≈ 28.9K tokens per request) is sent. It is on `main` right after the
`v1.75.0` tag (commit `70aeeb87`), not yet in a tag; a source run reports
`1.75.0`.

- **Who sees it:** `rag/config.self_modify_available()`. A source (dev) run of
this checkout is ALWAYS self-able; a frozen build only when
`build.py --self-modify` bundled `TlamatiniSourceCode/`. Otherwise the box and
its script are not rendered at all (`{% if self_modify_available %}`).
- **ON** sends the identity bullets and the whole `<self_knowledge>` section as
before; **OFF** replaces the bullets with `SELF_MODIFY_OFF_NOTICE` (she must
not read, edit or rebuild her own code) and drops the section. No marker is
ever left in a prompt.
- **Only when it fits:** a model that cannot hold it shows the box unticked,
greyed and 🔒, and the server refuses a forged tick. Her choice is never
rewritten; a big model unlocks it by itself. Compact mode's STRICT check is
measured WITHOUT the self-knowledge.
- ⚠️ **`build.py` ERASES `Tlamatini/db.sqlite3` and wipes `dist/`** before it
builds. Never run it just to "test the frozen mode"; `FrozenPageTests` render
the real chat page as a frozen build. Ask Angela before any real build.

Contract: [CLAUDE.md](CLAUDE.md) → *Self-modify*,
`docs/claude/architecture.md` → *The Self-modify switch*,
`docs/claude/recent-fixes.md` (2026-10-03).