git:20260507.8dfdcb4 to git:20260507.9f5be95

---

name: formula-authoring

description: Author TOML-based Formula workflow templates that become Protomolecules and active Molecules in Gas Town's durable workflow system.

allowed-tools: Read, Write, Edit, Bash, Grep, Glob, WebFetch, WebSearch, Agent, AskUserQuestion

graph:

domains: [domain:software-engineering]

skillAreas: [skill-area:agentic-loops, skill-area:orchestration-loop]

workflows: [workflow:feature-development]

topics: [topic:developer-experience]

roles: [role:tech-lead, role:backend-engineer]

- Creating multi-step processes with variable binding

- Building workflows that must survive restarts

- When NDI (Nondeterministic Idempotence) is needed

## Process

1. **Define** formula steps and variables in TOML format

2. **Validate** formula structure and dependencies

3. **Cook** into protomolecule (resolve variables, freeze)

4. **Test** by instantiating a trial molecule

5. **Register** in the formula library for reuse

## Formula Lifecycle

```

Formula (TOML template) -> Protomolecule (frozen) -> Molecule (active, durable)

```

## Key Concepts

- **Formula**: TOML-based workflow template with variables

- **Protomolecule**: Frozen template ready to instantiate

- **Molecule**: Active durable workflow surviving restarts

- **NDI**: Nondeterministic Idempotence - useful outcomes from unreliable processes

## Tool Use

Invoke via babysitter process: `methodologies/gastown/gastown-molecule`