Description
Beads is an agent skill that provides persistent task memory through a graph-based issue tracker called bd, backed by Dolt. It is for work that spans many sessions and has dependencies between tasks, and it keeps that memory after the conversation is compacted, so an agent does not lose track of the work. The skill includes a decision test: if you will need the context in two weeks, use bd, and if the task is a single-session linear list, use the ephemeral TodoWrite list instead. The bd tracker suits multi-session work, dependencies and team sync through Dolt, while TodoWrite is tied to the conversation. The skill lists its prerequisites and points to a boundaries document with a detailed comparison of the two. It is part of the gastownhall beads project, and it is listed on skills.sh with clean security audits.…
Highlights
- Graph-based issue tracker that survives conversation compaction
- Tracks dependencies across multi-session work
- Dolt-backed team sync
- Decision test for choosing bd or a single-session list
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beads FAQ
What does beads track?
Issues and their dependencies, kept as persistent memory for work that spans sessions.
When should I use bd instead of a todo list?
When the work spans sessions, has dependencies, or you will need the context later. The skill's test is whether you will need it in two weeks.
How does it sync between people?
The skill names Dolt-backed team sync as one of bd's strengths.
How do I install it?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/gastownhall/beads --skill beads in your terminal. The skill lists its prerequisites.
Is it free?
The listing shows the skill as free.
What security audits has it passed?
skills.sh lists three audits: Gen Agent Trust Hub Pass, Socket Pass and Snyk Pass.
What are the best beads alternatives?
Popular alternatives to beads include agent-browser, hyperframes and ponytail. See all beads alternatives