docs(#2628): update bash tool descriptions, docs, and system prompt for the todo model (trim impl details for agent)

This commit is contained in:
damocles 2026-07-22 17:34:12 +02:00
commit 3188e50ab8
5 changed files with 67 additions and 70 deletions

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@ -233,13 +233,12 @@ Under `/var/lib/hyperhive/agents/<name>/`:
(full captured output). `hive-c0re::bash_tasks_vacuum` runs
hourly and deletes terminal task trios older than 48 hours;
non-terminal (still-running) tasks are never deleted by vacuum.
- `mcp-loose-ends/` — JSON files published by external MCP daemons
(e.g. `hive-bash-mcp`, `hive-matrix-mcp`) listing their active
loose-end summary strings. Each file is `<daemon>.json` containing
a JSON array of plain-text lines. Read by `get_loose_ends` to
surface active background work without hardcoding per-MCP
knowledge in the harness. Files are created/removed by the
external daemons themselves.
- `hyperhive-todos.sqlite` — loose-ends-v2 todo store. In-container
MCP daemons (`hive-bash-mcp`, `hive-matrix-mcp`) and `forge_notify`
upsert keyed todos here over the harness's in-agent socket
(`HIVE_AGENT_SOCKET`); the harness merges them into `get_loose_ends`
output and clears a row on `mark_todo_done`. Replaced the old
file-based `mcp-loose-ends/` scanner.
- `hyperhive-events.sqlite` — turn-loop event log.
- `hyperhive-turn-stats.sqlite` — per-turn timing stats.
- `hyperhive-model` — single-line model name override file.

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@ -13,24 +13,24 @@ invocation regardless of tool groups.
Submit a shell command for background execution (runs via `bash`).
Stdout and stderr stream to `harness/bash-tasks/<id>.{out,err}`.
When the task completes (or times out, or the process errors), the
harness fires a wake with `from: "bash-task-<id>"`; the body contains
the exit code and last stdout lines. Handle the completion on a future
turn — unless `wait_seconds` already delivered the terminal result
inline, in which case the wake is suppressed (see `status` below).
When the task completes (or times out, or the process errors), it
surfaces as a todo in the agent's loose-ends (via `get_loose_ends`),
carrying the exit code and a `Read(<path>)` pointer to the captured
output. Handle it on a future turn — unless `wait_seconds` already
delivered the terminal result inline, in which case no todo is created
(see `status` below).
* `timeout_secs` — kill the task after N seconds and mark it
`timed_out`. Omit for no timeout (runs until natural exit).
* `wait_seconds` — inline poll before returning (capped at 30).
When the task finishes within the window the full status is
returned immediately and no wake is fired; when the window expires
returned immediately and no todo is created; when the window expires
the task keeps running and the normal `task started: id=<id>`
response is returned. **Defaults to 3** — pass `wait_seconds: 0`
to disable inline waiting and always get the immediate response.
* `name` — optional caller-chosen task id. When set it replaces the
auto-generated hex id, so it surfaces in the wake `from`
(`bash-task-<name>`), in `status(<name>)` lookups, and in the
loose-ends list — a memorable label instead of an opaque id. A name
auto-generated hex id, so it surfaces in `status(<name>)` lookups and
the loose-ends list — a memorable label instead of an opaque id. A name
is **reusable once its previous task has finished**; submitting a
name whose task is still `pending`/`running` is rejected. Allowed
characters: ASCII letters, digits, `.`, `_`, `-` (max 64). Omit for
@ -52,15 +52,14 @@ finishes within the window the full status is returned immediately.
Useful to avoid a separate round-trip when the task is expected to
finish soon.
Any `status` call (waited or not) that observes a terminal task
suppresses that task's completion wake — you already have the result
in this response, so no redundant `bash-task-<id>` inbox message
follows (#2270). Narrow best-effort race: a `status`/`run` inline wait
that resolves in the same instant the task actually finishes can still
occasionally get both.
Any `status` call (waited or not) that observes a terminal task clears
that task's completion todo — you already have the result in this
response, so no redundant loose-end follows. Narrow best-effort race: a
`status`/`run` inline wait that resolves in the same instant the task
actually finishes can still occasionally get both.
Tasks marked `interrupted` had their process killed by a harness
restart; a best-effort wake was still sent so the agent is not
restart; a best-effort todo is still surfaced so the agent is not
silently blocked.
Exposed as `mcp__bash__status`.
@ -68,8 +67,8 @@ Exposed as `mcp__bash__status`.
### `kill(id, force?)`
Stop a running or pending task by its ID (from `run`). Fire-and-forget:
sends the signal and returns without waiting — handle the completion
wake (`from: "bash-task-<id>"`) on a future turn.
sends the signal and returns without waiting — the completion surfaces
in the agent's loose-ends; handle it on a future turn.
- `force: false` (default) — SIGINT to the task's **process group**
(graceful; lets the process clean up). The whole process group is
@ -79,7 +78,7 @@ wake (`from: "bash-task-<id>"`) on a future turn.
If a SIGINT'd task doesn't exit, call `kill` again with `force: true`.
A still-pending task is cancelled before it starts. The task ends as
`killed` and fires the usual completion wake.
`killed` and surfaces in the loose-ends like any completion.
Exposed as `mcp__bash__kill`.
@ -97,7 +96,7 @@ matrix MCP:
- **`hive-bash-daemon`** — long-running process (one per agent container,
systemd service in `nix/agent-modules/mcp.nix`). Owns subprocess management,
output file writing, `mcp-loose-ends/` state, and wake signal delivery.
output file writing, and todo delivery on the harness's in-agent socket.
Listens on `/run/hive-bash/socket` inside the container.
- **`hive-bash-mcp`** — stdio bridge spawned by claude per turn (declared
@ -108,13 +107,17 @@ matrix MCP:
This split keeps claude's turn-local MCP bridge lightweight while the
daemon tracks long-running tasks that outlive a single turn.
### Transient wake (bypass broker sqlite)
### Completion as a todo (loose-ends v2)
When a bash task finishes, `hive-bash-daemon` sends the wake signal via
the agent's per-agent socket as a **transient wake** (`AgentRequest::Wake`
with `transient: true`). This bypasses broker sqlite for lower latency —
the same mechanism used by matrix events. The message is delivered
directly to the harness without touching the persistent message store.
When a bash task changes state, `hive-bash-daemon` upserts a single keyed
todo (`key = task id`) on the harness's in-agent socket (`HIVE_AGENT_SOCKET`)
— "running" at start, then the completion summary when it finishes. The
summary change signals the harness turn loop directly (in-process, no broker
round-trip), so the agent is driven a turn to handle it via `get_loose_ends`,
then clears the todo with `mark_todo_done`. Same mechanism the matrix daemon
uses for unread rooms. An inline `wait_seconds` / `status` observation that
already delivered the result instead clears the keyed todo, so no redundant
loose-end follows.
## Relationship to the `execution` tool group

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@ -90,17 +90,16 @@ returned by `get_loose_ends` so unread rooms surface in the
loose-ends list between turns.
**Invite wakes**: when the daemon's sync loop receives an
`m.room.member` invite event, it writes the invite to
`mcp-loose-ends/matrix.json` and fires a hyperhive wake. The daemon
does **not** auto-join — the agent calls `list_invites` to see pending
`m.room.member` invite event, it upserts a todo (keyed `invite:<room>`)
on the harness's in-agent socket, which drives a turn. The daemon does
**not** auto-join — the agent calls `list_invites` to see pending
invites and `resolve_invite` to accept or reject them.
**Pending invites as loose ends**: pending invites are written to
`mcp-loose-ends/matrix.json` and appear in `get_loose_ends` output as
**Pending invites as loose ends**: pending invites are upserted as
keyed todos and appear in `get_loose_ends` output as
`[matrix] pending invite: <room> — use list_invites to see,
resolve_invite to accept or reject`. The file is updated atomically
after each invite event and after each `resolve_invite` (or
`join_room`) call clears the entry.
resolve_invite to accept or reject`. The keyed todo is cleared when a
`resolve_invite` (or `join_room`) call resolves the invite.
See [`docs/matrix.md`](../matrix.md) for the homeserver setup,
provisioning flow, and federation config.

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@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ Tools (hyperhive surface):
- (some agents only) **extra MCP tools** surfaced as `mcp__<server>__<tool>` — these are agent-specific (matrix client, scraper, db connector, etc.) declared in your `agent.nix` under `hyperhive.extraMcpServers`. Treat them as first-class tools alongside the hyperhive surface; the operator already auto-approved them at deploy time.
- `mcp__hyperhive__ask(question, options?, multi?, ttl_seconds?, to?)` — surface a structured question to the human operator (default, or `to: "operator"`) OR a peer agent (`to: "<agent-name>"`). Returns immediately with a question id — do NOT wait inline. When the recipient answers, a system message with event `question_answered { id, question, answer, answerer }` lands in your inbox; handle it on a future turn. Use this for clarifications, permission for risky actions, choice between options, or peer Q&A without burning regular inbox slots. `options` is advisory: a short fixed-choice list when applicable, otherwise leave empty for free text. `multi: true` lets the answerer pick multiple (checkboxes), answer comes back comma-joined. `ttl_seconds` auto-cancels with answer `[expired]` (and `answerer: "ttl-watchdog"`) when the decision becomes moot.
- `mcp__hyperhive__answer(id, answer)` — answer a question that was routed to YOU. You'll see one in your inbox as a `question_asked { id, asker, question, options, multi }` system event when a peer or the operator calls `ask(to: "<your-name>", ...)`. The answer surfaces in the asker's inbox as a `question_answered` event. Strict authorisation: you can only answer questions where you are the declared target.
- `mcp__hyperhive__get_loose_ends(agent?)` — list your loose ends: unanswered questions where you're asker (waiting on someone) or target (owing a reply), plus reminders you've scheduled that haven't fired. No args to list your own threads — cheap server-side sweep useful at turn start. Pass `agent: "<name>"` to inspect a peer agent's threads. Direct child agents are always accessible. For non-children, the `query_agent_state` capability is required — without it the request is rejected with an error.
- `mcp__hyperhive__get_loose_ends(agent?)` — list your loose ends: unanswered questions where you're asker (waiting on someone) or target (owing a reply), reminders you've scheduled that haven't fired, plus in-container todos surfaced by your MCP daemons (finished/running background bash tasks, unread matrix rooms, forge threads). No args to list your own threads — cheap server-side sweep useful at turn start. Pass `agent: "<name>"` to inspect a peer agent's threads. Direct child agents are always accessible. For non-children, the `query_agent_state` capability is required — without it the request is rejected with an error.
- `mcp__hyperhive__cancel_loose_end(kind, id)` — cancel one of your own open threads. `kind` is `"question"` (the asker — you, in this case — gets a `[cancelled by <you>]` answer so the waiter unblocks), `"reminder"` (hard-deleted before it fires), or `"approval"` (withdraws a pending approval you submitted that got superseded — root agent only; the server rejects this kind for all other callers). `id` from the matching `get_loose_ends` row or the original submission reply.
- `mcp__hyperhive__remind(message, delay_seconds? | at_unix_timestamp?, file_path?)` — schedule a message to land in your _own_ inbox at a future time (sender shows as `reminder`). Set exactly one of `delay_seconds` (relative) or `at_unix_timestamp` (absolute). Use for self-paced follow-ups instead of blocking a whole turn on a long `recv` wait. A large `message` auto-spills to a file under `/agents/{label}/state/reminders/`; pass `file_path` to point at one yourself. Each agent's pending-reminder count is capped (default 50) — the tool will error if the cap is already reached.
- `mcp__hyperhive__set_status(text)` — set a free-text status visible on the operator dashboard. **Call this at the start of every task** to say what you're working on (e.g. `"processing matrix messages"`, `"fixing #319 model priority"`, `"idle"`). Single line, ≤200 chars — the dashboard renders this as a short chip, so longer multi-line text is rejected. Pass an empty string to clear. Persists across harness restarts.

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@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ fn render_bash_run(id: &str, resp: Result<DaemonResponse>) -> String {
/// immediately re-waiting on the same task.
const BASH_IDLE_WAIT_HINT: &str = "\n\nThe task is still running — your wait timed out before it \
finished. If you have other useful work, do that and check back later (the task keeps running, and \
a wake fires when it completes) rather than immediately re-waiting.";
it surfaces in your loose-ends when it completes) rather than immediately re-waiting.";
/// Turn a `DaemonResponse` from a `BashStatus` call into the string
/// claude sees as the tool result. When `waited` is set (the call
@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ fn render_bash_kill(resp: Result<DaemonResponse>) -> String {
let sig = payload["signal"].as_str().unwrap_or("SIGINT");
format!(
"task `{id}`: {sig} sent to its process group; it transitions to `killed` \
once the process exits and the usual completion wake fires."
once the process exits and then surfaces in your loose-ends."
)
} else {
format!("task `{id}` was pending — cancelled before it started.")
@ -180,17 +180,16 @@ struct BashRunArgs {
timeout_secs: Option<u64>,
/// Optional inline wait: `run` polls for up to `wait_seconds`
/// (capped at 30) before returning. When the task finishes within the
/// window the full status is returned immediately and no wake is fired;
/// when the timeout expires the task keeps running and the normal
/// `task started: id=<id>` response is returned. Defaults to 3s. Pass
/// `0` to disable inline waiting and always get the immediate response.
/// window the full status is returned immediately (nothing to handle
/// later); when the timeout expires the task keeps running and the
/// normal `task started: id=<id>` response is returned. Defaults to 3s.
/// Pass `0` to disable inline waiting and always get the immediate response.
#[serde(default = "default_wait")]
wait_seconds: Option<u64>,
/// Optional task name. When set it becomes the task id, so it appears
/// in the completion wake (`from: "bash-task-<name>"`), in `status`
/// lookups, and in the loose-ends list — handy for recognising a task
/// later instead of an opaque hex id. A name can be reused once its
/// previous task has finished; reusing a name whose task is still
/// in `status` lookups and your loose-ends list — handy for recognising
/// a task later instead of an opaque hex id. A name can be reused once
/// its previous task has finished; reusing a name whose task is still
/// running is rejected. Allowed chars: ASCII letters, digits, `.`,
/// `_`, `-` (max 64). Omit to get the auto-generated id.
#[serde(default)]
@ -237,21 +236,18 @@ struct BashMcp;
impl BashMcp {
#[tool(
description = "Run a shell command in the background. Returns a task ID immediately — \
do NOT wait inline. When the command finishes, the harness fires a wake with \
`from: \"bash-task-<id>\"` carrying the exit status plus a `Read(<path>)` \
pointer to the captured `.out`/`.err` files (not the output text itself \
read only what you need); handle it on a future turn. Use `status` to poll the task status within \
the same turn if needed. `timeout_secs` defaults to `None` (no timeout) \
task runs until natural exit; pass an explicit value to kill after N seconds. \
Pass `wait_seconds` (capped at 30) to wait inline for fast commands: when the \
task finishes within the window the full status is returned immediately and no \
wake is fired; when the timeout expires the task keeps running and the normal \
`task started: id=<id>` response is returned. `wait_seconds` defaults to 3; \
pass `wait_seconds: 0` to disable inline waiting and always get the immediate \
response. Pass `name` to label the task with a memorable id (used in the wake \
`from`, `status` lookups, and the loose-ends list) instead of an opaque hex id; \
a name is reusable once its prior task has finished, and rejected while one is \
still running."
do NOT wait inline. When the command finishes it surfaces as a todo in your \
loose-ends (the exit status plus a `Read(<path>)` pointer to the captured \
`.out`/`.err` files read only what you need); handle it on a future turn. Use \
`status` to poll within the same turn if needed. `timeout_secs` defaults to \
`None` (no timeout) task runs until natural exit; pass a value to kill after \
N seconds. Pass `wait_seconds` (capped at 30) to wait inline for fast commands: \
if the task finishes within the window you get the full status immediately \
(nothing to handle later); otherwise it keeps running and you get \
`task started: id=<id>`. Defaults to 3; pass `0` to disable inline waiting. \
Pass `name` to label the task with a memorable id (shown in `status` lookups \
and your loose-ends) instead of an opaque hex id; reusable once the prior task \
has finished, rejected while one is still running."
)]
async fn run(&self, Parameters(args): Parameters<BashRunArgs>) -> String {
let req = DaemonRequest::BashRun {
@ -297,8 +293,8 @@ impl BashMcp {
signalled, so a runaway child (cargo/nix/etc.) is stopped too, not just the shell. \
Fire-and-forget: sends the signal and returns without waiting. If a SIGINT'd task \
doesn't exit, call kill again with `force: true` to SIGKILL. A still-pending task \
is cancelled before it starts. The task ends as `killed` and fires the usual \
completion wake."
is cancelled before it starts. The task ends as `killed` and surfaces in your \
loose-ends like any completion."
)]
async fn kill(&self, Parameters(args): Parameters<BashKillArgs>) -> String {
let req = DaemonRequest::BashKill {