cf2e66b39e
* feat(#1708): typed documentation-sourced #853 dispatch-flatten Graduate the #853 orchestrator-backgrounding decision from a scattered RUNTIME==='codex' prose check to a typed, documentation-sourced engine decision. Adds a backgroundDispatch dispatch sub-axis (sourced per host: codex+cursor documented true, 9 documented false, 5 undocumented), shouldFlattenDispatch(dispatch) (inline UNLESS background && backgroundDispatch, fail-closed), and a gsd_run query dispatch-should-flatten the plan/execute workflows call. Cursor is newly background-eligible per its docs (inline->background) — a documentation-justified behavior change. No RUNTIME-name residue for this decision. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com> * docs(#1708): backgroundDispatch citations in matrix + CONTEXT note Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com> * fix(#1708): address review findings on typed dispatch-flatten Code/adversarial review: convert the manager.md/autonomous.md Compound Action preamble from hardcoded 'On Codex' to FLATTEN-based branching (the handlers already use the query; the preamble contradicted them and was wrong for cursor); make shouldFlattenDispatch null-safe + type-honest (accepts raw 'undocumented' registry values); make backgroundDispatch a required descriptor field (matching its siblings, all 16 carry it); strengthen the config.runtime behavioral test; update the bug-853 prose-pin test + comment. Security review clean; Codex confirmed no fail-open. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com> * test(#1708): backfill backgroundDispatch in role:runtime test fixtures Making backgroundDispatch a required descriptor field broke role:runtime fixtures in capability-manifest-version/capability-registry/host-integration-descriptors tests that build a dispatch object without it (caught by full gsd-test, not scoped npm test). Backfill backgroundDispatch:false into the well-formed fixtures; the deliberately-malformed 'required-field' test fixture is left malformed by design. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com> * test(#1708): update fix-1521 dispatch-gating assertion to the FLATTEN gate fix-1521 pinned the codex-specific run_in_background prose that #1708 graduated to the typed dispatch-should-flatten/FLATTEN gate. Update its assertions to verify FLATTEN=false gating (not a runtime name) + that the old RUNTIME===codex gate is gone. Caught by full gsd-test. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com> * docs(#1708): add changeset for typed dispatch-flatten Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com> * chore(#1708): remove stray temp PR-body file Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com> * test(#1708): add issue ref to bug-853 allow-test-rule annotations ADR-456 requires every allow-test-rule exemption to carry a see #NNN reference; the source-text-is-the-product annotations added when migrating the prose assertions lacked it (lint-tests CI gate). Add (see #1708). Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com> --------- Co-authored-by: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com>
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Host Integration Capability Matrix
This document is the maintainer-facing source of truth for the hostIntegration block in every
capabilities/<cli>/capability.json runtime descriptor. Every per-CLI axis value is either:
- documented — backed by a cited authoritative source and evidence quote, or
undocumented— the explicit fail-closed sentinel used when the CLI's public documentation does not state a value for that axis.undocumentedvalidates in the registry but never propagates into effective axes: negotiation degrades closed to the safe default.
Values are generated from per-CLI documentation research (Context7 + official docs). They are
consumed verbatim by gen:capability-registry and validated by capability-validator.cjs.
Axes legend
| Axis | Meaning |
|---|---|
embeddingMode |
Whether the CLI exposes an in-process programmatic API (imperative) or integrates purely through configuration files (declarative). |
commandSurface |
How slash commands are registered: slash-file (markdown), slash-toml (TOML), slash-programmatic (code API), palette, prose-only. |
modelMode |
Whether extensions can programmatically request or supply a model (active) or select only by config (passive). |
hookBus |
Who owns the hook lifecycle: host (the CLI fires hooks), engine (VS Code/Electron extension host), none. |
stateIO |
Filesystem access model: filesystem (full local FS), sandboxed-storage, session-log-append. |
transport |
Integration transport: mcp (Model Context Protocol), native-extension. |
runtime |
Plugin/extension execution runtime: node, bun, python, go, rust, electron, sandboxed-web, other. |
dispatch sub-axes
| Sub-axis | Meaning |
|---|---|
namedDispatch |
Whether agents can be invoked by name (true/false/undocumented). |
nested |
Whether subagents can themselves spawn subagents (true/false/undocumented). |
maxDepth |
Maximum nesting depth (integer; -1 = unbounded; undocumented). |
background |
Whether subagents can run asynchronously in the background (true/false/undocumented). |
subagentToolkit |
Tool surface available to subagents: full, read-only, or undocumented. |
backgroundDispatch |
Whether a BACKGROUND-dispatched sub-agent can itself spawn further named sub-agents — the #853 discriminator (true/false/undocumented). |
Interface points
| Point | Meaning |
|---|---|
command |
Slash-command routing and invocation capability. |
dispatch |
Subagent/multi-agent dispatch capability. |
model |
Programmatic model selection capability. |
hooks |
Lifecycle hook registration capability. |
state |
Filesystem/state I/O capability. |
artifact |
Artifact delivery (skills, commands) surface capability. |
claude
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | imperative | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/overview | "The Agent SDK offers hooks to execute custom code at critical points within the agent's lifecycle. These callback functions enable developer" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/slash-commands | "Each custom command is a markdown file where the filename (without the .md extension) becomes the command name. The file content defines w" |
| modelMode | passive | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/typescript | "setModel(model?: string): Changes the model (only available in streaming input mode) ... model overrides the default model for this subagent" |
| hookBus | host | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/python | "HookEvent = Literal['PreToolUse', 'PostToolUse', 'PostToolUseFailure', 'UserPromptSubmit', 'Stop', 'SubagentStop', 'PreCompact', 'Notificati" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sandboxing | "The sandboxed Bash tool restricts file system access, granting read and write access to the current working directory and session temp direc" |
| transport | mcp | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/mcp | "Project-Scoped MCP Server Configuration in .mcp.json ... This JSON structure illustrates the format for a project-scoped MCP server configur" |
| runtime | node | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/typescript | "import { query } from "@anthropic-ai/claude-agent-sdk"; ... pathToClaudeCodeExecutable (string) - Specifies the path to the Claude Code CLI" |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/subagents | "agents: { 'code-reviewer': AgentDefinition({ description: 'Expert code reviewer.', ... }) } ... subagent_type: block.inp" |
| dispatch.nested | true | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sub-agents | "As of Claude Code v2.1.172, a subagent can spawn its own subagents, allowing delegated tasks to split into parallel subt" |
| dispatch.maxDepth | 5 | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sub-agents | "foreground subagents can spawn at any depth, blocking their parent until completion. Background subagents are limited to" |
| dispatch.background | true | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sub-agents | "Subagents can run in the foreground, blocking the main conversation and passing permission prompts to you, or in the bac" |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | full | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sub-agents | "If all tools remain selected, the subagent inherits all tools available to the main conversation." |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | false | https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sub-agents | "Background subagents are limited to a depth of five and cannot spawn further, " |
Sources consulted:
- https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sub-agents
- https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/slash-commands
- https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/subagents
- https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/python
- https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/typescript
- https://code.claude.com/docs/en/agent-sdk/overview
- https://code.claude.com/docs/en/mcp
- https://code.claude.com/docs/en/sandboxing
- Context7 /websites/code_claude
- Context7 /llmstxt/code_claude_llms_txt
codex
Note: ADR-1239's host matrix lists Codex as
prose-only; current OpenAI Codex dev docs document slash-commands, socommandSurfaceisslash-filehere (docs are the source of truth).
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | declarative | https://developers.openai.com/codex/plugins/build | "No in-process programmatic API exists. Plugins integrate through: External command execution (hooks), MCP server processes, Configuration fi" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/main/codex-rs/core-skills/src/loader.rs | "const SKILLS_FILENAME: &str = "SKILL.md"; ... Each skill is a folder with a SKILL.md file containing YAML frontmatter with name and descript" |
| modelMode | passive | https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/main/codex-rs/config/src/config_toml.rs | "pub model_provider: Option ... model is selected by config field; no programmatic model request API" |
| hookBus | host | https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/main/codex/codex-rs/hooks/src/lib.rs | "pub const HOOK_EVENT_NAMES: [&str; 10] = ["PreToolUse", "PermissionRequest", "PostToolUse", "PreCompact", "PostCompact", "SessionStart", "Us" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://developers.openai.com/codex/concepts/sandboxing | "workspace-write: The default mode allowing Codex to read files, edit within the workspace, and run routine local commands inside that bounda" |
| transport | mcp | https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/main/codex-rs/config/src/config_toml.rs | "pub mcp_servers: HashMap<String, McpServerConfig> ... Definition for MCP servers that Codex can reach out to for tool calls." |
| runtime | node | https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/main/codex-cli/package.json | ""engines": {"node": ">=16"} ... The npm-distributed CLI wrapper is a Node.js script (#!/usr/bin/env node)" |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/main/codex-rs/core/src/tools/handlers/multi_agents_spec.rs | ""agent_type".to_string(), JsonSchema::string(Some(agent_type_description.to_string())) ... apply_role_to_config(&mut con" |
| dispatch.nested | true | https://developers.openai.com/codex/multi-agent | "agents.max_depth defaults to 1, which allows a direct child agent to spawn but prevents deeper nesting." |
| dispatch.maxDepth | 1 | https://developers.openai.com/codex/config-reference | "agents.max_depth: Maximum nesting depth allowed for spawned agent threads (root sessions start at depth 0; default: 1)" |
| dispatch.background | true | https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/main/codex-rs/core/src/tools/handlers/multi_agents_spec.rs | "spawn_agent returns the spawned agent id immediately; a separate wait_agent tool polls for final status." |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | full | https://developers.openai.com/codex/multi-agent | "Subagents inherit the sandbox policy and tool surface from the parent session." |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | true | https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/main/codex-rs/core/templates/collab/experimental_prompt.md | "Sub-agents have access to the same set of tools as you do so you must tell them if they are allowed to spawn sub-agents themselves or not." The config (codex-rs/config/src/config_toml.rs) exposes an |
Sources consulted:
- https://github.com/openai/codex (repo via gh CLI)
- /openai/codex (Context7 library ID)
- https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/main/codex-rs/config/src/config_toml.rs
- https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/main/codex-rs/core/src/tools/handlers/multi_agents_spec.rs
- https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/main/codex-rs/core-skills/src/loader.rs
- https://developers.openai.com/codex/config-reference
- https://developers.openai.com/codex/plugins/build
- https://developers.openai.com/codex/multi-agent
- https://developers.openai.com/codex/cli/slash-commands
Documentation gaps:
- dispatch.maxDepth is configurable (Option with no documented upper bound); the documented default is 1 but the actual enforced maximum is not stated.
- dispatch.subagentToolkit: docs say subagents 'inherit the tool surface' but do not enumerate whether any tools are excluded.
- runtime: the Node.js entry point is a thin launcher shim; the actual agent execution runtime is a compiled Rust binary — axis classification is ambiguous.
gemini
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | declarative | https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/packages/sdk/SDK_DESIGN.md | "This feature is currently not implemented. (repeated for both extension and subagent SDK APIs; all actual integration is via files: TOML com" |
| commandSurface | slash-toml | https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/cli/custom-commands.md | "Custom commands in Gemini CLI are defined in TOML format with the .toml file extension … Commands are invoked as slash commands in the CLI." |
| modelMode | passive | https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/hooks/reference.md | "BeforeModel Hook: Fires before sending a request to the LLM … hookSpecificOutput.llm_request (object) — An object that overrides parts of th" |
| hookBus | host | https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/hooks/reference.md | "Hooks function as host-fired events … The CLI fires events at predetermined lifecycle points [BeforeAgent, AfterAgent, BeforeTool, AfterTool" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/reference/configuration.md | "Local access by default with gitignore/geminiignore respect … Set to a boolean to enable or disable the sandbox" |
| transport | mcp | https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/tools/mcp-server.md | "Configure a Node.js MCP server using stdio … { "mcpServers": { "nodeServer": { "command": "node", "args": ["dist/server.js"] } } }" |
| runtime | node | https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/reference/configuration.md | "References to node-pty and child_process indicate JavaScript/Node.js execution environment" |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/core/subagents.md | "Example of a custom subagent definition file (.gemini/agents/security-auditor.md) … name: security-auditor" |
| dispatch.nested | false | https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/core/subagents.md | "Each subagent operates in an isolated context loop … This isolation also includes recursion protection, preventing subag" |
| dispatch.maxDepth | 1 | https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/core/subagents.md | "To prevent infinite loops and excessive token usage, subagents cannot call other subagents. … The architecture enforces" |
| dispatch.background | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/core/subagents.md, /google-gemini/gemini-cli (Context7 library) | — |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/core/subagents.md, /google-gemini/gemini-cli (Context7 library) | — |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | false | https://raw.githubusercontent.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/main/docs/core/subagents.md | "To prevent infinite loops and excessive token usage, subagents cannot call other subagents." Additionally: "If a subagent is granted the * tool wildcard, it will still be unable to see or invoke ot |
Sources consulted:
- https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/cli/custom-commands.md
- https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/core/subagents.md
- https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/hooks/reference.md
- https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/reference/configuration.md
- https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/docs/tools/mcp-server.md
- https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli/blob/main/packages/sdk/SDK_DESIGN.md
- /google-gemini/gemini-cli (Context7 library)
Documentation gaps:
- dispatch.background — docs describe subagents as operating in isolated context loops but do not state whether they execute synchronously or asynchronously.
- dispatch.subagentToolkit — subagents have a configurable tool grant model but no single fixed value of 'full' or 'read-only' is stated as the architecture-level constraint.
opencode
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | imperative | https://opencode.ai/docs/plugins | "Plugins are JavaScript/TypeScript modules that export plugin functions; they register hooks via `import type { Plugin } from '@opencode-ai/p'" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://opencode.ai/docs/commands | ""Create markdown files in the commands/ directory to define custom commands." and "The markdown file name becomes the command name." |
| modelMode | active | /anomalyco/opencode (Context7) — packages/plugin/src/v2/promise/README.md | "ctx.aisdk.sdk(async (event) => { ... event.sdk = mod.createXai(event.options) }) and `ctx.aisdk.language((event) => { ... event.language =" |
| hookBus | host | https://opencode.ai/docs/plugins | "Host fires events including: tool.execute.before, tool.execute.after, session.created, session.compacted, session.deleted" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://opencode.ai/docs/plugins | "Plugin context includes directory (working directory path), worktree (git worktree path), and $ ("Bun's shell API")" |
| transport | mcp | https://opencode.ai/docs/mcp-servers | ""OpenCode supports both local and remote servers." and "Once added, MCP tools are automatically available to the LLM"" |
| runtime | bun | https://opencode.ai/docs/plugins | ""$": Bun's shell API for executing commands" (plugin context property); "OpenCode runs bun install at startup"" |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://opencode.ai/docs/agents | ""Subagents can be invoked: Automatically by primary agents for specialized tasks based on their descriptions. Manually b" |
| dispatch.nested | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://opencode.ai/docs/agents | — |
| dispatch.maxDepth | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://opencode.ai/docs/agents | — |
| dispatch.background | false | https://github.com/sst/opencode/issues/5887 | ""Currently, sub-agent delegation in opencode appears to be synchronous or modal... There is no native 'fire-and-forget'" |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | full | https://opencode.ai/docs/agents | "The 'general' subagent "Has full tool access (except todo), so it can make file changes when needed."" |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | undocumented | no authoritative doc — https://github.com/anomalyco/opencode/issues/18100 and https://github.com/anomalyco/opencode/blob/dev/opencode/packages/opencode/src/tool/task.ts | Opencode supports background task dispatch via the Task tool's background: true parameter but whether a background-spawned agent can itself spawn further sub-agents is not documented. |
Sources consulted:
- https://opencode.ai/docs/plugins
- https://opencode.ai/docs/agents
- https://opencode.ai/docs/commands
- https://opencode.ai/docs/mcp-servers
- /websites/opencode_ai_plugins (Context7)
- /anomalyco/opencode (Context7)
- https://github.com/sst/opencode/issues/5887
Documentation gaps:
- dispatch.nested
- dispatch.maxDepth
cursor
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | imperative | https://cursor.com/docs/sdk/typescript | "local.customTools where you define tool functions that execute 'in your process, so it can reach anything your code can'; Agent.create()" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://cursor.com/docs/enterprise/llm-safety-and-controls | "Commands are reusable prompts invoked via slash commands (e.g., /test), while workflows enable multi-step processes" |
| modelMode | passive | https://cursor.com/docs/sdk/python | "The model used for a run can be overridden by passing a ModelSelection object in SendOptions to agent.send()." |
| hookBus | host | https://cursor.com/docs/hooks | "Agent hooks: sessionStart, sessionEnd, preToolUse, postToolUse, subagentStart, subagentStop, beforeShellExecution, afterShellExecution" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://cursor.com/docs/reference/sandbox | "Local agents run with sandbox options disabled by default." |
| transport | mcp | https://cursor.com/docs/mcp | "The Model Context Protocol (MCP) allows Cursor to connect to external tools and data sources." |
| runtime | node | https://cursor.com/docs/sdk/typescript | "The SDK runs on Node.js. It requires Node.js 22.13 or later and is described as a Node-first package." |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://cursor.com/docs/subagents | "Invoke specific subagents using slash commands in your prompt. This allows for direct control over which agent performs" |
| dispatch.nested | true | https://cursor.com/docs/sdk/typescript | "The top-level agent and its direct subagents can launch subagents, but a subagent launched by another subagent can't lau" |
| dispatch.maxDepth | 2 | https://cursor.com/docs/sdk/typescript | "The top-level agent and its direct subagents can launch subagents, but a subagent launched by another subagent can't lau" |
| dispatch.background | true | https://cursor.com/docs/subagents | "Background, which returns immediately while the subagent works independently, best for long-running tasks or parallel wo" |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | full | https://cursor.com/docs/subagents | "Subagents can utilize MCP tools, inheriting all tools available to their parent agent, including those from configured s" |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | true | https://cursor.com/docs/subagents (FAQ: Can subagents launch other subagents?) and https://cursor.com/docs/sdk/typescript (Subagents > Nested subagents) | FAQ: "As of Cursor 2.5, subagents have the capability to launch child subagents, enabling the creation of a hierarchical structure for coordinated tasks. This nested launching functionality requires T |
Sources consulted:
- https://cursor.com/docs/subagents
- https://cursor.com/docs/hooks
- https://cursor.com/docs/sdk/typescript
- https://cursor.com/docs/sdk/python
- https://cursor.com/docs/mcp
- https://cursor.com/docs/reference/sandbox
- https://cursor.com/docs/enterprise/llm-safety-and-controls
- /websites/cursor (Context7)
cline
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | imperative | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/docs/sdk/plugins.mdx | "Implement the AgentPlugin interface to register tools, hooks, and configuration. The setup function is used for registering capabilities." |
| commandSurface | slash-file | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/cline/apps/vscode/src/test/slash-commands.test.ts | "workflow markdown files (with .md, .markdown, or .txt extensions) are invoked as slash commands using their filename." |
| modelMode | active | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/sdk/packages/llms/README.md | "The Runtime API, accessible via createLlmsRuntime(...), allows for the creation of a registry that manages configured providers and their de" |
| hookBus | host | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/sdk/README.md | "Package agent capabilities as extensions (plugins) that can register tools, observe lifecycle events, and modify agent behavior." |
| stateIO | filesystem | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/cline/sdk/packages/shared/src/storage/paths.ts | "resolveClineDir() returns ~/.cline; resolveDocumentsExtensionPath('Workflows') returns ~/Documents/Cline/Workflows." |
| transport | mcp | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/docs/mcp/mcp-overview.mdx | "MCP (Model Context Protocol) enables Cline to interact with external tools and data sources" |
| runtime | node | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/sdk/examples/plugins/typescript-lsp/README.md | "Installs a portable subagent plugin ... cp examples/plugins/agents-squad/index.ts ~/.cline/plugins/portable-subagents.ts." |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/sdk/examples/plugins/agents-squad/README.md | "parent → start_subagent(preset: "phantom", task: "Map the auth module") → phantom: save_handoff(...)" |
| dispatch.nested | false | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/docs/features/subagents.mdx | "subagents are restricted from editing files, using the browser, accessing MCP servers, or creating nested subagents." |
| dispatch.maxDepth | 1 | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/docs/features/subagents.mdx | "They are explicitly prohibited from ... spawning other subagents." |
| dispatch.background | true | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/docs/features/subagents.mdx | "Commands executed by subagents run in the background and are strictly limited to read-only operations" |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | read-only | /cline/cline (Context7) — https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/docs/features/subagents.mdx | "Subagents are equipped with tools for read-only operations, including reading file contents (read_file), listing directo" |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | false | https://docs.cline.bot/features/subagents (mirrored at https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/docs/features/subagents.mdx) | "They cannot edit files, use the browser, or spawn nested subagents" — and from the GitHub source: "subagents are restricted from editing files, using the browser, accessing MCP servers, or creating n |
Sources consulted:
- https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/docs/sdk/plugins.mdx
- https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/sdk/README.md
- https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/sdk/packages/agents/README.md
- https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/sdk/examples/plugins/agents-squad/README.md
- https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/docs/features/subagents.mdx
- https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/docs/mcp/mcp-overview.mdx
- https://github.com/cline/cline/blob/main/sdk/packages/llms/README.md
- /cline/cline (Context7)
hermes
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | imperative | https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/guides/build-a-hermes-plugin | "ctx.register_tool() puts your tool in the registry — the model sees it immediately" |
| commandSurface | slash-programmatic | https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/guides/build-a-hermes-plugin | "ctx.register_command('mystatus', handler=_handle_status, description='Show plugin status') — The command appears in autocomplete, /help output" |
| modelMode | active | https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/guides/build-a-hermes-plugin | "register_provider(ProviderProfile(name=..., aliases=(...), display_name=..., env_vars=(...), base_url=..., auth_type=..., default_aux_model=" |
| hookBus | host | https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/user-guide/features/hooks | "Hermes owns and manages the entire hook infrastructure. At runtime, HookRegistry.discover_and_load() scans ~/.hermes/hooks/" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/user-guide/configuration | "The agent has the same filesystem access as your user account." |
| transport | mcp | https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/user-guide/features/mcp | "MCP support ships with the standard install — no extra step needed." |
| runtime | python | Context7 /nousresearch/hermes-agent | "The plugin and agent runtime is Python (confirmed by register(ctx) in init.py, importlib.import_module, run_agent.py, tools/registry.py)" |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | false | https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/user-guide/features/delegation | "The documentation contains no mention of named agents. Subagents are identified only by role ('leaf' or 'orchestrator')" |
| dispatch.nested | true | /nousresearch/hermes-agent (Context7) — configuration.md | "max_spawn_depth: 1 — Delegation tree depth cap (1-3, clamped). 1 = flat (default): parent spawns leaves that cannot dele" |
| dispatch.maxDepth | 1 | /nousresearch/hermes-agent (Context7) — configuration.md | "max_spawn_depth: 1 # Delegation tree depth cap (1-3, clamped). 1 = flat (default): parent spawns leaves that cannot dele" |
| dispatch.background | true | https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/releases/tag/v2026.6.19 | "delegate_task(background=true) dispatches a subagent that runs in the background and returns a handle immediately" |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | read-only | https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/guides/delegation-patterns | "Nested delegation is opt-in; by default, leaf subagents cannot call delegate_task, clarify, memory, send_message, or exe" |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | false | https://github.com/nousresearch/hermes-agent/blob/main/website/docs/user-guide/features/delegation.md (via Context7 query of /nousresearch/hermes-agent) | "Nested delegation is an opt-in feature, requiring role="orchestrator" for children and an increased max_spawn_depth from its default of 1. It can also be globally disabled with orchestrator_enabled |
Sources consulted:
- https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/user-guide/features/delegation
- https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/user-guide/features/hooks
- https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/user-guide/features/mcp
- https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/user-guide/configuration
- https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/guides/build-a-hermes-plugin
- https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/guides/delegation-patterns
- https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/releases/tag/v2026.6.19
- /nousresearch/hermes-agent (Context7)
Documentation gaps:
- runtime — Hermes plugins and agent core run in Python, but this was confirmed by code inspection rather than explicit docs statement.
- dispatch.namedDispatch — docs explicitly confirm no named-agent dispatch in delegate_task; Kanban has named profiles but that is a separate board system not a dispatch mechanism.
antigravity
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | declarative | https://github.com/alphaperseii3000/google-antigravity-docs/blob/master/google-antigravity-docs.md | "Skills require a SKILL.md file; Workflows are saved as markdown files; Rules are manually defined constraints — all configuration-file-based" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://github.com/alphaperseii3000/google-antigravity-docs/blob/master/google-antigravity-docs.md | "Workflows are saved as markdown files, providing a repeatable method for executing key processes. They can be invoked in the Agent using a s" |
| modelMode | passive | https://dev.to/arindam_1729/antigravity-cli-a-hands-on-guide-to-googles-terminal-coding-agent-5bc7 | "Selection occurs via -m flag or /model command inside the TUI. No programmatic model request API is documented for extensions/skills" |
| hookBus | host | https://www.aibuilderclub.com/blog/antigravity-cli-guide | "The CLI fires hooks, not the engine. These are JSON lifecycle interceptors (before tool call, after file edit, on session start)." |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://www.explainx.ai/blog/antigravity-cli-features-sandbox-plugins-subagents-2026 | "Plugin staging at ~/.gemini/antigravity-cli/plugins//; skills at ~/.gemini/antigravity-cli/skills/" |
| transport | mcp | https://dev.to/arindam_1729/antigravity-cli-a-hands-on-guide-to-googles-terminal-coding-agent-5bc7 | "Both local (stdio) and remote (HTTP) Model Context Protocol servers are supported" |
| runtime | go | https://developers.googleblog.com/an-important-update-transitioning-gemini-cli-to-antigravity-cli/ | "Built in Go, Antigravity CLI is snappier and more responsive." |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://www.aibuilderclub.com/blog/antigravity-cli-guide, https://antigravity.google/docs/agents | — |
| dispatch.nested | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://antigravity.google/docs/agents | — |
| dispatch.maxDepth | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://antigravity.google/docs/agents | — |
| dispatch.background | true | https://developers.googleblog.com/an-important-update-transitioning-gemini-cli-to-antigravity-cli/ | "Antigravity CLI orchestrates multiple agents for complex tasks in the background" |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://www.explainx.ai/blog/antigravity-cli-features-sandbox-plugins-subagents-2026 | — |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | undocumented | no authoritative doc — Multiple sources consulted: antigravity.google/docs/cli-subagents (returned blank/JS-rendered), antigravity.google/docs/agent (blank), github.com/google-antigravity/antigravity-cli README, Context7 /google-antigravity/antigravity-cli | All documentation consulted describes a two-level orchestrator→subagent architecture. Background subagents run asynchronously while the main agent continues accepting prompts. The DataCamp tutorial st |
Sources consulted:
- https://github.com/alphaperseii3000/google-antigravity-docs/blob/master/google-antigravity-docs.md
- https://developers.googleblog.com/an-important-update-transitioning-gemini-cli-to-antigravity-cli/
- https://dev.to/arindam_1729/antigravity-cli-a-hands-on-guide-to-googles-terminal-coding-agent-5bc7
- https://www.explainx.ai/blog/antigravity-cli-features-sandbox-plugins-subagents-2026
- https://www.aibuilderclub.com/blog/antigravity-cli-guide
- https://antigravity.google/docs/agents
- https://antigravity.google/docs/hooks
Documentation gaps:
- dispatch.namedDispatch — docs describe dynamic plain-English goal dispatch where agent names subagents at runtime; no pre-registered named sub-agent API documented.
- dispatch.nested — no documentation found on whether subagents can themselves spawn further subagents.
- dispatch.maxDepth — no documented depth limit or explicit unbounded statement found.
- dispatch.subagentToolkit — docs describe a permissions approval model but do not explicitly state 'full' vs 'read-only' toolkit scope for subagents.
augment
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | declarative | https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/plugins | "Plugins can provide several types of components, including Custom Commands defined in Markdown files within the commands/ directory... Hoo" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/plugins | "Slash commands are Markdown files in the commands/ directory. The filename becomes the command name" |
| modelMode | passive | https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/subagents | " |
| hookBus | host | https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/hooks | "Hook event types: PreToolUse (before a tool executes), PostToolUse (immediately after a tool completes), Stop (when the agent stops respondi" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://github.com/augmentcode/auggie | "Node.js 22+ required. Hook configurations use ${AUGMENT_PLUGIN_ROOT}" |
| transport | mcp | https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/plugins | "Auggie supports a plugin system that allows you to extend its functionality with... MCP server integrations." |
| runtime | node | https://github.com/augmentcode/auggie | "Node.js 22+ required" |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/subagents | " |
| dispatch.nested | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/subagents | — |
| dispatch.maxDepth | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/subagents | — |
| dispatch.background | true | https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/subagents | "Subagents run in parallel with other subagents... will show a summary of their current progress in the main thread." |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | full | https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/subagents | "If neither [tools nor disabled_tools] is specified, the subagent has access to all tools (default behavior)." |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | undocumented | no authoritative doc — https://docs.augmentcode.com/cosmos/automations | The Augment Code (Cosmos) docs describe workers as 'sub-agents launched mid-session by a manager Expert using the worker-launch command. Each worker is its own session with its own messages and permis |
Sources consulted:
- https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/plugins
- https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/hooks
- https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/subagents
- https://docs.augmentcode.com/cli/sdk-typescript
- https://docs.augmentcode.com/setup-augment/mcp
- https://github.com/augmentcode/auggie
- /llmstxt/augmentcode_llms-full_txt (Context7)
Documentation gaps:
- dispatch.nested
- dispatch.maxDepth
qwen
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | imperative | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/developers/channel-plugins | "Your entry point exports a ChannelPlugin object... this.registerCommand('mycommand', async (envelope, args) => { ... }); ... plugins load at startup as extensions." |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/extension/introduction | "Extensions can provide custom commands by placing Markdown files in a commands/ subdirectory" |
| modelMode | passive | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/developers/channel-plugins | "The documentation does not expose a direct API for plugins to invoke the LLM or model directly." |
| hookBus | host | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/features/hooks | "Qwen Code provides 14 distinct hook events: PreToolUse, PostToolUse, PostToolUseFailure, UserPromptSubmit, SessionStart, SessionEnd, Stop" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/developers/channel-plugins | "Runtime Environment: Node.js only. The architecture uses standard Node.js APIs: import, async/await, file I/O (writeFileSync), OS utilities" |
| transport | mcp | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/developers/tools/mcp-server | "Qwen Code integrates with MCP servers through a sophisticated discovery and execution system" |
| runtime | node | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/developers/channel-plugins | "Language: Node.js (TypeScript/JavaScript). Execution model: In-process — plugins load at startup as extensions." |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/features/sub-agents/ | "Named subagents are invoked when the AI identifies tasks matching their specialization... Users can also explicitly requ" |
| dispatch.nested | false | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/features/sub-agents/ | "Fork children cannot create further forks. This is enforced at runtime — if a fork attempts to spawn another fork, it re" |
| dispatch.maxDepth | 1 | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/features/sub-agents/ | "Fork children cannot create further forks. This is enforced at runtime" |
| dispatch.background | true | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/features/sub-agents/ | "Runs in background, parent continues immediately... Forks run parallel to the parent; the main conversation continues im" |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | full | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/features/sub-agents/ | "When omitted, the subagent inherits all available tools from the parent session." |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | false | https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/features/sub-agents/ (official Qwen Code documentation, 'Subagents' user guide page) and https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/design/fork-subagent/fork-subagent-design (Qwen Code fork-subagent design document, section '4. Recursive Fork Prevention') | The official user-facing Qwen Code docs state verbatim: "Fork children cannot create further forks. If a fork attempts spawning another fork, it receives an error instructing direct task execution ins |
Sources consulted:
- https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/developers/channel-plugins
- https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/features/sub-agents/
- https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/features/hooks
- https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/extension/introduction
- https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/developers/tools/mcp-server
- /websites/qwenlm_github_io_qwen-code-docs_en (Context7)
- /qwenlm/qwen-code (Context7)
Documentation gaps:
- dispatch.nested — docs only restrict fork-type sub-agents from nesting; whether named sub-agents can themselves spawn named sub-agents is not stated.
- dispatch.maxDepth — depth=1 is documented only for fork sub-agents; depth for named sub-agent chains is undocumented.
codebuddy
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | declarative | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/plugins-reference | "Commands are 'plain Markdown file[s]' located in commands/ by default ... a skill is a directory containing a SKILL.md ... The documentation" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/plugins-reference | "Commands are 'plain Markdown file[s]' located in commands/ by default ... Skills are prefixed with this (e.g., /my-first-plugin:hello)" |
| modelMode | passive | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/sdk | "The SDK is not for building plugins that run inside CodeBuddy. It's an external SDK for standalone applications" |
| hookBus | host | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/hooks | "Full support for the hook event family (27+ events), covering tool lifecycle (PreToolUse / PostToolUse / PostToolUseFailure)" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/settings | "Storage operates in non-sandboxed mode by default ... Default: Full filesystem access governed by permission rules" |
| transport | mcp | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/cli-reference | "MCP (Model Context Protocol) is built-in as a core feature ... codebuddy mcp command to 'Configure Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers'" |
| runtime | node | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/sdk | "TypeScript/JavaScript: Node.js >= 18.20 ... npm install @tencent-ai/agent-sdk" |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/sub-agents | "Sub-agents can be invoked explicitly by name: 'Request a specific sub-agent by mentioning it in your command'" |
| dispatch.nested | false | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/sub-agents | "This prevents infinite nesting of agents (sub-agents cannot spawn other sub-agents)" |
| dispatch.maxDepth | 1 | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/sub-agents | "The architecture enforces exactly one level of nesting — only the main CodeBuddy Code instance can invoke sub-agents." |
| dispatch.background | true | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/sub-agents | "Launch a background agent using the run_in_background: true parameter ... Tasks return immediately with an ID" |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | full | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/sub-agents | "By default, sub-agents inherit all tools when the tools field is omitted ... Sub-agents can access MCP tools from config" |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | false | https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/sub-agents | "This prevents infinite nesting of agents (sub-agents cannot spawn other sub-agents)" — the restriction is stated as universal in the Sub-Agents documentation page. The daemon/background docs (https:/ |
Sources consulted:
- https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/plugins
- https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/plugins-reference
- https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/sub-agents
- https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/hooks
- https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/sdk
- https://www.codebuddy.ai/docs/cli/settings
- /websites/codebuddy_cn (Context7)
copilot
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | declarative | https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/agents/copilot-cli/comparing-cli-features | "Declarative elements include custom instructions, skills, custom agents, and plugin configurations—all defined through configuration files" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/agents/copilot-cli/comparing-cli-features | "Skills: Markdown files with instructions for specific contexts. Users can invoke via slash commands (e.g., /Markdown-Checker check README.md)" |
| modelMode | passive | https://github.com/github/copilot-sdk/blob/main/docs/auth/byok.md | "Model selection via config: model: 'gpt-4.1', provider: { type: 'openai', ... }." |
| hookBus | host | https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/reference/hooks-reference | "Hooks allow you to extend and customize the behavior of GitHub Copilot agents by executing custom shell commands at key points during agent" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-mcp-servers | "Configuration file Location: ~/.copilot/mcp-config.json. Hook config files stored in .github/hooks/*.json" |
| transport | mcp | https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-mcp-servers | "Copilot CLI comes with the GitHub MCP server already configured. STDIO is the standard transport." |
| runtime | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://github.com/github/copilot-cli/blob/main/README.md, https://github.com/github/copilot-sdk/blob/main/nodejs/README.md | — |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://github.com/github/copilot-sdk/blob/main/docs/features/custom-agents.md | "A custom agent is a named agent configuration that includes its own prompt and tool set. A sub-agent is a custom agent i" |
| dispatch.nested | false | https://awesome-copilot.github.com/learning-hub/agents-and-subagents/ | "By default, subagents do not keep spawning additional subagents." |
| dispatch.maxDepth | 1 | https://awesome-copilot.github.com/learning-hub/agents-and-subagents/ | "Depth counts how many agents are nested within one another. When the depth limit is reached, the innermost agent cannot" |
| dispatch.background | true | https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/speed-up-task-completion | "Allow Copilot to use subagents and work autonomously to implement the plan without any further input." |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | full | https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/create-custom-agents-for-cli | "By default, custom agents have access to all tools. If you restrict an agent's access, a tools specification is added" |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | false | https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/agents/subagents | "By default, subagents cannot spawn further subagents. This prevents infinite recursion when agents accidentally call themselves in a loop." The setting chat.subagents.allowInvocationsFromSubagents |
Sources consulted:
- https://github.com/github/copilot-cli/blob/main/README.md (via Context7 /github/copilot-cli)
- https://github.com/github/copilot-sdk/blob/main/docs/features/custom-agents.md (via Context7 /github/copilot-sdk)
- https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/customize-copilot/add-mcp-servers
- https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/reference/hooks-reference
- https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/concepts/agents/copilot-cli/comparing-cli-features
- https://awesome-copilot.github.com/learning-hub/agents-and-subagents/
Documentation gaps:
- runtime — docs describe the CLI binary and the SDK (Node.js/Go/Python/Rust) but do not state what runtime the CLI host itself or its plugin/extension loader executes in.
- dispatch.nested exact authoritative source is awesome-copilot.github.com (community docs) not docs.github.com.
kilo
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | imperative | https://kilo.ai/docs/automate/extending/plugins | "Plugins extend Kilo by hooking into events and adding functionality. They can: add custom tools the model can call (like read, write, bash)" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://kilo.ai/docs/customize/workflows | "Workflows, also known as slash commands, allow users to automate repetitive tasks by defining step-by-step instructions" |
| modelMode | active | https://kilo.ai/docs/automate/extending/plugins | "provider — dynamically supply model catalogs. auth — register OAuth or API-key flows for model providers. chat.params — Mutate temperature" |
| hookBus | host | https://kilo.ai/docs/automate/extending/plugins | "event — fires for every internal bus event. Session: session.created, session.updated, session.idle, session.error, session.deleted" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://kilo.ai/docs/contributing/architecture | "Local execution and hosted execution are separate boundaries. Local runtime instances are Directory-keyed runtime context" |
| transport | mcp | https://kilo.ai/docs/automate/mcp/what-is-mcp | "Kilo Code implements the Model Context Protocol to connect to both local and remote MCP servers" |
| runtime | bun | https://kilo.ai/docs/automate/extending/plugins | "npm plugins are installed automatically at startup using Bun. Plugin context includes $ (Bun shell). Plugins are TypeScript or JavaScript mo" |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://kilo.ai/docs/customize/custom-subagents | "Configured subagents can be invoked automatically by primary agents (like the Orchestrator) using the Task tool" |
| dispatch.nested | true | https://github.com/Kilo-Org/kilocode/issues/7055 | "A subagent can still call the task tool if its merged permissions contain an explicit task rule, which enables nested su" |
| dispatch.maxDepth | -1 | https://github.com/Kilo-Org/kilocode/issues/8637 | "there is no maximum nesting depth and the system relies entirely on permission gating" |
| dispatch.background | true | https://kilo.ai/docs/code-with-ai/agents/orchestrator-mode | "Agents are also capable of launching multiple subagent sessions concurrently to facilitate parallel processing." |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://kilo.ai/docs/customize/custom-subagents | — |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | false | https://kilo.ai/docs/automate/tools/new-task | "Importantly, subagents cannot spawn further subagents; only primary agents can use the new_task tool." |
Sources consulted:
- https://kilo.ai/docs/automate/extending/plugins
- https://kilo.ai/docs/customize/custom-subagents
- https://kilo.ai/docs/customize/workflows
- https://kilo.ai/docs/automate/mcp/what-is-mcp
- https://kilo.ai/docs/code-with-ai/agents/orchestrator-mode
- https://kilo.ai/docs/contributing/architecture
- https://github.com/Kilo-Org/kilocode/issues/7055
- https://github.com/Kilo-Org/kilocode/issues/8637
- /websites/kilo_ai (Context7)
Documentation gaps:
- dispatch.subagentToolkit — docs describe per-subagent configurable permissions (allow/ask/deny) but do not document a single default toolkit level (full vs read-only) for subagents that lack explicit permission overrides.
windsurf
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | declarative | https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/cascade | "Cascade operates through configuration files rather than code plugins: .codeiumignore for file filtering, Memories and Rules for customizing" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/workflows | "Workflows are authored as markdown files (.md extension) … triggered through slash commands using the format /[workflow-name]." |
| modelMode | passive | https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/models.md | "Models are selectable via configuration/UI only (SWE-1.5, SWE-1.6, Adaptive, Arena tiers, Claude, GPT)." |
| hookBus | host | https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/hooks.md | "Cascade supports twelve hook events covering critical workflow points … Pre-hooks (can block actions): pre_read_code, pre_write_code, pre_ru" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/cascade | "Cascade can create and modify codebases directly … File access can be restricted through .codeiumignore files" |
| transport | mcp | https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/mcp | "Cascade now natively integrates with MCP, allowing you to bring your own selection of MCP servers for Cascade to use." |
| runtime | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://docs.devin.ai/windsurf/plugins/getting-started.md, /llmstxt/windsurf_llms-full_txt (Context7) | — |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://docs.devin.ai/cli/subagents.md, https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/agent-command-center.md | — |
| dispatch.nested | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://docs.devin.ai/cli/subagents.md | — |
| dispatch.maxDepth | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://docs.devin.ai/cli/subagents.md | — |
| dispatch.background | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/acp.md, https://docs.devin.ai/cli/subagents.md | — |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://docs.devin.ai/cli/subagents.md | — |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | undocumented | no authoritative doc — https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/cascade and https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/devin-local (official Windsurf/Devin docs, via docs.windsurf.com redirects) | The Windsurf/Cascade docs describe a background planning agent only in these terms: "In the background, a specialized planning agent continuously refines the long-term plan while your selected model f |
Sources consulted:
- https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/workflows
- https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/mcp
- https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/hooks.md
- https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/cascade/cascade
- https://docs.devin.ai/desktop/models.md
- https://docs.devin.ai/windsurf/plugins/getting-started.md
- https://docs.devin.ai/cli/subagents.md
- /llmstxt/windsurf_llms-full_txt (Context7)
Documentation gaps:
- dispatch.namedDispatch — Cascade docs do not document a user-facing named sub-agent dispatch system.
- dispatch.nested — no documentation for nested sub-agent support in Windsurf Cascade.
- dispatch.maxDepth — no documented depth limit for Cascade sub-agents.
- dispatch.background — Cascade has an internal background planning agent but no documented user-facing background sub-agent dispatch.
- dispatch.subagentToolkit — no documentation for toolkit restrictions on Cascade sub-agents.
- runtime — Windsurf IDE is Electron-based but no programmatic plugin runtime is documented to developers.
trae
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | imperative | https://traeide.com/docs/how-to-manage-extensions-in-trae-ide | "Trae IDE is a VSCode fork; 'If an extension isn't available in Trae's store, you can install it from VS Code's marketplace' — inherits VSCode in-process extension model" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://docs.trae.ai/ide/skills | "Skills stored as SKILL.md files in '.trae/skills/{skill_name}/' directory; 'Trae allows you to manually trigger skills if needed'" |
| modelMode | passive | https://docs.trae.ai/ide/models | "Model selection via UI: 'click on the current model name to open the model list'; no programmatic model/LLM request API documented for plugins" |
| hookBus | engine | https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44703164 | "Trae is 'ByteDance's VSCode fork' built on Electron/Monaco; inherits VSCode extension host lifecycle (activate/deactivate hooks, event subsc" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://traeide.com/news/6 | "Rules at '.trae/project_rules.md', skills at '.trae/skills/', MCP config at '.trae/mcp.json'; 'codebase files always remain on your local de" |
| transport | mcp | https://docs.trae.ai/ide/model-context-protocol | "Page title from official docs: 'In TRAE IDE, MCP servers support three transport types' — MCP is built-in" |
| runtime | node | https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44703164 | "Trae is a VSCode fork built on Electron; 'Electron is designed to create desktop applications… a backend using the Node.js runtime'" |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://docs.trae.ai/ide/agent | "Agents in Trae 'can be called individually, or automatically called by SOLO Agent at the corresponding stage'" |
| dispatch.nested | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://docs.trae.ai/ide/solo-mode, https://docs.trae.ai/ide/agent | — |
| dispatch.maxDepth | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://docs.trae.ai/ide/solo-mode | — |
| dispatch.background | true | https://news.aibase.com/news/22829 | "SOLO 'supports multi-tasking, allowing you to work on multiple development tasks simultaneously'; 'run multiple agents i" |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://docs.trae.ai/ide/agent | — |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | undocumented | no authoritative doc — https://docs.trae.ai/ide/agent; https://github.com/bytedance/trae-agent/blob/main/docs/roadmap.md | Trae's official documentation (docs.trae.ai) and the trae-agent GitHub roadmap do not document background/async agent dispatch or whether a background-spawned agent can itself spawn further sub-agents |
Sources consulted:
- https://docs.trae.ai/ide/model-context-protocol
- https://docs.trae.ai/ide/agent
- https://docs.trae.ai/ide/skills
- https://docs.trae.ai/ide/solo-mode
- https://docs.trae.ai/ide/solo-coder
- https://traeide.com/news/6
- https://traeide.com/docs/how-to-manage-extensions-in-trae-ide
- https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44703164
- https://news.aibase.com/news/22829
Documentation gaps:
- dispatch.nested — docs describe two-tier orchestration (SOLO → named agents) but do not state whether a spawned sub-agent can itself spawn further sub-agents.
- dispatch.maxDepth — no integer depth limit documented beyond one orchestrator level.
- dispatch.subagentToolkit — docs say agents can be configured with 'callable MCP services and other capabilities' but do not state whether sub-agents receive a full vs. restricted tool set.
kimi
| Axis | Value | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| embeddingMode | imperative | https://context7.com/moonshotai/kimi-cli/llms.txt | "from kimi_cli.app import KimiCLI, enable_logging ... instance = await KimiCLI.create(session, agent_file=myagent) ... class Ls(CallableTool2)" |
| commandSurface | slash-file | https://github.com/moonshotai/kimi-cli/blob/main/docs/en/customization/skills.md | "/skill:code-style ... /flow:code-review — Skills are SKILL.md markdown files with YAML frontmatter that become /skill: and /flow:" |
| modelMode | passive | https://github.com/moonshotai/kimi-cli/blob/main/docs/en/configuration/providers.md | "Use the /model command to switch between available models and thinking modes ... --model option overrides the default model" |
| hookBus | host | https://moonshotai.github.io/kimi-cli/en/customization/hooks.html | "Core: Add hooks system (Beta) — configure [[hooks]] in config.toml to run custom shell commands at 13 lifecycle events including `PreToo" |
| stateIO | filesystem | https://github.com/MoonshotAI/kimi-cli | "Kimi Code CLI is an AI agent that runs in the terminal ... capable of reading and editing code, executing shell commands, searching files" |
| transport | mcp | https://github.com/moonshotai/kimi-cli/blob/main/docs/en/reference/kimi-mcp.md | "kimi mcp add ... --transport stdio |
| runtime | python | https://context7.com/moonshotai/kimi-cli/llms.txt | "from kimi_cli.app import KimiCLI ... from kosong.tooling import CallableTool2 — CLI core is Python" |
| dispatch.namedDispatch | true | https://moonshotai.github.io/kimi-cli/en/customization/agents.html | "subagents:\n coder:\n path: ./coder-sub.yaml\n description: "Handle coding tasks"\n reviewer:\n path: ./reviewer-sub.yaml" |
| dispatch.nested | false | https://moonshotai.github.io/kimi-cli/en/customization/agents.html | "All subagent types are prohibited from nesting the Agent tool (subagents cannot create their own subagents). Only root" |
| dispatch.maxDepth | 1 | https://moonshotai.github.io/kimi-cli/en/customization/agents.html | "All subagent types are prohibited from nesting the Agent tool (subagents cannot create their own subagents). Only root" |
| dispatch.background | true | https://moonshotai.github.io/kimi-cli/en/customization/agents.html | "Subagents support foreground and background modes. The run_in_background parameter allows tasks to execute asynchronou" |
| dispatch.subagentToolkit | undocumented | no authoritative doc — searched: https://moonshotai.github.io/kimi-cli/en/customization/agents.html | — |
| dispatch.backgroundDispatch | false | https://github.com/moonshotai/kimi-cli/blob/main/docs/en/customization/agents.md (also mirrored at https://moonshotai.github.io/kimi-cli/en/customization/agents.html) | "All subagent types are prohibited from nesting the Agent tool, meaning subagents cannot create their own subagents. Only the root agent has access to the Agent tool for launching further subagent |
Sources consulted:
- https://moonshotai.github.io/kimi-cli/en/customization/hooks.html
- https://moonshotai.github.io/kimi-cli/en/customization/agents.html
- https://github.com/MoonshotAI/kimi-cli
- https://github.com/moonshotai/kimi-cli/blob/main/docs/en/customization/skills.md
- https://github.com/moonshotai/kimi-cli/blob/main/docs/en/customization/agents.md
- https://github.com/moonshotai/kimi-cli/blob/main/docs/en/reference/kimi-mcp.md
- https://context7.com/moonshotai/kimi-cli/llms.txt
- /moonshotai/kimi-cli (Context7)
Documentation gaps:
- dispatch.subagentToolkit — docs show three built-in subagent types each with different tool subsets (coder=full, explore=read-only, plan=no shell/write); no single 'full' or 'read-only' value covers all types; maintainer should clarify the intended classification.
- runtime — CLI core is Python; a Rust Wire implementation also exists; docs do not state a canonical plugin extension runtime.