beads

Coordinate multi-agent tasks across sessions with file locking and dependencies.

Updated Jan 9, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/maplin-co/ai-course --skill beads-maplin-co
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: beads
Source: https://github.com/maplin-co/ai-course/tree/main/.opencode/skill/beads
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/maplin-co/ai-course --skill beads-maplin-co

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill streamlines complex, multi-session, or multi-agent projects by providing robust tools for task coordination, dependency management, and file locking, ensuring efficient collaboration and progress tracking.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Hierarchical Task Management: Organize work into Epics, Tasks, and Subtasks for clear structure.
  • Dependency Tracking: Define and manage task dependencies to ensure work is done in the correct order.
  • File Locking: Prevent conflicts when multiple agents work on the same codebase by reserving files.
  • Multi-Agent Coordination: Facilitate communication and task assignment among different agents.
  • Use Case: A team of AI agents is building a new feature. One agent handles the backend API, another the frontend UI, and a third handles testing. Beads ensures the backend is ready before the frontend starts, and both are complete before testing begins, all while preventing agents from overwriting each other's code.

Quick Start

Initialize the beads environment for the 'project' team as a 'fe' role and claim the next available task.

Frequently Asked Questions about beads

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I manage multi-agent task coordination without agents overwriting shared files?

You can manage multi-agent coordination by organizing work into a hierarchical structure of Epics, Tasks, and Subtasks. This graph-based system provides clear task decomposition and progress tracking for complex projects involving multiple agents.

How does dependency tracking work for multi-agent workflows?

Dependency tracking enforces task execution order by defining relationships between tasks. This ensures agents complete prerequisite work, such as backend APIs, before dependent tasks like frontend integration or testing begin.

What is the best way to prevent file conflicts when multiple agents work on the same codebase?

File locking prevents conflicts by allowing agents to reserve specific files before modifying them. This coordination mechanism ensures no two agents can simultaneously edit the same file within a shared multi-agent project environment.

Can I use hierarchical task decomposition for complex multi-session projects?

Yes, hierarchical task decomposition supports complex multi-session projects by organizing work into Epics, Tasks, and Subtasks. This structure enables session protocols and robust progress tracking across multiple agents.

How do I initialize a multi-agent environment and assign roles to different agents?

You initialize the environment by defining a project team and assigning roles, such as a frontend role, to each agent. Agents then claim the next available task, executing structured claim, reserve, and done cycles for coordination.

When do I need a graph-based system for agent coordination?

A graph-based system for agent coordination is needed when complex projects involve multiple agents working on shared codebases. It provides essential dependency management, hierarchical task tracking, and file locking for seamless collaboration.