beads

Track multi-session tasks and dependencies with a git-backed graph model.

26.2k|1.8k|Updated Oct 12, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/steveyegge/beads --skill beads-steveyegge
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: beads
Source: https://github.com/steveyegge/beads/tree/main/skills/beads
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/steveyegge/beads --skill beads-steveyegge

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Beads provides a persistent memory layer for AI agents, storing tasks, dependencies, and decisions in a git-backed graph. It helps agents resume multi-session work without losing context, even after conversation compaction.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Graph-based memory: Track what blocks what, relationships, and epic/subtasks.
  • Compaction survivability: Context is preserved when chat history is trimmed.
  • Git-backed memory: Versioned, branchable memory that teams can sync.
  • Smart discovery: Quickly surface ready work with bd ready, see blockers, and audit changes.
  • Audit trails & metadata: Track status history, decisions, and rationale.

Quick Start

Install Beads CLI, initialize in your repo, and start tracking work:

  • Install Beads CLI in your environment (via npm, brew, or install script).
  • In your repository, run bd init to create the .beads store.
  • Create a task or epic with bd create "Your task" -p 1 --type task.
  • Use bd ready, bd show <id>, and bd update to manage progress.

Frequently Asked Questions about beads

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I maintain task memory across AI chat sessions without losing context?

Beads provides persistent task memory by storing work, dependencies, and decisions in a git-backed graph. Tasks survive conversation compaction and session resets, letting AI agents resume multi-session projects without relearning context.

How do I track dependencies and blockers in a multi-session project?

Beads tracks block, related, parent-child, and discovered-from dependencies using a graph model. Use `bd ready` to surface unblocked work, `bd show` to inspect relationships, and `bd dep` to manage blockers across sessions.

Can I use git to version and sync my task memory across teams?

Yes. Beads stores all tasks, dependencies, and audit trails in a git-backed .beads store, making memory versionable, branchable, and syncable across team members and environments.

What's the best way to organize long-running projects with complex task dependencies?

Beads organizes work using priority, type, labels, and a dependency graph. Create tasks with `bd create`, assign priority and type, link dependencies with `bd dep`, and use `bd ready` to step through ready work systematically.

How do I audit task changes and decisions over time?

Beads maintains audit trails and status history for every task. View change history and rationale using `bd show` to understand why decisions were made and how work evolved across sessions.