Launch 8gent

Start the TUI from any project directory:

# Full command
8gent

# Short alias
8

8gent opens with a chat interface. The status bar at the bottom shows your active model, current git branch, and session mode.

Your First Task

Type a coding task in natural language. 8gent will plan the work using the BMAD method, then execute it step by step.

> Build a REST API with Express that has user CRUD endpoints and input validation

8gent will:

1. Plan - Break the task into numbered steps using BMAD planning
2. Execute - Write files, run commands, and install dependencies
3. Verify - Collect evidence that the code works (type checks, test runs, server starts)
4. Report - Summarize what was done with a completion report

You can watch the Kanban board update in real time by pressing /kanban during execution.

Basic Interactions

Chat Naturally

8gent understands conversational requests. You do not need special syntax for most tasks:

> Fix the TypeScript errors in src/auth.ts
> Add dark mode support to the settings page
> Refactor the database module to use connection pooling

Use Slash Commands

Slash commands control the TUI and agent behavior:

Ghost Suggestions

As you type, 8gent shows dim ghost text predicting your next command. These suggestions are context-aware:

• Git-aware - Suggests commits when you are on a branch with changes
• Plan-aware - Shows the next step from the active plan
• History-aware - Learns from your recent commands

Press Tab to accept a suggestion, or Esc to dismiss it.

Working with Files

8gent can read, write, and edit files in your project. It uses AST-first navigation to minimize token usage, fetching only the symbols it needs rather than reading entire files.

> Show me the outline of src/parser.ts
> What does the buildSymbolId function do?
> Add error handling to the processData function in src/utils.ts

When 8gent writes or edits files, it collects evidence (type checks, lint results) to verify the changes are correct. You will see pass/fail badges appear in the chat stream.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Next Steps

• Configuration - Customize models, providers, and behavior
• BMAD Method - Understand 8gent's structured planning approach
• TUI Guide - Master the terminal interface