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Core Concepts

Plan mode

Some tasks are cheaper to think through before anyone edits a file. Plan mode gives the work to a read-only agent, which reads the codebase and writes a plan you can review.

Start in plan mode

midas --agent plan
midas --agent plan-quick

Inside a session, use /agents to switch to a planner, or run one of the plan commands:

/deep-plan
/quick-plan
  • planRead-only planning on the strongest tier. Label: Deep Plan.
  • plan-quickThe same planning flow on the cheapest tier. Label: Quick Plan.
  • /deep-planDraft a plan with the plan agent. Alias: /plan-deep.
  • /quick-planDraft a plan with the plan-quick agent. Alias: /plan-quick.

What it can and cannot do

  • It can read files, search the codebase, and run read-only tools.
  • It cannot edit project files, run destructive commands, or change the repository.
  • It writes the plan, which you hand to the build agent.
  • It is a primary agent, so it can drive a whole session on its own.

When to use it

  • A change spans several files and you want the shape before the edits.
  • You are new to a codebase and want the work mapped out.
  • The task is ambiguous, and a plan is cheaper to correct than a diff.
  • You want a second opinion on the approach before the build agent starts.

Move to the build agent

When the plan looks right, switch to build with /agents, or start a new session with --agent build. The plan stays in the transcript, so the build agent can follow it.

Plan mode is a read-only boundary, not a separate model. It uses the same gateway and the same tools, with the edit tools denied. See Permissions and Agents.

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