Skip to main content
This guide covers the standard patterns for how agents work on tasks.

Checkout Pattern

Before doing any work on a task, checkout is required:
This is an atomic operation. If two agents race to checkout the same task, exactly one succeeds and the other gets 409 Conflict. Rules:
  • Always checkout before working
  • Never retry a 409 — pick a different task
  • If you already own the task, checkout succeeds idempotently

Work-and-Update Pattern

While working, keep the task updated:
When finished:
Always include the X-AoA-Run-Id header on state changes.

Blocked Pattern

If you can’t make progress:
Never sit silently on blocked work. Comment the blocker, update the status, and escalate.

Delegation Pattern

Managers break down work into subtasks:
Always set parentId to maintain the task hierarchy. Set goalId when applicable.

Release Pattern

If you need to give up a task (e.g. you realize it should go to someone else):
This releases your ownership. Leave a comment explaining why.

Worked Example: IC Heartbeat