Task Lifecycle: From Intent to Verified Code
OpenExec doesn't just "write code." It treats AI agents as managed workers in a structured pipeline. Every task you run automatically progresses through a series of stages defined by a Blueprint.
This methodical approach ensures that every change is researched, executed, and independently verified before being finalized.
The Modern Model: Blueprint Engine
OpenExec uses a Blueprint Engine to define flexible execution graphs. The default blueprint for implementation (openexec run) uses a sequence of Deterministic (code-based) and Agentic (AI-based) stages.
Standard Execution Stages
| Stage | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| gather_context | Deterministic | Scans the repository, extracts relevant symbols, and assembles a context pack. |
| implement | Agentic | The primary AI model (Executor) generates code changes and applies them as patches. |
| lint | Deterministic | Runs the project's native linting tools (e.g., go vet, eslint, ruff). |
| fix_lint | Agentic | If linting fails, the AI analyzes the errors and attempts to fix them automatically. |
| test | Deterministic | Executes the relevant test suite to ensure no regressions were introduced. |
| fix_tests | Agentic | If tests fail, the AI iterates on the implementation until the tests pass. |
| review | Agentic | A final review stage where the AI summarizes the work and verifies it against the original task criteria. |
Legacy Model: 5-Phase Pipeline (Deprecated)
Earlier versions of OpenExec used a fixed 5-phase pipeline. While still supported for backward compatibility, new projects should use the Blueprint model.
- TD (Technical Design): Research and strategy formulation.
- IM (Implementation): Actual code modification.
- RV (Review): Independent quality audit.
- RF (Refinement): Post-review adjustments.
- FL (Finalize): Goal validation and state sync.
Fast-Track: Analytical Tasks
For tasks that are purely analytical (e.g., "Study the codebase", "Map orchestration boundaries"), OpenExec automatically activates a Fast-Track pipeline.
These tasks skip the implementation and testing stages entirely, moving directly from context gathering to the final summary.
Observation in the Dashboard
When a run is active, you can monitor these transitions in real-time via the Web Console:
- Active Stage: Highlighted in the execution loop.
- Logs: Real-time tail of agent reasoning and tool output.
- Audit Trail: Every transition and tool call is recorded in the immutable audit vault.