02 · How it works

How it works

One task, worked on a separate copy of your project. You approve every program it wants to run. Your tests decide whether it worked. The change stays on its own branch until you merge it.

You set one taskIn your terminal: > fix the failing test. You choose the AI provider and use your own API key.
It works on a separate copyEphemeral Code creates a task copy of your project (a git worktree on its own branch). Your working folder is not touched.
It asks before any program runsIn Manual mode, every command (tests, git) is shown in plain words: what, where, for which task. You answer Allow, Refuse or Details. Nothing is preselected.
Your tests decide“Fixed and verified” appears only when the verification passed. The model’s own comment is shown separately, marked “not verified”.
The change stays as a commitThe result is committed on the task’s branch — the commit asks for your approval too. Bringing it into your project (git merge) is up to you.

Ephemeral Code

> fix the failing test

● Thinking
● Read src/lib.rs
● Edit src/lib.rs (+1 −1)

╭─ Run a program? ─────────────────────╮
  cargo test
  in: task copy · for: fix the failing test
    1. Allow   2. Refuse   3. Details
╰──────────────────────────────────────╯

Illustration · not a recording

Where the engine runs

On your computer, or on a server you control. Requests to the AI provider leave only after you say yes for that exact provider, address and model; a local model needs no network.

Coming: MCP

Planned: using Ephemeral Code as an MCP server, from assistants and editors that support MCP (Model Context Protocol). It is not available yet.

What it will not do

Run something silently

In Manual mode no program starts without your answer. With a local engine you can also choose Auto, where only a short read-only list runs without asking. Auto with a remote engine: coming.

Say “done” without tests

A task is reported as fixed only after the verification step passed.

Merge into your branch

Your branch is never changed for you. You review the commit and merge it yourself.