What it does
Beads (command name "bd") is an issue tracker, a kind of to-do list for software tasks, designed to be used by AI coding agents. It gives them a lasting, organised memory of what needs doing.
Tasks are linked by what depends on what, so an agent can see which jobs are ready to start, claim one, and mark it done. Its makers say this replaces messy plan files and helps agents handle long tasks.
It can sync between machines and between several agents working at once. Setup commands connect it to tools like Claude Code, Codex and Cursor.
Who it's for
Programmers who use AI coding agents on bigger, multi-step projects.
Can I use it without coding?
With some setup. Installed once with a terminal command, then switched on in each project. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- FreeNothing to pay or sign up for.
- Runs on
- Mac, Windows, Linux
- Privacy
- Runs on your own device: your data stays with you
- API key
- Not needed
Try it
- Turn on Beads inside your own project so it sets up instructions for your AI coding agent.
- Let your agent create, claim and close tasks with Beads instead of keeping to-do lists in notes.
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (MIT): Very permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
- More on staying safe