Principles

​

Simple

• Prefer simple solutions that are easy to use.
• Only add a feature when it is clear that it will add concrete value.
• Lean on existing Claude Code capabilities when possible.

​

Opinionated

• Swarm is opinionated to work in a specific way with specific tools.
  • It is an anti-goal working with arbitrary external tools.
• Tool choices:
  • Claude Code
  • GitHub, Git, Git Worktrees
  • Graphite (stacked PRs)
  • Linear (task management)
• Anti-choices:
  • No support for Anthropic’s remote Claude instances. The environment is too locked down and interferes with Swarm’s ability to run normal git commands.

​

Autonomous

• Design to allow agents to operate autonomously.
• Work should be done in the background and reviewed later.

​

Remote

• A remote connection is required. Swarm does not support local only.

​

Configuration

• Attempt to keep all configuration in a single file: .swarm/config.yaml
  • Use .swarm/config.local.yaml for local only overrides