Beads

Overview

bd is a graph-based issue tracker for persistent memory across sessions. Use for multi-session work with complex dependencies; use TodoWrite for simple single-session tasks.

When to Use bd vs TodoWrite

Use bd when:

• Multi-session work - Tasks spanning multiple compaction cycles or days
• Complex dependencies - Work with blockers, prerequisites, or hierarchical structure
• Knowledge work - Strategic documents, research, or tasks with fuzzy boundaries
• Side quests - Exploratory work that might pause the main task
• Project memory - Need to resume work after weeks away with full context

Use TodoWrite when:

• Single-session tasks - Work that completes within current session
• Linear execution - Straightforward step-by-step tasks with no branching
• Immediate context - All information already in conversation