Environment Awareness

Overview

The most common AI agent failure mode: running Linux commands on Windows, using npm when the project uses pnpm, ignoring active virtual environments. Every wrong command wastes time and can cause real damage.

Core principle: DETECT the environment before issuing ANY shell command. One probe now prevents ten failed commands later.

No exceptions. No workarounds. No shortcuts.

The Prime Directive

NO SHELL COMMANDS WITHOUT KNOWING THE TARGET ENVIRONMENT

If you have not confirmed OS, shell, and package manager, you are not authorized to run commands.

When to Use