---
source_hash: 3bf5139f4ad40563bddc69cada250d068f832e2abc9e77df6d4c31dedbbc585c
post: /posts/ari-os/overview
shape: doctrinal
---

# Context Pack: What ARI-OS is

Agent reference for the rewritten overview. Only the quoted excerpts are verbatim. The original June 2026 guide concerned version 2.0.0 on Claude Code; public source checked at commit 85bba5fccf42549b0507bc852ac8aaf47844b812 declares 2.3.0 and additional targets.

## Verbatim excerpts

> Moving a task away from your main conversation doesn't transfer your responsibility for the result.

> Larger jobs still need more careful boundaries and checks.

> You direct and review. The workers execute.

## Working contract

The human shapes the outcome, holds judgement and decides whether to ship. Workers execute defined tasks and return evidence. The six-stage loop is brainstorm, plan, dispatch, monitor, review, ship. Review may send work back to dispatch; an unclear requirement sends it back to the plan. Task size does not cease to matter merely because the loop is familiar.

The four pillars remain:

1. Spec-first: write the outcome and acceptance conditions before implementation.
2. Background dispatch: detached bounded tasks leave the main session available.
3. Handoff continuity: preserve decisions, evidence, files and next steps for another session. A handoff's existence alone does not establish complete continuity.
4. Live local Cortex brain: durable local memory with retrieval of relevant prior context. Optional remote backends are separate from local storage and can process material elsewhere.

A one-off task needs a bounded brief and acceptance check. A repeated workflow merits reusable inputs, stages, outputs and review points. Start with the smallest arrangement that serves the job.

## Version, requirements and licence

This walkthrough follows Claude Code and requires the installed Python package with dependencies. Optional capabilities have backend requirements. Do not repeat the old pack's unsupported claim that Claude Code is the only prerequisite. Newer installer targets do not imply identical feature support across harnesses.

The exact licence is PolyForm Noncommercial License 1.0.0. Source availability is not an unrestricted-use promise. Version 2.0.0 is historical, not the current version claim.

## References

- [Repository](https://github.com/PUSHINGSQUARES/ARI-OS).
- [Install guide](/documents/ari-os/install).
- [Daily surface](/documents/ari-os/using-it).
- [Local brain](/documents/ari-os/brain).
- Retained components: two diagrams, the four-pillar SurfaceList, TaskVsWorkflow and Pullquote.