FAQ
Is SMALL a framework?
No. SMALL is a protocol. Tools can implement it, but the contract is the product.
Is SMALL an agent?
No. SMALL makes agent work resumable and auditable. Execution is handled by whatever tool you already use.
Do I need a server or database?
No. SMALL is file-based. Git is enough.
Do I have to use the small CLI?
No. The CLI is a reference implementation. Any tool can produce valid SMALL artifacts.
Does SMALL prevent failure?
No. SMALL assumes failure. It prevents failure from destroying context and continuity.
Can I use SMALL with Cursor / Claude / ChatGPT?
Yes. SMALL is designed to sit underneath any model or editor.
Why is SMALL single-agent?
SMALL is single-agent because determinism and safety break down immediately in multi-agent systems.
Multiple agents introduce:
- Conflicting intent
- Non-deterministic execution order
- Hidden decision boundaries
- Emergent behavior that cannot be audited
SMALL chooses correctness over coordination.
By constraining execution to a single agent, every action remains explainable, reviewable, and reversible.
Does SMALL support multi-agent workflows?
No.
Multi-agent behavior is explicitly out of scope for SMALL v0.x.
However, multiple SMALL projects can be coordinated externally using:
- Human-defined workflows
- CI pipelines
- Message queues
- Or higher-level orchestration systems
Each SMALL instance remains single-agent, deterministic, and auditable.
Can I use Claude Code, Cursor, or other AI tools with SMALL?
Yes.
AI tools may be used as decision assistants, but they do not execute actions directly.
In SMALL:
- The AI proposes actions
- The human or system approves intent
- The SMALL CLI executes explicitly defined commands
- All execution is recorded in artifacts
SMALL governs execution. AI assists reasoning.