# Autobuilder Documentation

Comprehensive documentation for the autobuilder — an autonomous AI-powered build loop that turns product specs into running applications through iterative cycles of review, planning, and execution.

## Guides

| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| [Tutorial](tutorial.md) | Short walkthrough: register in `config.json`, launch, monitor, steer, stop |
| [Architecture](architecture.md) | System overview, module dependencies, design decisions, data flow |
| [Configuration](configuration.md) | All three config layers: `config.json`, `config.yaml`, `.env` |
| [Review System](review-system.md) | How reviews work: modes, strategies, screenshots, journal |
| [Iteration Lifecycle](iteration-lifecycle.md) | Step-by-step walkthrough of a single iteration |
| [Tasks and Initiatives](tasks-and-initiatives.md) | Two-tier work hierarchy: initiatives (specs) and tasks (work items) |
| [Hooks](hooks.md) | Optional hook system for customizing the build loop |
| [Skills](skills.md) | AI agent skill system: what each skill does and how to create custom ones |
| [Steering](steering.md) | How to steer a running project: backlog, spec edits, config changes |
| [Python Modules](python-modules.md) | Module reference: every function, constant, and data structure |
| [Troubleshooting](troubleshooting.md) | Common issues and their solutions |

## Quick Start

New to autobuilder? Start with the [Tutorial](tutorial.md). For setup and launch details, see the main [README](../README.md).

## Key Concepts

- **Project** — An application to build or improve. Configured in `config.json`.
- **Initiative** — A bounded product spec with its own `spec.md`, constraints, and tasks.
- **Task** — A granular, one-commit work item. Flows through `created → planned → executed`.
- **Iteration** — One cycle of the daemon: review → plan → execute → push.
- **Strategy** — A testing angle for the review phase (e.g., error-handling, deep-dive).
- **Hook** — An optional script that runs at specific points in the iteration lifecycle.
- **Skill** — An instruction set that the AI agent reads at runtime.
