# Plugin reference

Start with the [plugin quickstart](/docs/plugins) to create your first plugin.

Migrating an existing plugin? Follow the standalone [runtime-entry migration guide](/docs/plugins/migration).

Local plugins are directory sources installed into one alp daemon. A plugin can contribute:

- React Native surfaces and sidebar items to alp clients;
- workspace and agent panels opened as workspace tabs;
- global, workspace, and agent actions in the Command Center;
- slash commands in the message composer;
- transformed and daemon-pushed agent timeline rows;
- light and dark themes in Settings → Appearance;
- schema-validated RPC handlers running beside the daemon;
- normal alp operations through the TypeScript SDK;
- searchable external resources in the message composer.

Plugin code is trusted and unsandboxed. Client surfaces run in the alp app. Backend contributions run in a subprocess with access to the daemon machine, including its files, processes, credentials, and network.

## Project files

`alp plugin init /absolute/path/to/my-plugin` creates:

```text
my-plugin/
  paseo-plugin.json
  index.client.tsx
  index.server.ts
  client/greeting.tsx
  server/greeting.ts
  shared/greeting.ts
  package.json
  tsconfig.json
```

The required root manifest is `paseo-plugin.json`:

```json
{
  "id": "my-plugin",
  "description": "Reviews changes before merge",
  "requirements": { "paseo": ">=0.8.0" }
}
```

| Field          | Required | Behavior                                                               |
| -------------- | -------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `id`           | Yes      | Default installation ID.                                               |
| `description`  | No       | Non-empty summary shown below the plugin ID in **Settings → Plugins**. |
| `requirements` | No       | Supported alp versions, described below.                               |
| `build`        | No       | Preparation commands, described in the CLI reference.                  |

### Requirements

`requirements` is an optional object. Its currently supported key, `paseo`, accepts an npm semver
range. An omitted `requirements.paseo` means `<0.8.0`: the plugin predates the first breaking
plugin release. alp 0.8 and later reject it with a link to the [migration guide](migration).
Empty strings, invalid ranges, and unknown manifest requirement keys are rejected.

| Range            | Compatible releases                                                          |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `>=0.8.0`        | 0.8.0 and later releases, including prereleases and future breaking releases |
| `^0.8.0`         | 0.8.x releases, including prereleases                                        |
| `>=0.8.3 <0.9.0` | 0.8.3 through the last 0.8 patch, including prereleases                      |

Prerelease alp versions also satisfy a range their stable core (`major.minor.patch`) satisfies, so `0.8.0-beta.1` satisfies `>=0.8.0` but not `<0.8.0`.

`alp plugin init` writes `>=` followed by the current CLI version and pins the matching SDK
for typechecking. Raise the minimum when adopting a newer API. Add an upper bound when a later
release is incompatible; a minimum alone does not promise protection from future breaking changes.

The daemon checks its version before installing, running preparation commands, or loading a plugin,
and checks again on startup, enable, and reload. A rejected update keeps the installed revision.
Each connected app checks its own version before evaluating client code and shows incompatibility
in Settings → Plugins. A compatible daemon does not make an older app compatible. A plugin with no
client entry does not require the connected app to match.

For example: `Plugin "review" requires alp >=0.8.0. Your daemon is 0.7.2.` Use a compatible plugin
revision or update the named runtime. Releases before 0.8 do not understand this manifest field
and cannot show this new diagnostic.

### Runtime entries

| Entry              | Runtime             | Receives              | Required                                                                        |
| ------------------ | ------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `index.client.tsx` | alp app, per client | `PluginClientContext` | When the plugin has any UI, callback, theme, or attachment source               |
| `index.server.ts`  | Daemon subprocess   | `PluginServerContext` | When the plugin contributes handlers, hooks, settings persistence, or providers |

At least one entry is required; both accept `.ts` or `.tsx`. A directory that still has only the
old `index.ts` fails to load and points at the [migration guide](/docs/plugins/migration).

Plugin, surface, sidebar-item, workspace-panel, Command Center item, attachment-source, and
slash-command IDs start with a lowercase letter and contain lowercase letters, numbers, or hyphens.

The generated `package.json` installs `@getpaseo/plugin` and the other host modules as development
dependencies for local typechecking and tests. alp supplies their runtime instances. Consumers do
not install them when adding the plugin.

Every other module lives in one of three directories. Nesting inside them is fine; a module at the
plugin root is a compile error.

| Directory | Compiled into      | Use it for                                                           |
| --------- | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `client/` | App bundle only    | React, React Native, hooks, styles, surfaces, panels, and callbacks. |
| `server/` | Daemon bundle only | Node APIs, local resources, credentials, and RPC handlers.           |
| `shared/` | Both               | Zod RPC contracts and plain values imported by both runtimes.        |

## Runtime modules

alp builds each bundle from its matching entry. An import from `client/` into the daemon bundle,
from `server/` into the app bundle, or of a Node module anywhere in the app bundle is a compile
error. Server imports of React, React Native, or client SDK entries also fail. Shared code imports
only shared code: no Node, React, runtime-specific SDK entries, or runtime-specific types.

The SDK root (`@getpaseo/plugin`) contains shared data, schemas, and runtime-neutral helpers only.
Import client contexts and hooks from `/client`, server contexts and lifecycle contracts from
`/server`, and UI from `/client/react-native` or `/client/ui`. These rules include type imports and transitive
dependencies. `/client/host` is private to the app host; plugins cannot import it.

### Client runtime

alp provides these modules to client code:

| Module                                 | Use it for                                                                                        |
| -------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `@getpaseo/plugin`                     | Shared data, `defineRpc`, `defineSettings`, `defineAttachmentSource`, `RpcInput`, and `RpcOutput` |
| `@getpaseo/plugin/client/ui`           | Named, composable settings components                                                             |
| `@getpaseo/plugin/client/react-native` | alp UI components and UI hooks                                                                    |
| `@getpaseo/plugin/client`              | Client contribution contexts, `usePaseo`, `useRpc`, `useSettings`, and data hooks                 |
| `@tanstack/react-query`                | Request state and caching                                                                         |
| `react`                                | Components and hooks                                                                              |
| `react/jsx-runtime`                    | Compiled JSX                                                                                      |
| `react-native`                         | Cross-platform UI                                                                                 |
| `zod`                                  | Shared schemas                                                                                    |

The host owns its paired React and renderer versions. The SDK's React peer range permits patch
versions for tooling and Node consumers; it does not change the app's pinned React version or
guarantee compatibility with another host's renderer.

These exact module specifiers use the host's runtime instances. A client bundle that requests another host module fails with `Module "<name>" is not available in plugin client code`.

Do not import `lucide-react-native`, `react-native-svg`, or DOM libraries. Set contribution `icon` fields to a [Lucide icon name](https://lucide.dev/icons/); alp validates the name and renders the icon.

### Cross-platform rules

Client code runs on iOS, Android, and in browsers through React Native Web. A component that works
in your browser and crashes on a phone is the most common plugin bug. The rules:

| Do                                                                         | Do not                                                                      |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `View`, `Text`, `Pressable`, `ScrollView`, `TextInput` from `react-native` | `<div>`, `<span>`, `<button>`, or any HTML element                          |
| `style` objects built from `theme.colors` and `layout.compact`             | `className`, CSS strings, or hardcoded colors                               |
| `onPress`                                                                  | `onClick`, `onMouseEnter`, or other DOM handlers                            |
| `Linking`, `Clipboard`-style React Native APIs                             | `window`, `document`, `localStorage`, `navigator`, `location` in components |

The scaffold's `tsconfig.json` omits the DOM library. Keep DOM globals out of cross-platform
components; do not add `/// <reference lib="dom" />` or `"DOM"` to `lib`.
`layout.platform` carries the same value as React Native's `Platform.OS` for rendering decisions.

### External links and workspace browsers

Use `ExternalLink` to open documentation outside alp:

```tsx
import { ExternalLink } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client/ui";

export function DocumentationLink() {
  return <ExternalLink href="https://alp.anhlp.com/docs">Open documentation</ExternalLink>;
}
```

The component has accessible link semantics and uses the same opener as
`openExternalUrl(url: string): Promise<void>`:

```ts
import { openExternalUrl } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";

export async function openDocumentation() {
  await openExternalUrl("https://alp.anhlp.com/docs");
}
```

Call the function directly from a user interaction so the browser permits a new tab.

| Platform      | External links                     | `navigation.openBrowser`                         |
| ------------- | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Electron      | System browser                     | Available; creates a local workspace browser tab |
| Browser web   | New tab with `noopener,noreferrer` | `undefined`                                      |
| iOS / Android | OS URL handler                     | `undefined`                                      |

#### ExternalLink props

| Prop                            | Required | Behavior / default                                     |
| ------------------------------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| `href: string`                  | Yes      | Absolute HTTP(S) destination                           |
| `children: ReactNode`           | Yes      | Link text or inline React Native content               |
| `accessibilityLabel: string`    | No       | Overrides the accessible name derived from the content |
| `testID: string`                | No       | Test identifier; unset by default                      |
| `onError(error: unknown): void` | No       | Receives opening errors; defaults to logging them      |

#### Open a workspace browser

Use `navigation.openBrowser` from a surface or panel. Check availability before rendering
the action. This workspace panel chooses an external link on other platforms:

```tsx
import type { PluginWorkspacePanelProps } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { ExternalLink } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client/ui";
import { Pressable, Text } from "react-native";

export function DocumentationPanel({ navigation, workspaceId, theme }: PluginWorkspacePanelProps) {
  const openBrowser = navigation?.openBrowser;
  const url = "https://alp.anhlp.com/docs";

  if (!openBrowser) {
    return <ExternalLink href={url}>Open documentation</ExternalLink>;
  }

  return (
    <Pressable accessibilityRole="button" onPress={() => openBrowser({ url, workspaceId })}>
      <Text style={{ color: theme.colors.foreground }}>Open in workspace browser</Text>
    </Pressable>
  );
}
```

`navigation.openBrowser({ url, workspaceId, serverId? }): void` creates and focuses a new tab.
It never opens externally as an automatic fallback.

| Option                | Required | Behavior / default                                                |
| --------------------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `url: string`         | Yes      | Absolute HTTP(S) destination                                      |
| `workspaceId: string` | Yes      | Workspace already present in the target host's app workspace list |
| `serverId: string`    | No       | Defaults to the surface or panel's selected host                  |

To target another host, pass its ID with that host's workspace ID:

```ts
openBrowser({ url, workspaceId: remoteWorkspaceId, serverId: remoteServerId });
```

`serverId` selects workspace ownership. The page runs on your local desktop, including
for remote workspaces; `localhost` URLs refer to that desktop.

#### Errors and refusal

| Condition                                                             | Result                                                                         |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| External URL is malformed or uses a non-HTTP(S) scheme                | Ignored; `openExternalUrl` resolves without opening anything                   |
| OS opener fails                                                       | `openExternalUrl` rejects; `ExternalLink` calls `onError` or logs the error    |
| Browser blocks a new external tab                                     | Cannot be distinguished from a successful `noopener` open                      |
| In-app browser URL is malformed or uses a non-HTTP(S) scheme          | Throws `Only absolute HTTP(S) URLs are supported.` before creating a tab       |
| In-app browser workspace ID is empty                                  | Throws `workspaceId is required.` before creating a tab                        |
| Target host/workspace is unknown or its workspace list has not loaded | Throws `Workspace is unavailable on the requested host.` before creating a tab |

Use the [settings API](#settings-screens) for typed host-scoped persistence across clients.
Use `openSettings`, `openSurface`, and `openPanel` for your own registered contributions.

### Server runtime

alp provides `@getpaseo/plugin`, `@getpaseo/plugin/server`,
`@getpaseo/plugin/server/provider`, `@getpaseo/plugin/server/acp`, and `zod` to server code. Backend
contributions run in a daemon subprocess with Node access to the host machine. Keep filesystem,
process, credential, and other machine-local work under `server/`. A plugin without
`index.server.ts` starts no subprocess.

### Providers

Follow [Build a provider plugin](/docs/plugins/providers) for direct and ACP implementations,
session lifecycle, composer settings, timeline renderers, testing, and distribution.

Call `server.registerProvider()` with a `ProviderRegistration` from
`@getpaseo/plugin/server/provider`. Its connection accepts inputs with `send()` and emits complete state
snapshots through `onEvent()`. `send()` reports acceptance only; prompt disposition, turns,
configuration, persistence, permissions, and failures are events.

Use the single `session.prompt` input for messages, structured commands, steering, and command side
effects. Repeat `clientMessageId` on the live user timeline item and publish exactly one matching
`session.prompt_result`. Publish provider-created children as sessions with `parentSessionId`.

Provider settings are toggle/select descriptors that alp renders in the composer. Keep
provider-private JSON under `providerOptions`. Host tools arrive as MCP servers in the complete
session config.

alp refreshes an agent by closing its current provider session and opening it with current
configuration and persistence. Providers re-read external state during `session.open`.

Use `runAcpProvider()` from `@getpaseo/plugin/server/acp` to adapt a command-backed ACP. Add transformer
hooks only for a vendor's discovery, configuration, notification, or tool-call differences.

`ProviderRegistration.icon` is a file path relative to the plugin directory, such as `icon.svg`.
It must resolve inside that directory to a regular SVG file no larger than 64 KiB. The SVG must be
self-contained: scripts, styles, `foreignObject`, event-handler attributes, JavaScript URLs, and
external `href` or `xlink:href` references are rejected. Fragment references such as `#mark` are
allowed. alp reads and sanitizes the file when the plugin starts; the string is never an inline
SVG or URL.

## Entry point and cleanup

Each present entry default-exports one contribution function and returns cleanup. Client entries
receive `PluginClientContext`; server entries receive `PluginServerContext`. Client registration methods return idempotent removers, except header buttons and composer pills,
which return `{ update, remove }` handles. The entry cleanup runs before alp removes remaining registrations.

```ts
import type { PluginClientContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { Main } from "./client/main";

export default function contribute(client: PluginClientContext) {
  client.addSurface("main", Main);
  return () => {};
}
```

Cleanup can be async. Release timers, watchers, sockets, and other resources created by the plugin. alp also removes registrations, unmounts surfaces, rejects pending RPCs, closes the plugin's daemon session, and stops its subprocess on reload, disable, removal, disconnect, or daemon shutdown.

## Lifecycle hooks

In `index.server.ts`:

```ts
import type { PluginServerContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/server";

export default function contribute(server: PluginServerContext) {
  server.on("agent.turn_ended", (event) => {
    console.log(event.agent.id, event.outcome);
  });

  return () => {};
}
```

| Register                        | Callback receives                  | Return                                                       |
| ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `server.on(name, callback)`     | `(event, { paseo, signal })`       | `void` or `Promise<void>`                                    |
| `server.before(name, callback)` | `({ request }, { paseo, signal })` | Modified request, or `undefined` to keep it; async supported |

Hooks run on the daemon while the plugin is enabled, even with no app connected.

### Change configuration and inject an MCP server

Add this callback inside `contribute(server)`. Replace the placeholder URL with your MCP endpoint.

```ts
server.before("agent.create", ({ request }) => {
  if (request.config.provider !== "codex") {
    return request;
  }

  return {
    ...request,
    config: {
      ...request.config,
      providerOptions: {
        ...request.config.providerOptions,
        sandbox_mode: "workspace-write",
        approval_policy: "on-request",
      },
      mcpServers: {
        ...request.config.mcpServers,
        company: {
          type: "http",
          url: "https://tools.example.com/mcp",
        },
      },
    },
  };
});
```

| Input                                       | Result                        |
| ------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| `providerOptions.sandbox_mode: "read-only"` | `"workspace-write"`           |
| `providerOptions.web_search: "disabled"`    | Preserved by the spread       |
| Existing `mcpServers.search`                | Preserved by the spread       |
| Existing `mcpServers.company`               | Replaced with the entry above |

The selected provider validates `providerOptions` and must support the configured MCP servers.
Explicit Codex sandbox and approval options override its mode presets.

### Inject environment variables on every session opening

```ts
server.before("agent.session_open", ({ request }) => {
  return {
    ...request,
    env: {
      ...request.env,
      COMPANY_ENV: "development",
    },
  };
});
```

This runs on create, resume, refresh, and import. To inject only on creation, set `env` in an
`agent.create` callback instead.

### Choose workspace isolation

```ts
server.before("workspace.create", ({ request }) => {
  if (request.source.kind !== "directory") {
    return request;
  }

  return {
    ...request,
    source: {
      kind: "worktree",
      cwd: request.source.path,
      action: "branch-off",
    },
  };
});
```

**Result:** an explicit directory creation request becomes a worktree request. Existing workspaces
and directory lookup/import operations are unaffected.

### Send a follow-up when a turn ends

Copy [server/inspect.ts](https://github.com/phucanh08/alp/blob/main/plugin-examples/lifecycle-actions/server/inspect.ts)
into your plugin. The helper imports types from `@getpaseo/protocol/agent-types`; add
`@getpaseo/protocol` at the same version as your plugin SDK to your development dependencies
and install them before loading the plugin. `latestOutputText` joins text chunks after the latest user message.

```ts
import type { PluginServerContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/server";
import { latestOutputText } from "./server/inspect";

export default function contribute(server: PluginServerContext) {
  server.on("agent.turn_ended", async (event, context) => {
    if (event.outcome.kind === "canceled") {
      return;
    }

    const text = latestOutputText(event.timeline);
    if (/out of credits/i.test(text)) {
      await context.paseo.agents.ref(event.agent.id).send("Try again.");
    }
  });

  return () => {};
}
```

```text
Turn ends: "out of credits"
  → plugin sends "Try again."
  → a new turn starts
```

This sends a new message with the existing SDK. Persistent matches keep sending follow-ups;
add limits or delays in your plugin when needed. Attachments and tool effects are not replayed.

### Answer a permission request

Using `shellCommand` from the same [helper file](https://github.com/phucanh08/alp/blob/main/plugin-examples/lifecycle-actions/server/inspect.ts):

```ts
import type { PluginServerContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/server";
import { shellCommand } from "./server/inspect";

export default function contribute(server: PluginServerContext) {
  server.on("agent.permission_requested", async (event, context) => {
    const command = shellCommand(event.request);
    if (command === null) {
      return;
    }

    const agent = context.paseo.agents.ref(event.agent.id);
    if (/\brm\s+-rf\b/.test(command)) {
      await agent.respondToPermission({
        requestId: event.request.id,
        response: { behavior: "deny", message: "Recursive deletion is blocked." },
      });
      return;
    }

    if (command.trim() === "git status") {
      await agent.respondToPermission({
        requestId: event.request.id,
        response: { behavior: "allow" },
      });
    }
  });

  return () => {};
}
```

| Request                  | Result                    |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------- |
| `rm -rf build`           | Declined                  |
| `git status`             | Approved                  |
| Other command or request | Left pending for the user |
| Already-resolved request | SDK response fails        |

The regex is an example policy, not a shell parser. Permission requests can also be questions,
plans, and mode changes; requesting permission does not end the turn.

### Events

| Name                         | Event fields                             | Trigger                                            |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| `agent.created`              | `agent`                                  | Ordinary creation finishes; excludes import/resume |
| `agent.turn_started`         | `agent`, `turnId`                        | Live turn starts                                   |
| `agent.turn_ended`           | `agent`, `turnId`, `outcome`, `timeline` | Live turn completes, fails, or is canceled         |
| `agent.permission_requested` | `agent`, `request`                       | Permission or question becomes pending             |
| `agent.permission_resolved`  | `agent`, `requestId`, `resolution`       | Pending request is answered or cleared             |
| `agent.archived`             | `agent`, `archivedAt`                    | Archive state is saved                             |
| `workspace.created`          | `workspace`                              | Record created; directory available                |
| `workspace.archived`         | `workspace`                              | Archive state is saved                             |

Agent events exclude internal utility agents. Archive events can precede runtime/worktree cleanup;
`workspace.created` is not a setup barrier before agent startup.

**Shared payload shapes** (`@getpaseo/plugin/server`):

```ts
interface PluginHookAgent {
  id: string;
  workspaceId: string | null;
  parentAgentId: string | null;
  provider: string;
  cwd: string;
  title: string | null;
  labels?: Record<string, string>;
}

interface PluginHookWorkspace {
  id: string;
  projectId: string;
  cwd: string;
  name: string | null;
  archivedAt: string | null;
}

type PluginTurnOutcome =
  | { kind: "completed" }
  | { kind: "failed"; error: { message: string; code?: string } }
  | { kind: "canceled"; reason: string };
```

| Field        | Shape / meaning                                                                                       |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `turnId`     | Provider-reported `string` or `null`; can repeat after a session reopens                              |
| `timeline`   | `readonly AgentTimelineItem[]`; complete snapshot including earlier conversation; text may span items |
| `request`    | SDK `AgentPermissionRequest`; `kind` is `tool`, `plan`, `question`, `mode`, or `other`                |
| `resolution` | SDK `AgentPermissionResponse`                                                                         |
| `archivedAt` | Timestamp string                                                                                      |

### Before hooks

| Name                 | Request fields                                                          | Editable                                                                    |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `agent.create`       | `config`, optional `env`, `labels`, `paseoTools`                        | Public agent config except `cwd`; `env`; `labels`; `paseoTools` (cuts only) |
| `agent.session_open` | `agentId`, `workspaceId`, `provider`, `cwd`, `reason`, `purpose`, `env` | Only `env`                                                                  |
| `workspace.create`   | `source`, optional `title`, `firstAgentContext`                         | Entire explicit creation request                                            |

**`agent.create.config`** uses `AgentSessionConfig`:

| Fields                                        | Constraint                                                                 |
| --------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `provider`, `model`                           | Separate fields; changing provider may require changing model/mode/options |
| `modeId`, `thinkingOptionId`, `featureValues` | Provider-specific selections                                               |
| `title`, `systemPrompt`                       | Agent configuration                                                        |
| `providerOptions`                             | Provider-specific validated options                                        |
| `mcpServers`, `toolPolicy`                    | MCP configuration and exact-tool preapprovals                              |
| `cwd`                                         | Cannot change                                                              |
| `internal`                                    | Daemon-owned; cannot change through this hook                              |

**`agent.create` optional fields:**

| Field        | Shape / meaning                                                                                                                                                                           |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `labels`     | `Record<string, string>` the agent registers with. Omit to keep the received labels. The daemon restores `paseo.parent-agent-id` after hooks run.                                         |
| `paseoTools` | `{ enabled?: boolean; disabledTools?: string[] }`, the provider [`paseoTools`](/docs/mcp#limit-alp-tools-by-provider) shape, applied to this agent only. Omit to keep the received value. |

`paseoTools` only removes tools. alp merges it with the provider policy and with earlier hooks:
`enabled: false` from any source wins, `disabledTools` lists combine, and `enabled: true` restores
nothing. The merged policy is saved with the agent when it is created. Resume, refresh, and import
do not run `agent.create` hooks; they reuse the saved policy, and a later provider policy can only
remove more tools.

```ts
server.before("agent.create", ({ request }) => ({
  ...request,
  paseoTools: {
    disabledTools: [...(request.paseoTools?.disabledTools ?? []), "create_agent"],
  },
}));
```

**`agent.session_open` request example:**

```json
{
  "agentId": "agent-123",
  "workspaceId": "workspace-456",
  "provider": "codex",
  "cwd": "/projects/shop",
  "reason": "resume",
  "purpose": "interactive",
  "env": { "COMPANY_ENV": "development" }
}
```

| Field         | Values                                                                                                                  |
| ------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `workspaceId` | String or `null`                                                                                                        |
| `reason`      | `create`, `resume`, `refresh`, `import`                                                                                 |
| `purpose`     | `interactive`, `history`                                                                                                |
| `env`         | Launch override map; excludes the daemon's inherited environment. Replace the map to add, replace, or remove overrides. |

### Ordering and returned values

```text
Creation request
  → agent.create hooks (plugin-ID order; registration order within each plugin)
  → resolve defaults and validate provider configuration
  → derive launch configuration with alp runtime tools and daemon prompt
  → agent.session_open hooks (same ordering; env only)
  → set PASEO_AGENT_ID and PASEO_AGENT_CWD
  → open provider session and save agent configuration
```

| Callback returns                                        | Next callback receives                              |
| ------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| `{ ...request, env: { ...request.env, REGION: "eu" } }` | Prior request with `REGION` added/replaced          |
| `{ ...request, env: { REGION: "eu" } }`                 | Prior request with the entire override map replaced |
| `undefined`                                             | Unchanged request                                   |
| Throws or returns invalid data                          | Operation fails; later callbacks do not run         |

No automatic deep merge. Later callbacks can overwrite earlier values. Agent configuration is
saved; environment overrides are not persisted with it.

### Context and cleanup

| Contract                           | Behavior                                                                                                  |
| ---------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `context.paseo`                    | Existing SDK connected to this daemon                                                                     |
| `context.signal`                   | Aborted on invocation timeout or plugin stop; pass to external requests                                   |
| Input data                         | Detached snapshot; change state through returned requests or SDK commands                                 |
| Registration result                | Idempotent remover, e.g. `const remove = server.on(...); remove();`                                       |
| Reload, disable, removal, shutdown | Remaining registrations removed                                                                           |
| Unknown hook name                  | Registration fails                                                                                        |
| Hook timeout                       | 30 seconds; aborts the signal. A before hook fails the pending operation; an event handler logs an error. |
| Event-handler error                | Logged against plugin; original operation continues                                                       |
| Event delivery                     | Live, best effort; no replay, persistence, or automatic retry                                             |
| Event concurrency                  | Different events may overlap; callback completion order is not guaranteed                                 |

### Complete examples

| Plugin                                                                                                | Includes                                                                     |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [lifecycle-logger](https://github.com/phucanh08/alp/tree/main/plugin-examples/lifecycle-logger)       | All eleven hooks; JSON logs with environment values redacted                 |
| [lifecycle-actions](https://github.com/phucanh08/alp/tree/main/plugin-examples/lifecycle-actions)     | Follow-ups, permissions, environment, provider switching, worktree selection |
| [agent-configuration](https://github.com/phucanh08/alp/tree/main/plugin-examples/agent-configuration) | MCP injection and Codex sandbox/approval options                             |

Read logger output with `alp plugin logs lifecycle-logger` or the host's `daemon.log`.

## Surfaces and sidebar items

Register a component, then point a sidebar item at its surface ID:

`client/main.tsx`:

```tsx
import type { PluginSurfaceProps } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { useMemo } from "react";
import { Text, View } from "react-native";

export function Main({ theme, host, layout }: PluginSurfaceProps) {
  const styles = useMemo(
    () => ({
      screen: {
        flex: 1,
        padding: layout.compact ? 16 : 24,
        backgroundColor: theme.colors.surface0,
      },
      title: { color: theme.colors.foreground },
      detail: { color: theme.colors.foregroundMuted },
    }),
    [theme, layout.compact],
  );
  return (
    <View style={styles.screen}>
      <Text style={styles.title}>{host.label}</Text>
      <Text style={styles.detail}>{layout.platform}</Text>
    </View>
  );
}
```

`index.client.tsx`:

```ts
import type { PluginClientContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { Main } from "./client/main";

export default function contribute(client: PluginClientContext) {
  client.addSurface("main", Main);
  client.addSidebarItem({
    id: "main",
    title: "My plugin",
    icon: "Blocks",
    surface: "main",
  });
  return () => {};
}
```

`PluginSurfaceProps` contains:

| Field        | Meaning                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| ------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `theme`      | Typed `PluginTheme` color tokens for the active alp theme.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| `host`       | Selected host `id` and display `label`.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| `layout`     | `compact` and the `ios`, `android`, or `web` platform.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| `navigation` | Optional client navigation. `openAgent({ agentId, serverId? })` and `openWorkspace({ workspaceId, serverId? })` open targets on `serverId`, or on the selected host when omitted. `openBrowser({ url, workspaceId, serverId? })` is available only on Electron; see [links and browsers](#external-links-and-workspace-browsers). |

alp owns the route, header, close action, host picker, error boundary, and query client. The plugin owns the surface body.

## Host UI

Import alp-owned UI from `@getpaseo/plugin/client/react-native` in client code. This example
opens a controlled modal, renders a host icon, and confirms the action with a toast:

```tsx
import type { PluginSurfaceProps } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { Icon, Modal, useToast } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client/react-native";
import { useState } from "react";
import { Pressable, Text, View } from "react-native";

export function IssueActions({ theme }: PluginSurfaceProps) {
  const [open, setOpen] = useState(false);
  const toast = useToast();

  function saveIssue() {
    toast.show("Issue saved", { variant: "success" });
    setOpen(false);
  }

  return (
    <View>
      <Pressable accessibilityRole="button" onPress={() => setOpen(true)}>
        <View style={{ flexDirection: "row", alignItems: "center", gap: 8 }}>
          <Icon name="Pencil" size={18} color={theme.colors.foreground} />
          <Text style={{ color: theme.colors.foreground }}>Edit issue</Text>
        </View>
      </Pressable>

      <Modal
        title="Edit issue"
        icon={<Icon name="Pencil" size={18} color={theme.colors.foreground} />}
        open={open}
        onOpenChange={setOpen}
      >
        <Modal.Content>
          <Pressable accessibilityRole="button" onPress={saveIssue}>
            <Text style={{ color: theme.colors.foreground }}>Save</Text>
          </Pressable>
        </Modal.Content>
      </Modal>
    </View>
  );
}
```

### Modal

`Modal` uses a bottom sheet on compact layouts and a centered dialog otherwise. The plugin owns
the `open` state.

| Prop           | Type                      | Required | Behavior                                     |
| -------------- | ------------------------- | -------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| `title`        | `string`                  | Yes      | Labels the modal and its visible header.     |
| `icon`         | `ReactNode`               | No       | Renders before the title in the header.      |
| `open`         | `boolean`                 | Yes      | Shows the modal content when `true`.         |
| `onOpenChange` | `(open: boolean) => void` | Yes      | Receives `false` when the user dismisses it. |
| `children`     | `ReactNode`               | Yes      | Contains `Modal.Content`.                    |

`Modal.Content` owns the body below the host-rendered header:

| Prop                    | Type                   | Default            | Behavior                                                                          |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `children`              | `ReactNode`            | Required           | Body content below the header.                                                    |
| `style`                 | `StyleProp<ViewStyle>` | —                  | Styles the full body viewport, including empty space. Use for backgrounds.        |
| `contentContainerStyle` | `StyleProp<ViewStyle>` | Padding 24, gap 16 | Overrides the content layout. Set `padding: 0, gap: 0` for edge-to-edge rows.     |
| `scrollable`            | `boolean`              | `true`             | The host scrolls the body. Set `false` for a bounded body with your own scroller. |

A plain `Modal.Content` is already padded and scrollable. Avoid adding a second padded wrapper
unless you want another inset. Body styles leave the host header, drag handle, and dismissal controls
intact. The host reserves bottom safe-area space on compact native layouts; setting content padding
to zero removes the decorative inset, not that space. Keyboard clearance is handled separately.

With `scrollable={false}`, the body fills the available sheet height, and the centered dialog uses
85% of the available height. Use `flex: 1, minHeight: 0` on your list. Default scrolling dialogs stay
content-sized on wide layouts. Presentation follows window size, including narrow desktop windows
and wide tablets.

The close button, backdrop, platform back action, web Escape key, and compact sheet gesture dismiss
the modal. Dismissal calls `onOpenChange(false)`; the plugin must update `open` to close it.

Modal children keep the plugin runtime context. `usePaseo`, `useRpc`, `useWorkspace`, and
`useAgent` work inside them.

### Scrolling

Import `ScrollView` and `FlatList` from `@getpaseo/plugin/client/react-native` when content can appear in a
alp modal. They accept React Native props and refs and integrate with the sheet's gestures. Outside
a sheet they use ordinary React Native scrolling. Do not import bottom-sheet libraries directly.

Use one vertical scroll owner: either the default modal body, or your own list with
`scrollable={false}`. A fixed-height vertical list nested inside the default scrolling body can compete
with the sheet for gestures on Android. Horizontal scrolling can coexist with the host's vertical body.

Both the default body and SDK lists share native sheet gestures: drag up to expand before scrolling;
drag down at the top of the list to collapse or dismiss. `scrollable={false}` removes the host's scroll
container without changing these gestures. Expand the sheet before using list methods such as
`scrollToEnd`; the sheet locks list offsets below its largest height.

```tsx
import { FlatList, Modal } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client/react-native";
import { Text } from "react-native";

// Inside your controlled Modal:
<Modal.Content
  scrollable={false}
  style={{ backgroundColor: theme.colors.surface1 }}
  contentContainerStyle={{ padding: 0, gap: 0 }}
>
  <FlatList
    style={{ flex: 1, minHeight: 0 }}
    data={items}
    keyExtractor={(item) => item.id}
    renderItem={({ item }) => (
      <Text style={{ padding: 16, color: theme.colors.foreground }}>{item.title}</Text>
    )}
  />
</Modal.Content>;
```

For horizontal tabs, place `<ScrollView horizontal style={{ flexGrow: 0 }}>…</ScrollView>` inside the
default `Modal.Content`. Keep the content's vertical scrolling on the host.

### Copy and paste

`copyText(text): Promise<void>` writes to the clipboard on the device running the app. Call it from a
user action and await it before reporting success. It rejects if the platform denies copying or the
clipboard is unavailable; browser permissions and secure-context requirements still apply.

```tsx
import { copyText, useToast } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client/react-native";

// Inside your component:
const toast = useToast();
async function copyResult() {
  try {
    await copyText(result);
    toast.show("Copied", { variant: "success" });
  } catch {
    toast.error("Could not copy. Select the text and use Copy.");
  }
}
```

Programmatic copying and native text selection are separate interactions. Use `<Text selectable>`
for long-press selection and OS Copy. Import `TextInput` from `@getpaseo/plugin/client/react-native` for modal forms. It accepts React Native
input props and refs, supports OS Paste, and registers focus with the native sheet so the keyboard
can raise the form. Outside a sheet it uses the ordinary input. A plain React Native input supports
Paste too, but does not register focus with the sheet; the keyboard can cover it. No clipboard read
API is needed for OS Paste. Avoid DOM clipboard code in native plugins and the deprecated
`Clipboard` export from `react-native`.

The runnable [modal UI example](https://github.com/phucanh08/alp/tree/main/plugin-examples/modal-ui)
contains a padded form, full-width rows, a virtualized list, horizontal tabs, and a copy/paste input.

### Toasts

`useToast()` returns two methods:

| Method                    | Behavior                                                    |
| ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| `show(message, options?)` | Shows a toast for 2,200 ms unless `durationMs` is supplied. |
| `error(message)`          | Shows an error toast for 3,200 ms.                          |

`show` accepts these options:

| Option       | Type                                                       | Default     |
| ------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- |
| `variant`    | `"default" \| "info" \| "success" \| "warning" \| "error"` | `"default"` |
| `durationMs` | `number`                                                   | `2200`      |

Showing another toast replaces the currently visible toast. An empty message is ignored.

### Icons

`Icon` renders a [Lucide icon](https://lucide.dev/icons/) from alp's installed icon set. Plugin bundles do not import
`lucide-react-native` or `react-native-svg`.

| Prop    | Type     | Required | Behavior                                        |
| ------- | -------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| `name`  | `string` | Yes      | Lucide icon name. Unknown names render nothing. |
| `size`  | `number` | No       | Icon width and height.                          |
| `color` | `string` | No       | Icon color. Use a plugin theme token.           |

## Timeline items

A plugin can replace an agent timeline entry with its own data and React Native renderer. Both
registrations are client contributions. alp applies the transformer while building the render
model, including every live streaming update.

```tsx
import type { PluginClientContext, PluginTimelineItemProps } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { Text } from "react-native";
import { z } from "zod";

const schema = z.object({ label: z.string() });

function Card({ item, theme }: PluginTimelineItemProps<z.output<typeof schema>>) {
  return <Text style={{ color: theme.colors.foreground }}>{item.data.label}</Text>;
}

export default function contribute(client: PluginClientContext) {
  client.addTimelineTransformer({
    id: "command-card",
    query: { itemType: "tool_call" },
    transform({ item, phase }) {
      return {
        items: [
          {
            type: "plugin",
            kind: "command-card",
            version: 1,
            data: { label: item.name, phase },
          },
        ],
      };
    },
  });
  client.addTimelineRenderer({
    kind: "command-card",
    version: 1,
    schema,
    Component: Card,
  });
  return () => {};
}
```

`query.itemType` is the stable, coarse selector. Inspect the selected item inside `transform` for
provider- or tool-specific recognition. Returning `undefined` keeps the original entry. Returning
`items` replaces it; an empty array removes it. Item `data` must be JSON-compatible. The `phase`
input is `"streaming"` for the live assistant message, running tool calls, and loading reasoning;
it is `"complete"` for committed or fetched messages and finished tools or reasoning.
Assistant and reasoning callbacks receive the full accumulated text on each update, including
paragraph separators. alp invokes transformers before splitting native Markdown or grouping
tools in Overview. A claimed assistant message remains one source item throughout streaming;
return `undefined` until recognizable if the first text is insufficient to identify it.
Each replacement may set an optional plugin-local `id`; otherwise alp uses its index within that
source item's output.

Renderers receive `agentId`, `item`, `timestamp`, `theme`, `host`, and `layout`. alp validates
`item.data` with the registered schema before rendering. Keep transformers synchronous and
deterministic. alp memoizes results by source-item reference and derives replacement identity from
the source row, so updates to one streaming item do not remount its renderer. Use the exported
`useRevealedText(text, phase)` hook when a renderer should pace streaming text like alp's built-in
assistant rows.

### Append a timeline row from the daemon

A server handler can add a plugin-owned row to canonical history:

```ts
import type { PluginHandlerContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/server";

async function publishReview(agentId: string, { paseo }: PluginHandlerContext) {
  await paseo.agents.ref(agentId).timeline.append({
    type: "plugin",
    id: "review",
    kind: "review-result",
    version: 1,
    data: { verdict: "ready" },
  });
}
```

| Field     | Type             | Required | Behavior                                                       |
| --------- | ---------------- | -------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `type`    | `"plugin"`       | Yes      | Selects the plugin timeline variant.                           |
| `id`      | `string`         | Yes      | Stable plugin-local identity. Reusing it replaces the old row. |
| `kind`    | `string`         | Yes      | Selects the registered renderer.                               |
| `version` | positive integer | Yes      | Selects the renderer contract version.                         |
| `data`    | JSON-compatible  | Yes      | Renderer payload, at most 64 KiB after JSON serialization.     |

The daemon stamps `pluginId` from the calling plugin session and rejects this RPC from non-plugin
sessions. The row appears live, survives timeline refetches, and keeps only the latest value for the
same plugin and `id`. If its renderer is missing, alp shows the existing unavailable row. Daemons
reject `data` over the limit rather than truncating it. Daemons that support this operation
advertise `server_info.features.pluginTimelineItems`.

## Theme and layout

Plugin UI runs on desktop, browser, iOS, and Android, across every alp theme. `theme` is a typed `PluginTheme` mapped from the active host theme. Color and spacing must come from those props. Hardcoded colors and unstyled `Text` break when the host theme changes.

Recreate styles when `theme` or `layout.compact` changes.

| Key                             | Required for               | Use it for                          |
| ------------------------------- | -------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| `theme.colors.foreground`       | Every primary `Text`       | Titles and body copy                |
| `theme.colors.foregroundMuted`  | Secondary `Text`           | Labels and supporting copy          |
| `theme.colors.surface0`         | Root view                  | Panel background                    |
| `theme.colors.surface1`         | Raised surfaces            | Cards and panels                    |
| `theme.colors.surface2`         | Control surfaces           | Inputs and secondary controls       |
| `theme.colors.border`           | Surface boundaries         | Borders and dividers                |
| `theme.colors.accent`           | Primary action fills       | Buttons and selected states         |
| `theme.colors.accentForeground` | Text on an accent fill     | Button labels                       |
| `theme.colors.statusSuccess`    | Success feedback           | Success messages and indicators     |
| `theme.colors.statusWarning`    | Warning feedback           | Warning messages and indicators     |
| `theme.colors.statusDanger`     | Failure copy               | Error messages and destructive text |
| `layout.compact`                | Padding and stacking       | `true` on mobile and narrow windows |
| `layout.platform`               | Platform-specific behavior | `ios`, `android`, or `web`          |

Do not hardcode `#000`, `#fff`, or React Native's default text color. Primary copy uses `foreground`. Labels use `foregroundMuted`. Tighten padding when `layout.compact` is true.

Workspace and agent panels receive the same `theme`, `layout`, and optional `navigation` fields.

## Contribute a theme

`addTheme` adds a light or dark theme to Settings → Appearance, listed under the built-ins by its
`name`. A theme is data, so it needs no component file:

```ts
import type { PluginClientContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";

export default function contribute(client: PluginClientContext) {
  client.addTheme({
    id: "mocha",
    name: "Catppuccin Mocha",
    appearance: "dark",
    colors: {
      background: "#1e1e2e",
      foreground: "#cdd6f4",
      raised: "#313244",
      control: "#45475a",
      border: "#45475a",
      accent: "#cba6f7",
      mutedForeground: "#a6adc8",
      ring: "#6c7086",
    },
  });
  return () => {};
}
```

Every color is a hex string; anything else fails to load. alp expands the palette into the full
token set the built-in dark themes use, so a contributed theme covers panels, menus, diffs, status
colors, and the terminal without listing them.

| Color             | Becomes                                                           |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `background`      | App, workspace, and terminal background                           |
| `foreground`      | Primary text, terminal foreground and cursor                      |
| `raised`          | Cards, popovers, and hovered rows                                 |
| `control`         | Inputs, secondary fills, and the light-theme sidebar              |
| `border`          | Borders and the highest raised-surface tint                       |
| `accent`          | Buttons, selection, and focus. Optional; `foreground` if omitted. |
| `mutedForeground` | Secondary text                                                    |
| `ring`            | Focus rings, scrollbars, and terminal bright black                |

`appearance` is `"light"` or `"dark"`. alp uses it to select the matching surface, status,
diff, syntax, terminal, and shadow derivation.

Only one contributed theme is active at a time. Selecting one persists the choice; if the plugin is
later disabled or removed, alp falls back to the default theme rather than leaving the app
unpainted.

Themes need a host that supports them. A client released before `addTheme` cannot evaluate that client entry and reports
`client.addTheme is not a function`. Update the client.

## Settings screens

Register a component with `client.addSettingsScreen({ id, title, icon, Component })` in
`index.client.tsx`. It appears under **Settings → Plugins → your plugin** on that host.
`id` is unique within the installation; `icon` is a Lucide name. Registration returns an
idempotent remover, and plugin teardown removes remaining screens.

Call `client.openSettings(id)` or a Command Center callback's `openSettings(id)` to open one
of your own screens. Each installation has its own values and route, even when several hosts
install the same plugin.

The component receives `PluginSurfaceProps`. alp owns the header, back navigation, safe areas,
scrolling, and the centered settings column. Compact windows push a full-screen detail; wide
windows keep the settings sidebar. Render content inside that frame using React Native components.
A disabled or removed plugin leaves an unavailable screen with working Back navigation.

### Named UI components

Import settings components from `@getpaseo/plugin/client/ui`. They work with your own state and RPCs;
no form wrapper or storage binding is required.

```tsx
import { useState } from "react";
import { SettingsCard, SettingsSection, SettingsSwitch } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client/ui";

export function DisplaySettings() {
  const [visible, setVisible] = useState(true);
  return (
    <SettingsSection title="Display">
      <SettingsCard>
        <SettingsSwitch label="Show metadata" value={visible} onValueChange={setVisible} />
      </SettingsCard>
    </SettingsSection>
  );
}
```

| Component                          | Props and behavior                                                                                                                     |
| ---------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `SettingsGroup`, `SettingsSection` | Required `title`, `children`; optional `info` tooltip, `trailing` content, `testID`. Own section spacing and headings.                 |
| `SettingsCard`                     | `children`, optional `testID`. Owns the card surface and dividers between direct children. Give mapped rows stable React keys.         |
| `SettingsRow`                      | Required `label`; optional `hint`, `error`, `children`, `testID`. Wrap any custom control or content.                                  |
| `SettingsSwitch`                   | Row props plus required `value: boolean`, `onValueChange`; optional `disabled`.                                                        |
| `SettingsSelect`                   | Row props plus required string `value`, `options: { label, value }[]`, `onValueChange`; optional `disabled`. Uses alp's adaptive menu. |
| `SettingsInput`                    | Row props plus required `onChangeText`; optional `initialValue`, `placeholder`, `disabled`, `secureTextEntry`, `ref`.                  |
| `SettingsAction`                   | Row props plus required `actionLabel`, `onPress`; optional `disabled`.                                                                 |

`SettingsInput` owns in-progress text. `initialValue` seeds it when mounted. Its ref exposes
`focus()`, `blur()`, `getText()`, and `replaceText(text)` for explicit programmatic changes.
Keep draft text outside persisted values until the user saves. Custom previews and controls
can sit beside or inside these components.

### Persisted values

Define a settings document in `shared/`:

```ts
import { defineSettings } from "@getpaseo/plugin";
import { z } from "zod";

export const preferences = defineSettings({
  id: "display",
  scope: "host",
  version: 1,
  schema: z.object({ showMetadata: z.boolean().default(true) }),
});
```

Register it in `index.server.ts` before returning cleanup. The returned handle lets server code
read the document and react to changes. A screen using its own data can remain client-only.

```ts
export default function contribute(server: PluginServerContext) {
  const settings = server.registerSettings(preferences);

  settings.subscribe((next) => {
    if (next.status === "ready") {
      console.log("Settings changed", next.revision);
    }
  });

  return () => {};
}
```

| Definition field               | Contract                                                                                                                             |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `id`                           | Lowercase identifier matching `[a-z][a-z0-9_-]*`; unique within the installation.                                                    |
| `scope`                        | Required `"host"`. All authorized clients of that host share the document. No per-user, device-local, or cross-host synchronization. |
| `version`                      | Required positive integer describing the schema, independent of the write revision.                                                  |
| `schema`                       | Zod schema for JSON values. Supply defaults so parsing `{}` produces a complete document.                                            |
| `migrate(values, fromVersion)` | Optional synchronous or asynchronous conversion from an older stored version. Its output must pass the current schema.               |

Call `useSettings(preferences)` in any contributed component. It returns a discriminated state:

| `status`  | Available data                                                           |
| --------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `loading` | Read is pending; do not render default values as though they were saved. |
| `ready`   | Typed `values` and an opaque `revision`.                                 |
| `invalid` | `error` and `revision`; stored data is preserved.                        |
| `error`   | `error` from the read/connection.                                        |

The server handle exposes `read()` and `subscribe()`. `read()` returns the same `ready` or
`invalid` state as the client hook, including the opaque revision. `subscribe()` returns a cleanup
function and receives a new `ready` state after a successful save, reset, or migration. Invalid
writes and revision conflicts do not notify subscribers. Listener failures are logged without
turning a committed write into a failed save.

```ts
const current = await settings.read();
if (current.status === "ready") {
  // Use current.values and current.revision.
}
```

Every state also exposes `saving`, `saveError`, and these actions:

- `save(values, revision): Promise<boolean>` validates and saves a complete document. Returns
  `false` and sets `saveError` on validation, conflict, or transport failure; it does not throw.
- `reset(): Promise<boolean>` explicitly replaces the document with schema defaults, using the
  revision loaded by the hook. It can recover invalid stored data.
- `reload(): Promise<void>` clears the save error and reads again. Your component owns its draft;
  reloading does not discard that draft automatically.

For an immediate toggle, pass `{ ...settings.values, showMetadata }` and `settings.revision`
to `save`. For a draft editor, capture both the values and revision when opening it. Keep that
revision until a save succeeds or the user discards the draft. A stale revision rejects the
save, preserving both the draft and the newer saved values.

Writes are atomic and validated on the host. Connected clients receive updates without reloading
the plugin. Values survive daemon restart, plugin reload, disable, and updates. Removing an
installation deletes its settings. Reinstalling that ID starts from defaults.

A missing document uses schema defaults. Invalid data, failed migrations, and unsupported newer
versions produce `invalid` without silently resetting the file. Successful migrations persist
the new version once. These documents are ordinary host-side JSON, not a credential vault.
Settings RPCs use the existing `daemon.manage` permission for plugin execution.

See the complete [settings example](https://github.com/phucanh08/alp/tree/main/plugin-examples/settings)
for immediate controls, a draft editor with validation, custom content, and Command Center navigation.

## Workspace panels

Register one panel for workspace or agent context:

`client/review.tsx`:

```tsx
import { type PluginAgentPanelProps, useAgent, useWorkspace } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { useMemo } from "react";
import { Text, View } from "react-native";

export function ReviewPanel({ theme, layout, workspaceId, agentId }: PluginAgentPanelProps) {
  const workspaceName = useWorkspace(workspaceId, (workspace) => workspace.name);
  const agent = useAgent(agentId, ({ id, title }) => ({ id, title }));
  const styles = useMemo(
    () => ({
      screen: {
        flex: 1,
        padding: layout.compact ? 16 : 24,
        backgroundColor: theme.colors.surface0,
      },
      title: { color: theme.colors.foreground },
      detail: { color: theme.colors.foregroundMuted },
    }),
    [theme, layout.compact],
  );
  return (
    <View style={styles.screen}>
      <Text style={styles.title}>{workspaceName}</Text>
      <Text style={styles.detail}>{agent?.title ?? agent?.id}</Text>
    </View>
  );
}
```

`index.client.tsx`:

```ts
import type { PluginClientContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { ReviewPanel } from "./client/review";

export default function contribute(client: PluginClientContext) {
  client.addWorkspacePanel({
    id: "review",
    title: "Review",
    icon: "Scan",
    context: "agent",
    locations: ["workspace", "explorer"],
    Component: ReviewPanel,
  });
  return () => {};
}
```

`addWorkspacePanel` fields:

| Field       | Required | Meaning                                                       |
| ----------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `id`        | Yes      | Plugin-local panel ID.                                        |
| `title`     | Yes      | Workspace-tab title.                                          |
| `icon`      | Yes      | Lucide icon name.                                             |
| `context`   | Yes      | `workspace` or `agent`.                                       |
| `locations` | No       | `workspace` and/or `explorer`. Defaults to `workspace`.       |
| `Component` | Yes      | React Native component matching the selected context's props. |

A workspace panel receives `PluginWorkspacePanelProps`: `context: "workspace"`, `theme`, `host`, `layout`, and `workspaceId`. An agent panel receives `PluginAgentPanelProps`: `context: "agent"`, the same common fields and `workspaceId`, plus `agentId`.

Read cached state with `useWorkspace(workspaceId, selector)` and `useAgent(agentId, selector)`. A selector is required. alp compares its result shallowly, so selecting `{ name, status }` does not re-render when unrelated fields change. Select every field the component renders in one call; do not select the whole snapshot.

Both hooks return `null` when the record is unavailable. Otherwise they run synchronously against normalized client state. Snapshot DTOs and their nested values are deeply readonly and frozen at runtime. Do not call plugin RPC to discover the current workspace or agent. Fetch optional or vendor-specific enrichment after the component renders.

Workspace snapshot fields:

| Field                | Type                                                              |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `id`                 | `string`                                                          |
| `projectId`          | `string`                                                          |
| `projectDisplayName` | `string`                                                          |
| `projectRootPath`    | `string`                                                          |
| `directory`          | `string`                                                          |
| `projectKind`        | `"git" \| "non_git" \| "directory"`                               |
| `kind`               | `"directory" \| "local_checkout" \| "checkout" \| "worktree"`     |
| `name`               | `string`                                                          |
| `title`              | `string \| null`                                                  |
| `status`             | `"needs_input" \| "failed" \| "running" \| "attention" \| "done"` |
| `statusEnteredAt`    | ISO timestamp or `null`                                           |
| `archivingAt`        | ISO timestamp or `null`                                           |
| `diffStat`           | `{ additions: number; deletions: number } \| null`                |

Agent snapshot fields:

| Field               | Type                                                           |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `id`                | `string`                                                       |
| `workspaceId`       | `string`                                                       |
| `provider`          | `string`                                                       |
| `status`            | `"initializing" \| "idle" \| "running" \| "error" \| "closed"` |
| `createdAt`         | ISO timestamp                                                  |
| `updatedAt`         | ISO timestamp                                                  |
| `lastActivityAt`    | ISO timestamp                                                  |
| `title`             | `string \| null`                                               |
| `cwd`               | `string`                                                       |
| `model`             | `string \| null`                                               |
| `currentModeId`     | `string \| null`                                               |
| `thinkingOptionId`  | `string \| null`                                               |
| `requiresAttention` | `boolean`                                                      |
| `attentionReason`   | `"finished" \| "error" \| "permission" \| null`                |
| `parentAgentId`     | `string \| null`                                               |
| `labels`            | `Record<string, string>`                                       |

alp owns tab focus, splitting, closing, persistence, query state, the API/RPC providers, and the render error boundary. A restored tab whose plugin, panel, context, workspace, or agent is unavailable stays open with an unavailable message instead of crashing the workspace.

## Command Center items

Open the Command Center with **⌘K** on macOS or **Ctrl+K** on Windows and Linux, then search for the item title.

Register an action and open a panel from the callback:

```tsx
import { defineRpc } from "@getpaseo/plugin";
import { z } from "zod";

const refreshReview = defineRpc({
  name: "review.refresh",
  input: z.object({ agentId: z.string(), scope: z.string().optional() }),
  output: z.object({ refreshed: z.boolean() }),
});

client.addCommandCenterItem({
  id: "open-review",
  title: "Open review",
  icon: "Scan",
  keywords: ["inspect"],
  context: "agent",
  async onSelect({ paseo, rpc, workspace, agent, openPanel }) {
    await paseo.workspaces.ref(workspace.id).setTitle(`Review ${agent.id}`);
    await rpc(refreshReview, { agentId: agent.id });
    openPanel("review");
  },
});
```

`addCommandCenterItem` fields:

| Field      | Required | Meaning                                        |
| ---------- | -------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| `id`       | Yes      | Plugin-local item ID.                          |
| `title`    | Yes      | Search result title.                           |
| `icon`     | Yes      | Lucide icon name.                              |
| `keywords` | No       | Additional Command Center search terms.        |
| `context`  | Yes      | `global`, `workspace`, or `agent`.             |
| `onSelect` | Yes      | Client-side callback for the matching context. |

Global items appear on the installation's selected host. Workspace items appear only when that host has an active cached workspace. Agent items appear only when the focused workspace tab is an agent or an agent-context plugin panel whose cached record belongs to that workspace. Missing context removes the item rather than calling the plugin to discover it.

Every callback receives:

| Field                     | Context             | Meaning                                                                                                         |
| ------------------------- | ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `context`                 | All                 | Matching discriminator.                                                                                         |
| `paseo`                   | All                 | Selected host's existing `PaseoApi`.                                                                            |
| `rpc(contract, input)`    | All                 | Typed call to this installation's daemon-side plugin handler.                                                   |
| `openSurface(id)`         | All                 | Opens one of this plugin's registered global surfaces.                                                          |
| `workspace`               | Workspace and agent | Synchronous workspace snapshot.                                                                                 |
| `agent`                   | Agent               | Synchronous matching agent snapshot.                                                                            |
| `openPanel(id, options?)` | Workspace and agent | Opens a registered panel in the callback's current context. Pass `{ location: "explorer" }` to target Explorer. |

An agent callback may open either an agent panel or a workspace panel. A workspace callback may open only a workspace panel. Unknown surface and panel IDs fail visibly. Use `paseo` for normal workspace, agent, provider, and daemon-config operations. Use `rpc` for plugin-specific filesystem, credential, vendor, or daemon-local work.

## Slash commands

Register a command that runs in the alp client when the user submits `/name args` from the
message composer. The text is never sent to the agent:

```ts
client.addSlashCommand({
  name: "review",
  description: "Run the review bot",
  argumentHint: "[scope]",
  context: "agent",
  async onSubmit({ args, agent, rpc, openPanel }) {
    await rpc(refreshReview, { agentId: agent.id, scope: args });
    openPanel("review");
  },
});
```

| Field          | Required | Meaning                                        |
| -------------- | -------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| `name`         | Yes      | Command name without the leading slash.        |
| `description`  | Yes      | Composer autocomplete description.             |
| `argumentHint` | Yes      | Short usage hint shown after the command name. |
| `context`      | Yes      | `"workspace"` or `"agent"`.                    |
| `onSubmit`     | Yes      | Client callback for the matching context.      |

`onSubmit` receives the matching Command Center callback context plus `args`. For `/review src`,
`args` is `"src"`; alp trims only the remainder's leading and trailing whitespace and leaves
parsing to the plugin. alp owns the autocomplete row, input clearing, and the error toast. It
does not wait for `onSubmit` or show a pending state; use a composer pill or panel for that.

Precedence is built-in client commands, plugin commands, then provider commands. A lower-precedence
collision is omitted. Built-in aliases also reserve their names. The first plugin in stable catalog
order wins a collision between plugins. Commands do not run while the composer has attachments.

## Header buttons

Try the [button example](https://github.com/phucanh08/alp/tree/main/plugin-examples/buttons) for
actions, menus, custom icons and content, and visibility updates in both the header and composer.
It switches one header button between modes; additional actions use a named Tools menu.

`client.addHeaderButton({ id, workspaceId, button })` adds a button before the built-in actions on
the workspace header's right side. It returns a registration with `update(patch)` and `remove()`.

```tsx
const review = client.addHeaderButton({
  id: "review",
  workspaceId,
  button: {
    title: "Open review",
    icon: "Scan",
    label: "Review",
    behavior: {
      kind: "action",
      onPress() {
        client.openPanel("review", { workspaceId });
      },
    },
  },
});

review.update({ label: "Review · 3" });
review.update({ visible: false });
review.update({ visible: true });
review.remove();
```

Omit `label` for an icon-only header button. Menus and popovers show a chevron on wide layouts.
Compact header buttons use icons without labels or chevrons. alp moves excess contributions
into a shared overflow menu. Placement and overflow are host decisions.

## Composer pills

`client.addComposerPill({ id, workspaceId, agentId, button })` uses the same [button descriptor](#button-descriptor)
and returns the same registration. It targets one agent's composer track alongside Tasks and
Subagents. Composer pills always show the icon and `label` (or `title` when `label` is omitted).
They never show a chevron, including for menus and popovers.

```tsx
const pill = client.addComposerPill({
  id: "review",
  workspaceId,
  agentId,
  button: {
    title: "Open review",
    icon: "Scan",
    label: "Review",
    behavior: {
      kind: "action",
      onPress() {
        client.openPanel("review", { workspaceId, agentId });
      },
    },
  },
});
```

For pills that follow the agent directory, use an explicit [owned list subscription](/docs/sdk/events#follow-one-agents-status).
The [local plugin example](https://github.com/phucanh08/alp/blob/main/plugin-examples/local-plugin/client/main.tsx)
replaces registrations on each snapshot and aborts the observation during entry cleanup, including pending bootstrap.

## Button descriptor

These contracts are exported from `@getpaseo/plugin/client`.

| Field      | Required | Meaning                                                                 |
| ---------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `title`    | Yes      | Non-empty accessible label, tooltip, and sheet title.                   |
| `icon`     | Yes      | Lucide name or `ComponentType<PluginButtonIconProps>`.                  |
| `label`    | No       | Non-empty display text. Omit to use the placement's default.            |
| `visible`  | No       | Defaults to `true`. False removes the trigger and its layout space.     |
| `disabled` | No       | Defaults to `false`. Keeps the button visible and prevents interaction. |
| `behavior` | Yes      | One of the three shapes below.                                          |

```tsx
type PluginButtonBehavior =
  | { kind: "action"; onPress(): void | Promise<void> }
  | { kind: "menu"; items: readonly PluginButtonMenuEntry[] }
  | { kind: "popover"; Content: React.ComponentType<PluginButtonContentProps> };
```

An action runs on the client. alp marks the button busy until its promise settles, blocks repeated
presses, and shows failures in a toast. A failed action can be retried. Use the client's `paseo` for
ordinary operations and `rpc` for plugin-specific backend work.

Menus and popovers open anchored surfaces on wide layouts and bottom sheets on compact layouts.
The whole trigger opens the surface; there is no split-button behavior.

### Menu entries

A menu contains items and separators. IDs use lowercase letters, digits, and hyphens, start with
a letter, and are unique within that menu.

```tsx
const behavior: PluginButtonBehavior = {
  kind: "menu",
  items: [
    {
      kind: "item",
      id: "refresh",
      title: "Refresh review",
      icon: "RefreshCw",
      behavior: { kind: "action", onPress: refreshReview },
    },
    { kind: "separator", id: "details-divider" },
    {
      kind: "item",
      id: "details",
      title: "Review details",
      behavior: { kind: "popover", Content: ReviewDetails },
    },
  ],
};
```

An item requires `kind: "item"`, `id`, `title`, and `behavior`. Its optional `icon`, `visible`, and
`disabled` follow the button rules. A separator contains only `kind: "separator"` and `id`.
alp removes leading, trailing, and consecutive separators after filtering hidden items.

Items can use all three behaviors. Nested menus open flyouts on wide layouts and pages with back
navigation within the same compact sheet. Custom content pages open on selection, never hover.
Choosing an action closes the menu; opening another page keeps it open.

### Custom icons and popover content

`PluginButtonIconProps` contains `theme`, `host`, `layout`, `size`, `color`, and the target context.
Render a React Native icon or indicator within the supplied size. alp bounds the icon slot and
owns all pointer interaction. The icon component can use plugin hooks.

`PluginButtonContentProps` contains `theme`, `host`, `layout`, the target context, and `close()`.
Render the body only; alp owns anchoring, scrolling, padding, and sheet presentation. Content can
use `usePaseo`, `useRpc`, `useWorkspace`, `useAgent`, and the installation's React Query cache.

The target context is one of:

```ts
{ context: "workspace", workspaceId: string } // Header button
{ context: "agent", workspaceId: string, agentId: string } // Composer pill
```

### Updates and lifecycle

Each registration belongs to one plugin installation, placement, workspace, and (for pills) agent.
`id` is plugin-local within that target and uses the same format as menu IDs. The same ID may be
used in different targets or placements. Duplicate registration in the same target throws.

`update(patch: Partial<PluginButton>)` changes the descriptor in place, preserving identity and
order. When changing `behavior`, supply the complete new behavior object. Invalid updates throw
without changing the existing button. Subscribe to your own model or the client API and call
`update` to publish reactive changes; mutating the original descriptor does not update the UI.

Hiding or disabling a button closes its surface. Updating its behavior also closes the surface.
Hiding preserves the registration, so showing it again restores its position. It does not cancel
an action already in progress.

`remove()` is idempotent. Updates after removal do nothing. alp removes outstanding buttons when
the plugin installation or host connection is torn down. Return cleanup from the client entry for
your subscriptions, timers, and other resources.

## Use the alp SDK

Use `usePaseo()` for ordinary alp operations from a surface. It borrows the selected host's existing connection; do not create another client.

```tsx
import { type PluginSurfaceProps, usePaseo } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { Pressable, Text } from "react-native";

function PullRequestAction({ theme }: PluginSurfaceProps) {
  const paseo = usePaseo();

  async function createReviewWorkspace() {
    const workspace = await paseo.workspaces.create({
      title: "Review PR 42",
      source: {
        kind: "worktree",
        cwd: "/absolute/path/to/repository",
        action: "checkout",
        checkoutSource: { kind: "change_request", forge: "github", number: 42 },
      },
    });
    await workspace.agents.create({
      config: { provider: "codex/gpt-5.5" },
      prompt: "Review PR #42.",
    });
  }

  return (
    <Pressable accessibilityRole="button" onPress={() => void createReviewWorkspace()}>
      <Text style={{ color: theme.colors.foreground }}>Create review workspace</Text>
    </Pressable>
  );
}
```

The returned API covers projects, workspaces, agents, terminals, providers, and daemon config. See the [SDK API reference](/docs/sdk/reference) for its methods. Connection lifecycle methods are intentionally absent because alp owns the connection.

### Discover hosts and target another host

Use `useHosts()` to display configured hosts and `getPaseoClient(serverId)` in an action callback
to run SDK operations on one of them:

```tsx
import { getPaseoClient, useHosts, type PluginSurfaceProps } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { useMemo, useState, type ReactElement } from "react";
import { Pressable, Text, View } from "react-native";

export function HostAgents({ theme }: Pick<PluginSurfaceProps, "theme">): ReactElement {
  const hosts = useHosts();
  const textStyle = useMemo(() => ({ color: theme.colors.foreground }), [theme]);
  const [result, setResult] = useState("");

  async function listAgents(serverId: string): Promise<void> {
    try {
      const { entries } = await getPaseoClient(serverId).agents.list();
      setResult(`${entries.length} agents`);
    } catch (error) {
      setResult(error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error));
    }
  }

  const rows = hosts.map((host) => ({
    host,
    onPress() {
      void listAgents(host.serverId);
    },
  }));

  return (
    <View>
      {rows.map(({ host, onPress }) => (
        <Pressable key={host.serverId} accessibilityRole="button" onPress={onPress}>
          <Text style={textStyle}>
            {host.label}: {host.status}
          </Text>
        </Pressable>
      ))}
      <Text style={textStyle}>{result}</Text>
    </View>
  );
}
```

`useHosts(): readonly PluginHostSummary[]` includes offline hosts and updates when hosts,
labels, or statuses change.

| Summary field | Type or values                                               | Meaning                                                      |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `serverId`    | `string`                                                     | ID to pass to `getPaseoClient`.                              |
| `label`       | `string`                                                     | Host's display name.                                         |
| `status`      | `"idle"`, `"connecting"`, `"online"`, `"offline"`, `"error"` | Current app connection status. SDK calls require `"online"`. |

`getPaseoClient(serverId: string): PaseoApi` borrows the host's authenticated app connection.
Call it in client entry code or callbacks; it opens no socket and does not require the plugin
on the target daemon. Acquire the API when performing an action to use the current connection.

| Event or condition                                                                       | Result and caller action                                                                                                                                        |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Unknown host ID                                                                          | Throws `Unknown alp host: <id>`; never falls through to another host.                                                                                           |
| Host is not online                                                                       | Throws `alp host is disconnected: <id>`, including calls through a retained API. Retry when online.                                                             |
| Same connection reconnects                                                               | Retained APIs remain usable after reconnection; observations resume automatically.                                                                              |
| Connection settings change or the app switches connections, including automatic failover | The old API is released. Call `getPaseoClient(serverId)` again and recreate subscriptions.                                                                      |
| Host is removed                                                                          | Its API is released; the removed ID is unknown.                                                                                                                 |
| `client.dispose()`                                                                       | Releases that API and its observations. A later getter call returns a fresh API over the app connection. Disposing the old API again leaves the new API usable. |
| Originating plugin unloads                                                               | All its borrowed APIs and observations are released, including those targeting other hosts. Retained handles cannot outlive the installation.                   |
| Surface host selection changes                                                           | `usePaseo()` follows the selected host. An explicitly acquired API keeps its original target.                                                                   |

You can also release individual subscriptions through the normal SDK API.

Plugins are trusted app code; cross-host access is intentional. Summaries contain no connection
URLs or credentials, and borrowed APIs provide no connection lifecycle controls. See the
[host agents example](https://github.com/phucanh08/alp/tree/main/plugin-examples/hosts).

## Add plugin-specific backend behavior

Use plugin RPC only for work that is not a normal alp operation: reading a vendor API, accessing daemon-local resources, or keeping credentials off the client.

Define one contract with Zod, handle it in the subprocess, and call it from the surface:

`shared/greeting.ts`:

```ts
import { defineRpc } from "@getpaseo/plugin";
import { z } from "zod";

export const greeting = defineRpc({
  name: "greeting.create",
  input: z.object({ name: z.string() }),
  output: z.object({ message: z.string() }),
});
```

`client/greeting.tsx`:

```tsx
import { useRpc } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { greeting } from "../shared/greeting";

export function GreetingButton() {
  const createGreeting = useRpc(greeting);
  // Call createGreeting({ name: "Ada" }) from an event or query.
  return null;
}
```

`server/greeting.ts`:

```ts
import type { RpcInput } from "@getpaseo/plugin";
import { greeting } from "../shared/greeting";

export function createGreeting({ name }: RpcInput<typeof greeting>) {
  return { message: `Hello, ${name}` };
}
```

`index.client.tsx`:

```ts
import type { PluginClientContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { GreetingButton } from "./client/greeting";

export default function contribute(client: PluginClientContext) {
  client.addSurface("main", GreetingButton);
  return () => {};
}
```

`index.server.ts`:

```ts
import type { PluginServerContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/server";
import { createGreeting } from "./server/greeting";
import { greeting } from "./shared/greeting";

export default function contribute(server: PluginServerContext) {
  server.handle(greeting, createGreeting);
  return () => {};
}
```

Inputs and outputs are validated on both sides. RPC names start with a lowercase letter and contain lowercase letters, numbers, dots, hyphens, or underscores. `useRpc()` returns a typed async function. Use TanStack Query for request state, caching, and mutations.

Backend handlers receive the same `PaseoApi` as `{ paseo }`. Their connection belongs to the subprocess and closes when the plugin stops. It does not subscribe to timelines or catalog events until plugin code subscribes. Follow the [SDK event contract](../../sdk/events.md) for cleanup and timeline replacements. Backend code can use Node APIs and dependencies installed in the plugin directory.

## Debug backend output

Backend contributions can write to stdout and stderr with normal Node logging:

```ts
console.log("Refreshing issues");
console.error("Issue refresh failed", error);
```

alp adds `[paseo]` entries when the plugin starts loading, becomes ready, starts stopping, and has
stopped. It records compilation and load failures as stderr entries, including failures that happen
before the plugin subprocess starts. alp also captures output emitted during initialization, RPC
handlers, cleanup, and process failure. Protocol traffic uses a separate channel, so `console.log()`
cannot corrupt plugin RPCs.

Open **Settings → Plugins → Logs** for the plugin, or inspect the same recent tail from the daemon
CLI:

```bash
alp plugin logs my-plugin
alp plugin logs my-plugin --json
alp --host <url> plugin logs my-plugin
```

The command returns a snapshot rather than following live output. Refresh the settings view or run
the command again for newer entries. Each entry includes its timestamp, stdout or stderr stream,
sequence, and message.

alp retains up to 500 entries and 256 KiB per plugin in memory. Individual lines are capped at
16 KiB. Reload, disable, compilation failure, initialization failure, and process failure retain the
tail. Removing the plugin clears it, and a daemon restart starts a new tail. Structured copies are
also written to the daemon log at `$PASEO_HOME/daemon.log`.

Only daemon-side output is captured. Logs from client surfaces remain in the app runtime. Do not log
credentials, access tokens, or other secrets: connected users can read the retained tail, and the
daemon log persists it.

## Add a composer attachment source

An attachment source searches external resources and returns a stable text snapshot for an agent prompt. Keep credentials and vendor calls in the backend handler.

`shared/issues.ts`:

```ts
import { defineAttachmentSource, defineRpc } from "@getpaseo/plugin";
import { z } from "zod";

export const searchIssues = defineRpc({
  name: "issues.search",
  input: z.object({ query: z.string() }),
  output: z.object({
    items: z.array(
      z.object({
        id: z.string(),
        identifier: z.string(),
        title: z.string(),
        subtitle: z.string().optional(),
        url: z.string().url(),
        text: z.string(),
        resourceType: z.string(),
      }),
    ),
  }),
});

export const issues = defineAttachmentSource({
  id: "issues",
  title: "Acme issue",
  icon: "CircleDot",
  pickerTitle: "Attach Acme issue",
  searchPlaceholder: "Search by identifier or title",
  search: searchIssues,
});
```

`server/issues.ts`:

```ts
import type { RpcInput } from "@getpaseo/plugin";
import { searchIssues } from "../shared/issues";

export function search({ query }: RpcInput<typeof searchIssues>) {
  return searchAcmeIssues(query);
}
```

`index.client.tsx`:

```ts
import type { PluginClientContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/client";
import { issues } from "./shared/issues";

export default function contribute(client: PluginClientContext) {
  client.addAttachmentSource(issues);
  return () => {};
}
```

`index.server.ts`:

```ts
import type { PluginServerContext } from "@getpaseo/plugin/server";
import { search } from "./server/issues";
import { searchIssues } from "./shared/issues";

export default function contribute(server: PluginServerContext) {
  server.handle(searchIssues, search);
  return () => {};
}
```

alp owns the composer menu, search picker, selected pill, draft state, and submission. The `text` value is the complete snapshot sent to the agent.

## Hosts and lifecycle

Plugins are installed per daemon. When the same contribution exists on several connected hosts, alp shows one sidebar item and adds a host picker. The selected host supplies the bundle, alp API, RPC transport, and query cache. Calls never fall through to another host when the selected host is offline.

Attachment sources remain scoped to each composer's host.

Workspace panels and Command Center items stay scoped to the active host and exact cached context.
Reload replaces their registrations. Disable, removal, host disconnect, and evaluation failure
remove Command Center items and clear the installation's query state. An already-restored panel tab
remains as unavailable until its matching contribution returns or the user closes it. Panel render
failures stay inside the plugin error boundary.

## Plugin sources

Paste one of these source identifiers into **Settings → Plugins**, or pass it to
`alp plugin install`. `alp plugin add <source>` and `alp plugin install <source>` are aliases.
Absolute host paths are recommended because relative paths resolve against the daemon's working
directory. The app does not expand `~`; your shell may expand it before the CLI runs.

| Source                     | Accepted form                                                              | Example                                       |
| -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| Host directory             | Absolute or relative path on the daemon host                               | `/srv/alp/plugins/review`                     |
| GitHub repository          | `github:owner/repository` or `owner/repository`                            | `github:acme/alp-review`                      |
| Git repository             | `git:<URL or SCP source>`; the prefix is optional for URLs and SCP sources | `git:https://git.example.com/acme/review.git` |
| npm package                | `npm:<name>[@<version, tag, or range>]`; `npm:` is optional                | `npm:@acme/alp-review@^1.2.0`                 |
| Plugin below a source root | Append `:relative/plugin/path` to any source                               | `github:acme/monorepo:plugins/review`         |

Git URLs use `https://`, `http://`, `ssh://`, `git://`, or `file://`. SCP sources use
`user@host:path`. `file://` selects Git acquisition, not directory installation.

npm names are lowercase unscoped `name` or scoped `@scope/name`. Each component starts with a
letter or digit and then contains letters, digits, `.`, `_`, or `-`. After the package name, an
optional `@` introduces an exact version, distribution tag, or npm semver range. Omitting it means
`latest`. Quote shell arguments containing spaces or comparison operators. npm aliases, tarball
URLs, and npm's `file:` specifications are not plugin source identifiers; use a directory or Git
source for those locations. Use the `npm:` prefix for an unscoped package with both a selector
and subdirectory (`npm:review@1.2.0:nested`); without it, `user@host:path` is an SCP Git source.
The package registry validates the selected version, tag, or range.

alp resolves an identifier in this order:

1. An existing directory matching the complete identifier on the daemon host wins, including a
   literal directory containing `:`.
2. Otherwise, recognize `npm:`, `github:`, or `git:` before interpreting a subdirectory suffix.
   `git://` is a Git URL scheme. An explicit prefix selects acquisition of that kind.
3. Recognize a final `:relative/plugin/path` only when its suffix contains no empty, `.` or `..`
   segments. A lone `.` selects the source root. Both `/` and `\` separate suffix segments; use `/`
   across hosts. URL ports and the separator in an SCP source stay part of the source. A suffix
   that does not satisfy these rules stays part of the identifier.
4. Without an explicit prefix, an existing directory matching the remaining source wins.
5. Resolve Git URLs and SCP sources as Git; expand exact `owner/repository` shorthand to GitHub
   HTTPS. `github:` requires that shorthand; `git:` accepts it as well as URLs and SCP sources.
6. Resolve a remaining npm package name with its optional selector through the host's registry.
   Reject anything else.

Directory lookup happens on the daemon host. The app uses the `paseo-plugin.json` ID; the CLI
accepts `--id <runtime-id>` to override it. An existing installation ID is rejected without changing
its enabled state or files.

```bash
alp plugin install /srv/alp/plugins/review
alp plugin install github:acme/alp-review
alp plugin install git:https://git.example.com:8443/acme/monorepo.git:plugins/review --ref main
alp plugin install git@git.example.com:acme/review.git
alp plugin install file:///srv/repos/monorepo:plugins/review
alp plugin install npm:alp-review@1.2.0
alp plugin install npm:@acme/alp-review@next
alp plugin install 'npm:@acme/alp-review@>=1.2.0 <2.0.0' --id review-staging
alp plugin install npm:@acme/plugins@^1.2.0:plugins/review
```

`--ref` applies only to Git and accepts a branch, tag, or commit for this installation. Without it,
alp installs the remote's default HEAD. Installation selectors do not constrain later updates. The legacy
`--path relative/plugin/path` option is equivalent to a subdirectory suffix, including for npm.

### npm installation and publishing

Install Node.js with npm on the **daemon host** and make `npm` available on the daemon's `PATH`.
The daemon uses that host's npm user/global configuration and environment for registry selection
and authentication, including scope-specific registries. The client does not download packages or
run npm. Loading, enabling, and reloading an installed plugin do not need npm.

The daemon installs each candidate and its production dependencies in an isolated directory. It
keeps the complete dependency tree and `package-lock.json` when activating it. The installed
package and lockfile provide its current version and artifact integrity. A version, tag, or range
chooses content for this installation only.

For package contents, dependencies, preparation, and private registries, see
[Publish a plugin](/docs/plugins/publishing).

A failed download, dependency installation, manifest check, preparation command, compilation, or
activation discards the candidate. Other installed plugins keep running. Removing an npm plugin
deletes its managed files; removing a directory plugin keeps your source directory.

## CLI reference

```bash
alp plugin init /absolute/path/to/plugin
alp plugin install /absolute/path/to/plugin
alp plugin install /absolute/path/to/plugin --id another-runtime-id
alp plugin add owner/repository
alp plugin add https://git.example.com/owner/repository.git --ref main
alp plugin add owner/monorepo:plugins/review
alp plugin ls [id]
alp plugin update <id>
alp plugin update --all --check
alp plugin update --all --yes
alp plugin update my-plugin --version 1.2.0
alp plugin update my-plugin --ref v2
alp plugin reload my-plugin
alp plugin logs my-plugin
alp plugin disable my-plugin
alp plugin enable my-plugin
alp plugin remove my-plugin
```

`ls` and Settings show source identity and the current installed revision without contacting the
remote. Identity includes the selected subdirectory and excludes installation selectors.

`update <id>` checks for an update, shows the current and proposed revision with available review
links, and asks for approval. Declining leaves the installed content unchanged.

- npm checks the package's `latest` version. It offers only a newer version; an installed version
  newer than latest stays installed. Host npm registry/auth configuration governs resolution.
- Git checks the remote's current default HEAD, regardless of the branch, tag, or commit selected
  during installation.
- Directory plugins are skipped; edit the directory and use `reload`.

`--check` only previews, including with an explicit target or `--yes`. `--yes` skips the question.
`--all` checks each configured plugin and reports independent results; one failure does not stop
others. Neither flag permits ordinary npm downgrades.

`--version <version|tag|range>` or `--ref <branch|tag|commit>` selects one matching plugin's update
content and applies it without another question. An explicit npm version can be older. The next
ordinary update checks latest again. Explicit targets cannot be combined with `--all`.
JSON and noninteractive ordinary updates require `--yes`.

Approval acquires exactly the reviewed commit or npm artifact. If it is unavailable or the installed
plugin changed while reviewing, the update fails and asks you to check again. Failed preparation or
activation retains the previous installation. Manual app update review is not available yet.

Put `--host <url>` before a management command when the target is not the CLI's default daemon. `remove`
never deletes a directory source; it deletes managed files for Git and npm sources. The install-time
`--id` is the runtime ID and allows the same directory or repository to be installed more than once.

> **Trust every plugin you add.** `alp plugin add` and `alp plugin install` mean “I trust this codebase.” Server code and preparation commands run unsandboxed with the daemon user's access on the daemon host; client contributions run inside alp. Dependencies and future updates are part of that decision. With the global `--host` option, commands run on the remote daemon host.

Most plugins should omit `build`. Use it only when the staged checkout must install a dependency
that alp does not provide, generate source or assets, or perform another required preparation
step:

```json
{
  "id": "review",
  "requirements": { "paseo": ">=0.8.0" },
  "build": [["npm", "ci", "--omit=dev"]]
}
```

`build` is a list of non-empty argv arrays. alp runs each executable directly, without a shell,
from the staged plugin directory after resolving the exact commit and manifest. It never infers a
package manager or commands from lockfiles. Install and update both run `build` before validation,
compilation, activation, or replacement. A failing command reports its output, discards the
candidate, and leaves the installed/running version intact. The daemon log records each command and
output; with the global `--host` option, execution is on that daemon host.

Run `npm run typecheck` before install or reload. Manage plugin source entries with the CLI or
Settings; see [Plugin sources](#plugin-sources) for install syntax.

The daemon-wide **Enable plugins** switch lives under **Settings → Plugins**. A configured plugin remains `disabled` until that switch and the plugin's own enabled state are both on.

The switch is the root `pluginsEnabled` field in `config.json`. After changing it, run `alp reload --json`. Enabling starts every configured plugin whose own `enabled` value is not `false`; disabling tears down all plugins. No daemon restart is required. Manual edits to plugin source entries are not reloaded; use the plugin lifecycle commands for those.

## Load failures

Use `alp plugin ls` to read the current status and error.

| Symptom                                                               | Check                                                                                                                                   |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `This plugin was made for an older version of alp`                    | The directory has only an `index.ts` entry. Follow the [migration guide](/docs/plugins/migration).                                      |
| `Plugin entry points are missing`                                     | Neither `index.client.tsx` nor `index.server.ts` exists with that exact name.                                                           |
| `server-only module cannot be imported into the plugin client bundle` | Client code imports `server/`. Move the work behind an RPC and import its contract from `shared/`.                                      |
| `client-only module cannot be imported into the plugin server bundle` | Server code imports `client/`. Register that contribution from `index.client.tsx` instead.                                              |
| `Node module cannot be imported into the plugin client bundle`        | Client code imports `node:*`. Move the operation to `server/` and call it through an RPC.                                               |
| Sidebar item is missing                                               | The plugin is `running`, the item references an existing surface, the icon name is valid, and the client is on the installation's host. |
| Client module is unavailable                                          | Import only the host-provided client modules listed above.                                                                              |
| RPC rejects                                                           | Check both Zod schemas and the daemon-side handler error.                                                                               |
| Edited code does not appear                                           | Run `npm run typecheck`, then `alp plugin reload <id>`.                                                                                 |
| Reload fails                                                          | Read `alp plugin ls` and `alp plugin logs <id>`, fix the source error, then reload; alp does not restore the previous bundle.           |
| Plugin exits unexpectedly                                             | Read `alp plugin logs <id>` for retained initialization, cleanup, stderr, and final crash output.                                       |