formula-authoring

name	formula-authoring
description	Author TOML-based Formula workflow templates that become Protomolecules and active Molecules in Gas Town's durable workflow system.
allowed-tools	Read, Write, Edit, Bash, Grep, Glob, WebFetch, WebSearch, Agent, AskUserQuestion

Formula Authoring

Overview

Create and manage TOML-based Formula templates that define repeatable multi-step workflows. Formulas are cooked into Protomolecules (frozen, ready to instantiate) and then activated as Molecules (durable, checkpoint-able workflows).

When to Use

• Defining repeatable workflow templates
• Creating multi-step processes with variable binding
• Building workflows that must survive restarts
• When NDI (Nondeterministic Idempotence) is needed

Process

1. Define formula steps and variables in TOML format
2. Validate formula structure and dependencies
3. Cook into protomolecule (resolve variables, freeze)
4. Test by instantiating a trial molecule
5. Register in the formula library for reuse

Formula Lifecycle

Formula (TOML template) -> Protomolecule (frozen) -> Molecule (active, durable)

Key Concepts

• Formula: TOML-based workflow template with variables
• Protomolecule: Frozen template ready to instantiate
• Molecule: Active durable workflow surviving restarts
• NDI: Nondeterministic Idempotence - useful outcomes from unreliable processes

Tool Use

Invoke via babysitter process: methodologies/gastown/gastown-molecule