pheropath

name	PheroPath
description	A filesystem-based stigmergy communication protocol. Use this to leave invisible "pheromones" (signals) on files to communicate context, risks, or status to other agents or your future self without modifying file content.

PheroPath Agent Skill

PheroPath allows you to attach context (DANGER, TODO, SAFE, INSIGHT) to files using Extended Attributes (or a sidecar fallback).

Usage Guide

1. Secrete (Leave a Signal)

Script: scripts/secrete.py

When to use:

• DANGER: You found a bug/risk you cannot fix immediately.
• TODO: You are leaving untidied code or suggestions.
• SAFE: You verified a module is robust.
• INSIGHT: You want to explain why something is implemented this way.

Bash Examples (Few-Shot):

# Example 1: Mark a file as dangerous due to a race condition
python3 scripts/secrete.py "src/concurrency.py" "DANGER" "Rate limit race condition under high load" --intensity 1.0

# Example 2: Leave a TODO note for refactoring
python3 scripts/secrete.py "src/legacy_api.py" "TODO" "Needs migration to v2 API schema"

# Example 3: Mark a test file as verified
python3 scripts/secrete.py "tests/test_auth.py" "SAFE" "Passed all penetration tests"

# Example 4: Add architectural insight
python3 scripts/secrete.py "src/core/engine.py" "INSIGHT" "Core loop logic derived from paper X" --ttl 168

2. Sniff (Read Signals)

Script: scripts/sniff.py

When to use:

• ALWAYS before starting a task in an unfamiliar directory.
• Before modifying critical files to check for DANGER.

Bash Examples (Few-Shot):

# Example 1: Sniff a specific file
python3 scripts/sniff.py "src/main.py"

# Example 2: Sniff an entire directory (recursive) to gather context
python3 scripts/sniff.py "src/" --min-intensity 0.1

# Example 3: Parse output (it is JSON)
python3 scripts/sniff.py "src/" | jq '.[].message'

3. Cleanse (Remove Signals)

Script: scripts/cleanse.py

When to use:

• After fixing a bug (remove DANGER).
• After completing a task (remove TODO).

Bash Examples (Few-Shot):

# Example 1: Remove signal from a specific file (e.g. after fixing it)
python3 scripts/cleanse.py "src/concurrency.py"

# Example 2: Prune weak signals (intensity < 0.2) from a directory
python3 scripts/cleanse.py "src/" --prune 0.2

# Example 3: Clear ALL signals from a directory (Reset)
python3 scripts/cleanse.py "src/" --all