How does Beads handle Claude's context limits?

Beads stores task data in a local database that survives compaction events, allowing Claude to reconstruct the full project state even after the conversation history is cleared.

What happens to my tasks after a compaction event?

While conversation history is lost during compaction, all Beads data—including issue status, notes, and dependencies—remains intact, serving as the agent's primary memory for recovery.

Does Beads require a central server?

No, Beads is git-backed and uses a local .beads/ directory or a global ~/.beads/ database to store all information locally on your machine.

When should I use Beads instead of a simple todo list?

Use Beads for multi-session work with complex dependencies or fuzzy boundaries. Use simple todo lists for linear, straightforward tasks that will be completed in a single session.

Can I use Beads across different projects?

Yes. Beads automatically detects project-local databases in your current directory but can fall back to a global database for cross-project tracking and personal knowledge work.

Beads Persistent Task Graph

Name: Beads Persistent Task Graph
Author: fredpope

byfredpope

生产力与工作流

Tracks complex, multi-session workflows and task dependencies to maintain persistent project context across AI compaction events.

关于

Beads is a graph-based issue tracker designed to provide Claude with persistent memory for long-running projects and complex engineering tasks. Unlike ephemeral chat history, Beads stores work-in-progress states, technical decisions, and hierarchical dependencies in a local database that survives context window compaction. It bridges the gap between short-term tasks and long-term project management by allowing Claude to resume work after weeks away or after a conversation reset with full technical context and a clear understanding of blockers and next steps.

主要功能

Project-local and global database support for flexible task management
Structured session handoff protocols with standardized COMPLETED/NEXT notes
Proactive progress checkpointing based on real-time token usage monitoring
Graph-based dependency tracking to manage blockers and prerequisites
0 GitHub stars
Persistent memory storage that survives AI context window compaction events

使用场景

Managing multi-day features that require consistent architectural context across resets
Tracking exploratory 'side quests' and research without losing focus on the main objective
Resuming complex development work after long breaks with full state restoration

关于

主要功能

Project-local and global database support for flexible task management
Structured session handoff protocols with standardized COMPLETED/NEXT notes
Proactive progress checkpointing based on real-time token usage monitoring
Graph-based dependency tracking to manage blockers and prerequisites
0 GitHub stars
Persistent memory storage that survives AI context window compaction events

使用场景

Managing multi-day features that require consistent architectural context across resets
Tracking exploratory 'side quests' and research without losing focus on the main objective
Resuming complex development work after long breaks with full state restoration