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Agent Harness Map
Choose a runtime, repository contract, or orchestrator
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The four layers
| Layer | Responsibility | Does not replace |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Proposes text and tool calls | Permission and recovery |
| Runtime harness | Runs the loop and tools | Repository contract |
| Repository harness | Instructions, state, verification | Runtime loop |
| Orchestrator | Coordinates runtimes and sessions | Each runtime’s decisions |
An orchestrator can launch several runtimes without owning their loops. A repository can improve its contract without changing runtime.
Loop and graph are not extra layers. Loop names the repeated feedback and stopping rule. Graph names the executable nodes, branches, joins, and checkpoints inside a runtime or an orchestrator.
A harness optimizer sits outside this stack. It changes and evaluates candidate harnesses for later runs.
Choose in the right order
- Define the task and acceptable autonomy.
- Select a runtime that owns the required loop.
- If the flow must be versioned, specify nodes, branches, and checkpoints inside the chosen runtime.
- Write the repository contract: instructions, pass criteria, verification.
- Add an orchestrator only when coordination, isolation, or recovery across tasks requires it.
Five sources, five uses
| Source | Used to | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Strict comparison | Identify runtimes | Not a universal ranking |
| Orchestrator table | Compare coordination | Not a runtime |
| Best of Agent Harnesses | Explore 160 projects, 12 categories | 2026-08-23 snapshot |
agent-harnesses.json | Read provenance and evidence | unknown is not none |
| Optimizer research table | Compare search protocols | Mostly research systems |
Statuses for observed mechanisms: confirmed = visible mechanism, claimed = source assertion, unknown = not established yet, not_applicable = category mismatch.
Short trial, traceable verdict
Compare two or three model-harness pairs on real tasks in separate worktrees. Repeat critical tasks. Measure human verdict, interventions, plan drift, wall time, accepted-task cost, recovery, and setup friction.
Links: Agent Harness Map · Loop & Graph Engineering · Agent Harness Engineering · Agent Tools · Glossary
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