Beads is a versioned, dependency-aware graph database designed for distributed issue tracking and project management. It functions as an agentic workflow orchestrator, providing a structured environment where tasks, dependencies, and project metadata are linked through relational hierarchies. By maintaining a persistent, version-controlled record of project state, the system enables teams to manage complex work items across multiple repositories and environments.
The platform distinguishes itself through its deep integration with automated coding agents, acting as a Model Context Protocol server to inject persistent memory and task context directly into development sessions. It supports multi-agent coordination by managing work reservations and presence awareness, while its declarative workflow engine automates sequences through asynchronous gates and conditional triggers. Unlike standard trackers, it treats project data as a graph, allowing for complex relational queries and the automated identification of unblocked tasks based on real-time dependency analysis.
Beyond its core orchestration capabilities, the system provides comprehensive tools for project oversight, including health metrics, workflow visualization, and unified synchronization with external issue trackers. It offers flexible deployment options, ranging from embedded local storage for single-writer workflows to persistent server configurations for multi-user environments. Access control and project visibility are managed independently of source code repositories, ensuring that planning data remains secure and structured throughout the project lifecycle.
