Chat Modes

Agent Nine has two modes of operation, each suited for different tasks.

Chat Mode (Cloud)

Runs in the cloud. No desktop app needed.

Best for:

• Quick questions about code, APIs, algorithms
• Brainstorming architecture and design
• Writing documentation or commit messages
• Web research and browsing

Available tools:

• Web browsing (navigate, screenshot, extract text)
• Web search (Brave Search)
• Web fetch (read any URL)
• Code execution in sandbox
• MCP integrations (GitHub, Slack, etc.)

Limitations:

• Cannot access your local files directly
• Sandbox execution only (not your project environment)

Code Mode (Machine)

Messages are sent to your machine through the desktop app. Full local access.

Best for:

• Reading and editing project files
• Running tests, builds, linters
• Git operations
• Multi-file refactoring
• Debugging with full context

Available tools:

• All file operations (read, write, edit, glob, grep)
• Bash / PowerShell execution
• Git operations
• LSP integration (type checking, diagnostics)
• Plan mode with verification
• Background agents (parallel tasks)
• All Chat mode tools via MCP

Requirements:

• Desktop app installed and running
• Desktop app running and connected (green dot in sidebar)

Switching Modes

Click the Chat / Code toggle at the top center of the screen:

[Chat] [Code]

In the web app, Code mode is available only when the desktop app is running and connected.

Machine Selection

In the sidebar, you'll see your devices:

• Cloud — Chat mode (always available)
• Your Machine — Code mode (green dot = online)

Click a machine to switch to it. You can have multiple machines connected.

Permissions

Chat Mode

All tool calls are auto-approved (sandbox environment).

Code Mode

Permissions depend on your setting:

Mode	Behavior
Default	Ask before every write/execute
Session-approved	Ask once, approve for the rest of session
YOLO	Auto-approve everything except destructive commands

Destructive commands are always blocked regardless of mode:

• rm -rf, git reset --hard, DROP TABLE, etc.
• Command injection attempts
• Writes to system paths

Session Management

Each conversation is a separate session:

• New chat — Click + in the sidebar
• Pin sessions — Star important conversations
• Delete sessions — Hover and click ×
• Load history — Click any session in sidebar to resume

Sessions are persisted on the server and can be accessed from any device.