recursive-mode is an installable skill package that transforms how AI agents handle complex engineering tasks. Instead of relying on conversational context that disappears between sessions, recursive-mode keeps requirements, plans, implementation evidence, and decisions in repository files — making agent work auditable, resumable, and consistent across contributors.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://recursive-mode.dev/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Quick Start
Install and bootstrap a repository in minutes
Installation
All install options: skills CLI, Python, PowerShell, Bash
Workflow Overview
Understand the phase-by-phase run model
Subskills
Specialized skills for TDD, debugging, review, and more
An alternative to Missions
recursive-mode, previously known as rlm-workflow, is a free alternative that pre-dates Factory.ai’s Missions feature by several months. It has a stronger recursion mechanism, is free and open source, and works in any IDE, CLI, agent and with any models.How it works
Install the skill package
Add recursive-mode to your agent environment with the skills CLI or a bootstrap script.
Bootstrap your repository
Run the installer to create the
/.recursive/ scaffold, control-plane docs, and memory layout.Start a run
Give your agent a short command like
Implement the run — requirements live in repo files, not in prompts.What’s included
Phases & Artifacts
Requirements, AS-IS analysis, planning, implementation, testing, QA, and closeout — all backed by locked files
Memory
Durable project knowledge persists across runs so agents start with better context every time
Scripts
Cross-platform tools for status, linting, locking, review bundles, and hygiene checks
Guides
Step-by-step walkthroughs for common workflows and scenarios