How It Works
An overview of the cross-cutting mechanisms that underpin NexusArchitect
This page describes the cross-cutting mechanisms that underpin NexusArchitect, as revealed through implementation.
Pipeline Dependency Graph
Which skills run and in what order is defined in a file called skill-dependencies.yaml. This section also covers the four profiles you can choose from depending on your use case: mvp, core-only, ux-to-spec, and full.
Validation Gate
A Go/No-Go decision mechanism that runs immediately after Phase 1, the first stage of the pipeline, to determine whether work should proceed.
Live Dashboard
A terminal screen that shows in real time which phase is currently running and the status of the validation gate decision and cost.
Shared-Context Pack
A collection of team-shared knowledge that is loaded at the start of every implementation run.
Status Label State Machine
The mechanism that advances issue labels through the sequence todo → doing → review → done. It also defines which labels each skill is permitted to change.
Three-Layer Checklist Structure
Three distinct checklist types: a child task list that breaks down the work, acceptance criteria that define the definition of done, and a Delivery Status that tracks progress from implementation through merge. Each type restricts which skills are allowed to check off items.
Pause and Resume
Progress is written to files even when a run stops mid-way. Covers how to resume from where you left off using the same command, and how to check your current position in the pipeline.
Token Cost Model
What drives cost, how to review actual spend after a run, and the command for estimating cost upfront.