Agent conversations#
Agent conversations combine a provider session with a project root, model, permission posture, optional memory and an explicit set of MCP tools.
Before you start#
- A provider reports ready in Settings.
- The project root is correct and its current changes are understood.
- You have chosen whether the turn may write files or run commands.
Start safely#
- Create a conversation from the workspace you intend to use.
- Confirm the provider, model, local or SSH target and project path.
- Begin read-only for unfamiliar repositories.
- Review each permission request and the complete command, not only its label.
- Inspect the diff before accepting generated edits.
Memory and MCP access are separate controls. A conversation with memory enabled can receive project context; a conversation with MCP enabled can call the selected server tools. Disable either when it is unnecessary.
Continue and recover#
Conversation transcripts remain readable after a provider is removed. A provider change may require a new conversation when the original runtime cannot resume its session format. If streaming stops, cancel the turn before retrying to avoid overlapping work.
Verify#
After the turn completes:
git status --short
git diff --check
git diff
Confirm that only intended files changed, then run the affected project's own tests. PacketBench supervises the interaction; it does not replace repository review or an operating-system sandbox.
If it does not work#
| Symptom | Check | Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| The agent stops at an approval and never resumes | Whether an approved action ends the current run | Start a follow-up run to interpret the result |
| A provider fails mid-conversation | Provider availability rather than the conversation | See A provider is unavailable |
| A recovered conversation has lost context | What was compacted | Recovery preserves the conversation, not every intermediate turn |
| GitHub tools report no token | The token, not the agent | See GitHub agent tools report no token |