Local-first runtime

ID: cap-local-first-runtime · Type: capability

Capability

Local-first runtime

Hermit runs against your local workspace so the files stay canonical and the tooling remains close to the work

The runtime treats the local repo as the source of truth and prefers file operations, local prompts, and local artifacts over opaque remote state.

At a glance

Audience: Developers who care about control, privacy, and inspectability
Owner: Hermit Website Lead
Status: active

Proof points

The agent reads and writes workspace files directly.
The runtime is designed to run inside a sandboxed local environment by default.
Git history remains the durable change log for system evolution.

Details

Summary

Hermit is designed around local control. It uses the repo as the operating environment, which keeps changes visible and keeps the application close to the user.

Why It Matters

This reduces hidden state and makes it easier to understand what changed, why it changed, and how to evolve the system safely.

Demo Ideas

Show a git diff after a role updates canonical records.
Show sandbox guidance and file-first validation in practice.