Skip to main content

​
Overview

cmd offers two distinct chat modes, each designed for different types of interactions. You can customize which tools are available in each mode to match your workflow and security preferences.

​
Available Modes

Agent Mode

Autonomous agents that can edit files, run commands, and complete complex tasks with minimal supervision.

Ask Mode

Conversational assistant for questions, explanations, and read-only analysis without modifying code.

​
Default Tool Configuration

By default, each mode has different tools enabled:
When a tool is enabled, it still needs your permission to run. Enabling a tool gives the option for the AI model to request its usage. You’re always in control.

​
Agent Mode (Default)

Agent mode has all tools enabled by default, including:
  • File Operations: Read, edit, and write files
  • Code Execution: Run shell commands and builds
  • Search & Discovery: Search files, glob patterns, list directories
  • Web Access: Web search and fetch capabilities
  • Task Management: Todo tracking
  • MCP Tools: All connected MCP server tools (both read-only and read-write)

​
Ask Mode (Default)

Ask mode has read-only tools enabled by default, including:
  • Search Tools: Search files and grep through codebase
  • Discovery Tools: Glob patterns to find files
  • Web Tools: Web search and web fetch for documentation
  • Task Tracking: Todo write for tracking conversations
  • Read-Only MCP Tools: Only MCP tools marked as read-only
Ask mode is designed for safe, exploratory conversations without the risk of modifying your code.

​
Customizing Chat Modes

You can customize which tools are available in each mode:
1

Open Settings

Navigate to Settings in cmd
2

Select Chat Mode Configuration

Find the Chat Modes section and select the mode you want to customize (Agent or Ask)
3

Configure Available Tools

You’ll see a list of all available tools grouped by category:
  • File Operations: Read, Edit, Write, List
  • Code Execution: Shell commands, Build tools
  • Search & Discovery: Search, Grep, Glob
  • Web & Network: Web search, Web fetch
  • MCP Tools: Tools from your connected MCP servers
Toggle tools on or off based on your preferences.
4

Add Custom Instructions (Optional)

You can also add custom instructions specific to each mode to guide the AI’s behavior.
5

Reset to Defaults

Use the “Reset to Default” button to restore the original tool configuration for any mode.