# Operation Modes

LogiCoal has three operation modes that control how much autonomy the AI has. The current mode is always visible in the bottom-left corner of the interface.

## Normal Mode (Default)

The balanced mode. The AI can read files freely but asks permission before making changes.

**Requires approval:**

- Writing or creating files (`write_file`)
- Editing existing files (`edit_file`)
- Running shell commands (`bash`)
- Reading files outside your working directory

**No approval needed:**

- Reading files in your working directory
- Searching files and directories (`glob`, `grep`, `list_dir`)
- Web searches and HTTP requests
- Updating the task list

## Auto Mode

Full autonomy. The AI executes all operations immediately without asking permission.

Use this when you trust the task and want speed — for example, when the AI is implementing a feature you've described in detail, or when you're running a well-defined agent workflow.

**Everything runs without prompts**, including file writes, shell commands, and agent checkpoints.

## Plan Mode

Strict read-only. The AI can explore your codebase but cannot modify anything.

**Blocked entirely:**

- Writing files
- Editing files
- Running shell commands

**Allowed:**

- Reading files
- Searching and listing directories
- Web searches

Use this when you want the AI to analyze or plan without any risk of changes. Good for code reviews, architecture discussions, and understanding unfamiliar codebases.

## Switching Modes

**Keyboard:** Press **Shift+Tab** to cycle through modes: Normal → Auto → Plan → Normal

**Command:** Type `/mode` followed by the mode name:

```
/mode normal
/mode auto
/mode plan
```

Type `/mode` with no arguments to see the current mode.

## The Approval Dialog

In Normal mode, when the AI requests a write operation, you'll see:

```
Write file: src/utils/validate.ts
  ▸ Approve
    Deny
```

**Controls:**

- **Up/Down** arrows — Toggle between Approve and Deny
- **Enter** — Confirm your selection
- **Y** — Approve directly
- **N** — Deny directly

If you deny an operation, the AI is informed and will try an alternative approach or ask for clarification.

## When to Use Each Mode

| Situation | Recommended Mode |
| --- | --- |
| General coding tasks | Normal |
| You've described exactly what you want built | Auto |
| Running agent teams or `/execute` | Auto |
| Exploring or reviewing code | Plan |
| Understanding a new codebase | Plan |
| Debugging — want to inspect without changes | Plan |
| Quick iterative edits where approval slows you down | Auto |

Modes are per-session. LogiCoal always starts in Normal mode.