What are Squads?
Squads are modular teams of AI agents that extend AIOX functionality to any domain. Each squad is a self-contained package with specialized agents, workflows, and tools.The AIOX framework works in any domain through natural language. Squads package domain expertise into reusable agent teams.
Squad Architecture
A squad is a complete package containing:Agents
Domain-specific AI personas with specialized knowledge
Tasks
Executable workflows following TASK-FORMAT-SPEC-V1
Workflows
Multi-step orchestrations linking tasks together
Config
Coding standards, tech stack, directory structure
Templates
Document generation templates for common outputs
Tools
Custom integrations and utilities
Directory Structure
Squad Manifest
Every squad has asquad.yaml manifest file:
Task-First Architecture
Squads follow a task-first architecture where tasks are the primary entry point: Tasks must follow TASK-FORMAT-SPECIFICATION-V1.Creating Squads
Quick Start
Available Templates
| Template | Use Case |
|---|---|
basic | Simple squad with one agent and task |
etl | Data extraction, transformation, loading |
agent-only | Squad with agents, no tasks |
Squad Designer (Recommended)
The Squad Designer analyzes your documentation and recommends agents and tasks:Review Recommendations
The system analyzes your docs and suggests:
- Agents (with confidence scores)
- Tasks (linked to agents)
- Workflows (multi-step processes)
Blueprint Format
Analyzing & Extending Squads
Analyze Squad Structure
Extend Existing Squad
Component Types
| Type | Directory | Extension | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| agent | agents/ | .md | Agent persona definition |
| task | tasks/ | .md | Executable task workflow |
| workflow | workflows/ | .yaml | Multi-step orchestration |
| checklist | checklists/ | .md | Validation checklist |
| template | templates/ | .md | Document generation template |
| tool | tools/ | .js | Custom tool integration |
| script | scripts/ | .js | Utility automation script |
| data | data/ | .yaml | Static data configuration |
Configuration Inheritance
Squads can inherit or override core AIOX configuration:Inheritance Modes
- extend
- override
- none
Add squad rules to core AIOX rules
- Core rules remain active
- Squad rules supplement
- Best for specialized extensions
Validating Squads
Basic Validation
Strict Mode (CI/CD)
Validation Checks
Manifest Schema
Manifest Schema
Validates
squad.yaml against JSON Schema:- Required fields present
- Valid semver version
- Correct AIOX type
Directory Structure
Directory Structure
Ensures required folders exist:
agents/tasks/- Config files referenced in manifest
Task Format
Task Format
Verifies tasks follow TASK-FORMAT-SPEC-V1:
- Required sections present
- Valid YAML frontmatter
- Agent linkage correct
Agent Definitions
Agent Definitions
Checks agents have required fields:
- Name, role, commands
- Valid persona structure
- No circular dependencies
Squad Distribution
Squads can be distributed at three levels:Level 1: Local (Private)
Squads in./squads/ are automatically available:
Level 2: GitHub (Public)
Publish to the community:Level 3: Marketplace
Sync to Synkra API:Downloading Squads
Official Squads
| Squad | Version | Description |
|---|---|---|
| etl-squad | 2.0.0 | Data collection and transformation |
| creator-squad | 1.0.0 | Content generation utilities |
| hybrid-ops | 1.0.0 | Human-agent hybrid operations |
Migration from Legacy
Migrate old squad formats to the new standard:Rollback
Programmatic Usage
JavaScript API
Use Cases Beyond Development
Creative Writing
Agents for plot development, character design, world-building
Business Strategy
Market analysis, competitor research, strategic planning
Education
Curriculum design, lesson planning, assessment creation
Healthcare
Patient care workflows, medical documentation, research
Legal
Contract analysis, case research, document drafting
Entertainment
Casting coordination, production planning, script analysis
Best Practices
Start with Squad Designer
Start with Squad Designer
Let the system analyze your documentation and recommend structure:
Use Task-First Design
Use Task-First Design
Define what users want to accomplish (tasks) before creating agents.
Validate Early and Often
Validate Early and Often
Version Semantically
Version Semantically
Follow semantic versioning:
- MAJOR: Breaking changes
- MINOR: New features
- PATCH: Bug fixes
Document Thoroughly
Document Thoroughly
Include comprehensive README with:
- Purpose and use cases
- Installation instructions
- Example workflows
- Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Squad Not Found
Squad Not Found
Validation Errors
Validation Errors
- name: Must be kebab-case
- version: Must be semver (x.y.z)
- aiox.type: Must be “squad”
- aiox.minVersion: Must be valid semver
YAML Parse Errors
YAML Parse Errors
- Incorrect indentation (use 2 spaces)
- Missing quotes around special characters
- Tabs instead of spaces
Related Documentation
Custom Agents
Learn to create custom agent definitions
ADE System
Integrate ADE capabilities into squads
IDE Integration
Set up squads in your IDE
Agent Commands
Full @squad-creator command reference