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Kernel — Agentic delivery runtime
An agentic delivery runtime that orchestrates AI agents to ship production-grade software through a full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Overview
Kernel coordinates specialized AI agents across all phases of software development—from inception through construction to operations. It enforces quality gates, mandatory deliverables, and formal approval workflows to ensure every delivery meets professional standards.
Key Features
- Multi-Agent Orchestration: Coordinates Product Manager, Business Analyst, Scrum Master, Architect, Developer, QA Engineer, Security, and DevOps agents
- Phase-Based Workflow: Structured SDLC phases with mandatory deliverables and human approval gates
- Adaptive Execution: Customized workflows for different request types (features, bugs, enhancements, infrastructure changes)
- Quality Assurance: Built-in quality standards, security reviews, and audit trails
- Documentation-First: Every phase produces documented artifacts for transparency and continuity
Project Structure
kernel/
├── CLAUDE.md # Core framework definition
├── .kernel/ # Agent rules + generated artifacts
│ ├── common/ # Shared processes and standards
│ │ ├── process-overview.md
│ │ ├── session-continuity.md
│ │ ├── audit-format.md
│ │ └── quality-standards.md
│ ├── inception/ # Requirements and planning phase
│ │ ├── product-manager.md
│ │ ├── business-analyst.md
│ │ └── scrum-master.md
│ ├── construction/ # Design and development phase
│ │ ├── architect.md
│ │ ├── developer.md
│ │ └── qa-engineer.md
│ ├── operations/ # Deployment and security phase
│ │ ├── security.md
│ │ └── devops.md
│ └── artifacts/ # Generated deliverables (created during execution)
│ ├── state.md # Progress tracker
│ ├── audit.md # Audit log
│ ├── inception/ # Phase 1 deliverables
│ ├── construction/ # Phase 2 deliverables
│ └── operations/ # Phase 3 deliverables
└── README.md # This file
SDLC Phases
Phase 01: Inception
Agents: Product Manager → Business Analyst → Scrum Master
Deliverables: PRD, BRD, FRS, User Stories, Sprint/Bolt Plan
Gate: Human approval required before proceeding
Phase 02: Construction
Agents: Architect → Developer → QA Engineer
Deliverables: HLD, LLD, ADRs, Code, Test Suite
Gate: QA sign-off required before proceeding
Phase 03: Operations
Agents: Security Agent → DevOps Agent
Deliverables: Security Review, Deployment Plan, Monitoring Setup
Gate: Security clearance required before deployment
Workflow Execution
Start every session by stating your intent with "Using Kernel, ...":
Using Kernel, build a subscription management API
Using Kernel, add OAuth2 login to the existing app
Using Kernel, fix the race condition in the payment queue
The framework will automatically:
- Load relevant rule files for your request type
- Execute appropriate phases with the correct agents
- Generate required deliverables
- Enforce quality gates and human approvals
- Maintain an audit trail of all decisions
Adaptive Execution Matrix
| Request Type | Phases Executed |
|---|---|
| New feature / greenfield | 01 Inception → 02 Construction → 03 Operations |
| Enhancement (existing) | BA stage → 02 Construction → Security check |
| Bug fix | Developer → QA → Security patch check |
| Infrastructure change | Architect → DevOps |
| Security patch | Security Agent → Developer → QA |
| Performance optimization | Architect → Developer → QA → DevOps |
Core Principles
- AI Proposes, Humans Approve: Never auto-proceed past quality gates
- Documented Artifacts: Every stage produces documented deliverables
- Ambiguity Resolution: All uncertainties resolved via Q&A before implementation
- Audit Trail: Complete audit log maintained (.kernel/artifacts/audit.md)
- Architecture-First: Code never generated before architecture approval
- TDD Approach: Tests written alongside code, not after deployment
- Security-First: Security review runs before any deployment
Installation
Kernel ships as both a universal agent skill (works with Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, Codex, Windsurf, Gemini CLI, Cline, and more) and a native Claude Code plugin.
Option A — Install as an agent skill (recommended, any IDE)
npx skills add sumanth-14/kernel-dlc
