Skip to content
Thomas Leberre edited this page Aug 20, 2026 · 3 revisions

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions


🎯 General

What is WorkPilot AI, in one sentence?

An autonomous multi-agent framework that plans, codes, and validates software on your behalf, from a natural-language description.

How is it different from Copilot or Cursor?

Copilot and Cursor assist you while you code (autocomplete, chat). WorkPilot AI executes full tasks end to end: it plans, codes, tests, validates, fixes if needed, then proposes a merge. You stay in the loop via two checkpoints: spec approval and merge.

Is it free?

WorkPilot AI is open source under AGPL-3.0 — free to use. AI costs (Claude, OpenAI calls…) are on you and depend on your subscription / API key usage.

Can I use it in a company?

Yes, subject to AGPL-3.0:

  • Internal use: no extra obligation
  • Modified redistribution or exposed SaaS: your modified code must also be AGPL-3.0

A closed-source commercial license is available — contact the team.


💰 Cost and AI models

How much does it cost to run WorkPilot AI?

It fully depends on the AI provider, chosen model, and task size. Rough guidance:

  • SIMPLE task with Claude Haiku: a few cents
  • STANDARD task with Claude Sonnet: €0.10–€1
  • COMPLEX task with Claude Opus: €1–€10 or more

Use the Cost Estimator before launching, and watch the Analytics Dashboard afterwards.

Can I use my Claude / ChatGPT subscription?

Yes. WorkPilot AI supports OAuth for Claude and OpenAI — no paid API key needed if you already have an active subscription.

Which model for which use?

Recommended strategy:

Task Model
Spec creation Sonnet
Complex planning Opus
Coding Sonnet
Simple QA Review Haiku or Sonnet
QA Fix Sonnet

Use Arena Mode to compare and refine.

Can it run 100% offline?

Yes, with Ollama (local models) + local Graphiti embeddings. Quality will be lower than frontier cloud models, but the option exists for max privacy.


🔐 Security and privacy

Is my code sent to Anthropic / OpenAI?

Yes — files used in a task's context are sent to the AI provider. That's how LLMs work.

To limit:

  • Filtering auto-redacts detected secrets
  • .env, .git, node_modules/ are excluded by default
  • You can disable sending specific files via .workpilotignore

How are my credentials stored?

Never in plaintext. Always in the native OS keychain:

  • macOS: Keychain
  • Windows: Credential Manager
  • Linux: libsecret / kwallet

Can the AI run rm -rf on my machine?

No. The dynamic allowlist systematically blocks destructive commands, and all filesystem operations are confined to the project directory.

What if an agent "goes rogue"?

  • Changes live in an isolated worktree (main stays intact)
  • You can abort anytime
  • A Discard removes everything without touching main
  • The 50 QA iterations cap prevents infinite loops
  • Token budget is capped (Settings → Security → Max budget)

🧠 Models and quality

The AI makes mistakes. How do I protect myself?

Multiple safeguards:

  • Spec Review: you approve before execution
  • Human Review: you inspect the diff before merge
  • Isolated worktree: main unchanged until merged
  • Automatic QA: acceptance criteria validated by an independent agent
  • AI Review: a second agent critiques the diff
  • Tests required (via acceptance criteria)

Why does my task keep failing QA?

Most common causes:

  1. Fuzzy acceptance criteria — rewrite them measurable
  2. Flaky existing tests that don't always pass
  3. Incomplete context — the agent didn't see a relevant file
  4. Conflicting criteria — two incompatible requirements

Check Agent Replay to see exactly where it's stuck.

Can agents fail silently?

In theory yes. That's why:

  • Acceptance criteria are verified by an independent agent (QA Reviewer)
  • A Workflow Logger traces everything
  • You review the diff before merge
  • AI Review offers a second AI pair of eyes

Tip: never blindly merge a task whose diff you don't understand.


🏗 Usage

Can I use WorkPilot AI on any project?

The project must be an initialized Git repository. These frameworks are detected automatically (non-exhaustive): React, Vue, Angular, Svelte, Django, Flask, FastAPI, Express, NestJS, Next.js, Nuxt, Rust/Cargo, Go, Java/Maven, Java/Gradle.

For non-detected stacks, you can manually configure build and test commands in Settings → Project.

Can I work on multiple projects at once?

Yes. Each project has its own context, memory, and settings. Switch between projects via the list in the top-left.

Can I run tasks in parallel?

Yes — up to 12 simultaneous agents (configurable). Each task = one isolated worktree, no interference.

My IDE is VS Code / JetBrains. How do I integrate?

WorkPilot AI is a standalone app. Work in parallel:

  • VS Code to write yourself
  • WorkPilot AI to delegate tasks to agents

An IDE integration is on the roadmap.

Can I run WorkPilot AI on a headless server?

Yes, use the CLI: see CLI Usage. This is also the recommended approach for CI/CD.


🧪 Development and contribution

I want to contribute. Where do I start?

Can I add a new AI provider?

Yes — the code is modular. See apps/backend/integrations/ and Claude/OpenAI code as a reference. Open an issue to discuss before coding.

How do I add a new specialized agent?

  1. Create a prompt at apps/backend/prompts/<name>.md
  2. Create an invocation via create_client(agent_type="<name>")
  3. Add the UI entry (button, palette) — frontend side
  4. Add i18n translations

📦 Releases and updates

Are updates automatic?

Yes, on desktop — WorkPilot AI checks periodically and offers the update in a banner. You can disable in Settings → Advanced → Auto-update.

Stable release vs beta?

  • Stable: recommended for everyone
  • Beta: early features, potentially unstable

Change in Settings → Advanced → Channel.

How do I verify download integrity?

Every release includes SHA256 and a VirusTotal scan published in the release comments. See Security.


🧭 Memory and context

Does Graphiti take a lot of space?

No, a few MB per project typically. Periodic compaction (--compact) keeps size in check.

Can I disable memory?

Yes: GRAPHITI_ENABLED=false or Settings → Memory → Disable. Each task then starts from zero.

Is memory shared between projects?

No, each project has its own graph. This is deliberate: project A's conventions shouldn't pollute project B.


🌍 Internationalization

What languages does WorkPilot AI support?

French and English officially. Other languages can be added by contribution — see Contributing.

How do I change language?

Settings → Language — instant switch.

Does the AI reply in English?

Yes, if the UI language is English AND the project allows it (code comments often stay in English per project convention). You can also specify in the spec: "error messages should be in English".


🆘 Issue not listed?

Clone this wiki locally