Modes#

Built-in#

MiMo Code comes with three built-in modes (primary agents), each with a distinct role:

• build — default primary agent with full tool access for general development work.
• plan — restricted primary agent for read-only analysis and planning.
• compose — primary agent that orchestrates work through built-in skills.

There are also general / explore — subagents invoked by primary agents for delegated tasks.

Build#

Build is the default mode with all tools enabled. This is the standard mode for development work where you need full access to file operations and system commands.

Plan#

A restricted mode designed for planning and analysis. In plan mode, the following tools are disabled by default:

• write - Cannot create new files
• edit - Cannot modify existing files
• patch - Cannot apply patches
• bash - Cannot execute shell commands

This mode is useful when you want the AI to analyze code, suggest changes, or create plans without making any actual modifications to your codebase.

Compose#

Compose is a primary agent in MiMo Code that orchestrates task execution through a curated set of built-in skills. Instead of relying on a single monolithic prompt, Compose consults a library of 13 focused skills—covering testing, debugging, planning, collaboration, and meta-development—and selects the right skill for each step of your workflow.

Built-in skills#

Skill	Purpose
compose:tdd	Test-driven development workflow
compose:debug	Systematic debugging methodology
compose:verify	Verification before completion
compose:brainstorm	Brainstorming with the user
compose:plan	Writing implementation plans
compose:execute	Executing an approved plan
compose:parallel	Dispatching parallel agents
compose:review	Requesting a code review
compose:feedback	Receiving and applying review feedback
compose:worktree	Working in a git worktree
compose:merge	Finishing a development branch
compose:subagent	Subagent-driven development
compose:new-skill	Authoring a new skill

Switching#

You can switch between modes during a session using the Tab key. Or your configured switch_mode keybind.