Screenshot: The Automations tab showing a list of active automations with name, trigger type, executor mode, and status columns.
Overview
Automations is ADE’s background execution layer. Each automation is a simple rule:Trigger → ExecutionWhen a trigger fires (time-based or action-based), ADE executes it through one of three surfaces:
- agent-session: an automation-only AI chat thread with scoped tools.
- mission: a full mission runtime with phases, workers, and intervention support.
- built-in-task: an ADE-native operation (tests, scans, status sync, and similar jobs) with no separate chat session.
schedule) or an action event (webhook, github.webhook, git.push, git.commit, manual run).
Event-Driven
Time-based (cron) and action-based triggers fire automatically based on events from git, files, webhooks, and user actions.
Execution Surfaces
Choose between Agent Session, Mission, and Built-In Task based on autonomy and audit needs.
Configurable Guardrails
Budget caps, memory scope, dry-run mode, and verification gates keep automation outcomes controlled.
Built-in Templates
ADE ships with PR Reviewer, Test Guardian, Daily Standup, and more out of the box.
Trigger Types
Local Git & File Events
| Trigger | Description | Filter Options |
|---|---|---|
git.push | Code is pushed to any branch | Branch name or glob pattern |
git.pr_opened | A PR is opened from any lane | Source branch pattern |
git.pr_merged | A PR is merged | Target branch |
git.pr_closed | A PR is closed without merging | Source branch pattern |
git.commit | A commit is made locally | File path filter (glob) |
file.change | A specific file or glob changes on disk | File path glob |
lane.created | A new lane is created | Lane name pattern |
lane.archived | A lane is archived | Lane name pattern |
schedule | Cron expression | Any valid cron expression |
webhook | External webhook payload event | Provider-specific routing keys |
github-webhook | GitHub webhook event | Event name, repository, branch |
linear.* | Linear issue events (created, updated, assigned, status changed) | Project, team, assignee |
manual | User clicks “Run” in the Automations UI | — |
Explore Automations
Execution surfaces
Learn about agent-session, mission, and built-in execution and how to pick the right one.
Templates & Outputs
Browse built-in automation templates and configure output routing.
Guardrails & Security
Tool palette security, execution guardrails, budget controls, and troubleshooting.