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Execution Modes

Dial Code automatically selects the appropriate execution mode based on your task's complexity and risk level.

The Four Modes

Ask Mode ?

Read-only queries - No file modifications allowed.

> What does this function do?
> Explain the authentication flow
> Find all API endpoints

Best for:

  • Exploring unfamiliar codebases
  • Getting explanations
  • Code review analysis

Quick Mode ⚡

Direct execution - Simple changes applied immediately.

> Fix the typo in README.md
> Add a comment to this function
> Update the version number

Best for:

  • Typos and small fixes
  • Simple additions
  • Low-risk changes

Review Mode ◎

Light review cycle - Changes go through the dialectic pipeline.

> Add input validation to this form
> Create a new helper function
> Refactor this component

Best for:

  • New features
  • Moderate complexity changes
  • Multi-file updates

Safe Mode 🛡

Full multi-stage pipeline - Maximum scrutiny for critical changes.

> Update the authentication logic
> Modify database connection handling
> Change the payment processing code

Best for:

  • Security-sensitive code
  • Database operations
  • Authentication/authorization
  • Payment processing

Mode Selection

Automatic Selection

Dial Code analyzes your request and automatically selects the appropriate mode based on:

Factor Lower Risk Higher Risk
Files affected Single file Multiple files
Code type Comments, docs Auth, database
Change scope Small, isolated Wide-reaching
Keywords "explain", "show" "modify", "delete"

Manual Override

Force a specific mode with the --mode flag:

# Force safe mode for extra scrutiny
dial --mode safe

# Use quick mode when confident
dial --mode quick

Or during a session:

> [safe] Update the config file

Mode Escalation

If issues are detected during execution, Dial Code can automatically escalate:

  • Test failures → Escalate to Review or Safe
  • Critical issues found → Escalate to Safe
  • Low confidence → Suggest escalation

Example

> Add a new database query

[Quick mode selected]
[Test failure detected]
[Escalating to Review mode...]

Configuration

Set default mode behavior in .dial/settings.json:

{
  "executionMode": {
    "default": "auto",
    "autoSelect": true,
    "enableEscalation": true
  }
}

Options:

Setting Values Description
default auto, ask, quick, review, safe Starting mode
autoSelect true, false Enable automatic selection
enableEscalation true, false Allow mode escalation

Mode Indicators

The current mode is shown in the UI:

[?] Ask mode active
[⚡] Quick mode active
[◎] Review mode active
[🛡] Safe mode active

Best Practices

  1. Trust the auto-selection - It's designed to balance speed and safety
  2. Use Safe for critical systems - Authentication, payments, database schemas
  3. Quick mode for confidence - When you know the change is simple
  4. Review new features - New functionality benefits from the pipeline

Next Steps