kanban-md CLI
kanban-md runs a file-based task board for agents and people: Markdown tasks, expiring claims and a terminal UI
- 231 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Extended access
Why this level
- Agents following the skill create worktrees, change project files, merge changes and edit task files.
Install
- Works in
Manual install
brew install antopolskiy/tap/kanban-mdThen `kanban-md init` in the project and `kanban-md skill install` for the skills. Go variant: `go install github.com/antopolskiy/kanban-md/cmd/kanban-md@latest`.
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- Agents following the skill create worktrees, change project files, merge changes and edit task files.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
kanban-md is a single executable that runs a Kanban board in plain files. The `kanban-md init` command creates `kanban/config.yml` and a `kanban/tasks/` folder where each task is its own Markdown file. No database, server, account or SaaS is needed. An agent, a person, a script and git all see the same source of truth. The interface is built for agents: compact output via `--compact`, structured JSON and a single pick, claim, move step. Claims work as leases that expire automatically when an agent stops renewing them, which cuts duplicate work. A claim is coordination and not a security boundary. Duplicate IDs and `next_id` drift are repaired by the commands themselves. Skills ship with it. `kanban-md skill install` installs a CLI usage skill and the `kanban-based-development` skill, by which an agent picks a task, creates an isolated worktree, implements, verifies, merges and closes it. You can watch several agents in the TUI with `kanban-md tui`.
Who it is for. Developers who run several agents over one repository and want a shared task board in files with no external tracker.
Good fit when
- Several agents pick tasks in parallel and duplicates must be avoided with expiring claims.
- Tasks must live in the repository as Markdown files next to the code and show up in git.
- An agent should pick a task itself, do it in an isolated worktree and close it after merge.
- You need a terminal interface showing what agents do.
Not a fit when
- You need a shared tracker with a web UI and accounts for a human team.
- You need claims as a security guarantee: they are leases for coordination.
- Work happens outside git: many practices rely on worktrees and merges.
Example request
Run `kanban-md init`, add a task to fix login with high priority, pick it with the `kanban-based-development` skill and carry it through to merge.Limitations
The board consists of files in `kanban/`: decide whether to keep the directory in git or add it to `.gitignore`, and interactive setup offers the second. Claims are leases with no transactional guarantees and expire on their own when an agent stops. Skills install into the current project by default, `--global` installs them globally, and build and review rules should be adapted in the local skill or `AGENTS.md` for the repository. Install goes through Homebrew, `go install github.com/antopolskiy/kanban-md/cmd/kanban-md@latest` or binary releases for macOS, Linux and Windows. The last commit dates from October 2026.
How to disable. Remove the binary (`brew uninstall kanban-md`), the skills from the agent skills directory and the `kanban/` folder from the project.
FAQ
How do I install kanban-md?
With `brew install antopolskiy/tap/kanban-md` or `go install github.com/antopolskiy/kanban-md/cmd/kanban-md@latest`. Binary builds are on the releases page.
How do I install skills for an agent?
With `kanban-md skill install` for the project or `kanban-md skill install --global` for all projects.
Where are tasks stored?
In the `kanban/tasks/` folder as separate Markdown files, with settings in `kanban/config.yml`.
How do I view the board?
With `kanban-md list` for a list and `kanban-md tui` for an interactive board that refreshes when files change.
What is a task claim?
A lease that expires when the agent stops renewing it. It is for coordination and not for protection.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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Comparison with similar tools
Cards that share the main search query, and how they differ.
| Tool | Official | Authentication | Repository stars | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| kanban-md (this card) | no | 231 | ||
| Kanban | yes | not required | 189 | The Kanban entry in the catalog works through MCP, while kanban-md gives a console board with Markdown files and ready skills. |
| Agent Kanban | no | 502 | Agent Kanban installs as a skill, while kanban-md adds its own program, expiring claims and a TUI. |
README in short
The README covers the agent workflow, reasons for a file-based board, installation, a quick start with commands and the TUI. MIT license, builds for macOS, Linux and Windows.