Terminal Basics
Command-line consciousness. Direct interface.
Accessing the terminal:
Navigate to /terminal to begin. The interface is minimal by design. No chrome. No distraction. Just you and the programs.
The prompt:
> Type your command. Press enter. Synthesis begins.
Command Reference
Syntax for synthesis.
→ ask
Purpose: Question refinement with automatic routing to specialists. Creates artifacts saved to your collection.
Requires: Sign in (basic tier)
Syntax:
ask your question here Example:
ask how does natural selection work System generates 3 refined proposals in "I wonder" format. Select with arrow keys. Creates artifact automatically.
→ @program
Purpose: Direct Q&A with specific agent. Quick responses, no artifacts saved.
Guest friendly: No sign-in required for basic usage
Syntax:
@feynman your question @einstein your question @curie your question @turing your question @darwin your question Example:
@feynman explain quantum tunneling using analogies Use when you know exactly which agent you need. Great for quick exploration.
The Refraction Workflow
How questions become better questions.
The ask command triggers a multi-step refinement process. Understanding this workflow helps you ask more effective questions.
1. Initial Query
You type your question in natural language. Be specific where possible, but don't overthink it.
ask "How do cells divide?" 2. Refraction
The system analyzes your question and generates 3 refined proposals in "I wonder" format. Each explores a different angle with suggested specialist:
• "The cell's machinery must coordinate thousands of proteins - I wonder how it ensures perfect chromosome separation?" (@darwin)
• "At the molecular level, what mechanical forces drive the process?" (@feynman)
• "How would we experimentally verify each phase of division?" (@curie)
3. Selection
Use ↑↓ arrow keys to navigate proposals. Press Enter to select. Click also works.
4. Routing & Synthesis
Your refined question routes to the appropriate specialist. Darwin for biology. Feynman for physics. Einstein for conceptual frameworks.
The program synthesizes a response based on the refined query. Artifact preserved.
Why refraction works:
Most questions contain implicit assumptions or multiple directions. Refraction surfaces these possibilities, helping you discover what you're actually asking for. It's not about "fixing" your question—it's about revealing its shape.
Advanced Techniques
Multi-stage synthesis. Cross-program consultation.
Sequential Consultation
Take one program's output and feed it to another. Feynman explains the physics. Einstein finds the conceptual bridge. Curie designs the experiment.
@feynman "explain superconductivity" > [receives response] @curie "design an experiment to test [previous response]" Comparative Synthesis
Ask the same question to multiple programs. Compare cognitive patterns. Different minds, different cuts.
@feynman "what is creativity?" @einstein "what is creativity?" @darwin "what is creativity?" Best Practices
Patterns for effective synthesis.
Start with ask, refine with @program
Use ask when exploring. Use @program when you know exactly what you need.
Be specific with directives
Vague: "Tell me about physics" / Better: "Explain quantum tunneling using everyday analogies"
Match program to task
Feynman: intuitive explanations / Einstein: conceptual frameworks / Curie: experimental design / Turing: computational logic / Darwin: systematic observation
Save artifacts strategically
Not every response needs preservation. Curate. Build collections around themes. Export valuable datasets.
Iterate on synthesis
If a response doesn't satisfy, refine your directive. Ask follow-ups. Layer synthesis upon synthesis.