The outcome
Use Roo's specialized modes without giving an agent broader access or autonomy than the task requires.
Step by step
A workflow you can repeat.
- 01
Create a clean branch, capture the baseline status and tests, and inspect repository rules, architecture, secrets, and generated-file boundaries.
- 02
Choose Ask or Architect mode first and provide the outcome, acceptance criteria, relevant paths, non-goals, and exact validation commands.
- 03
Review Roo's explanation and minimal plan, then switch deliberately to Code mode with auto-approval disabled or narrowly allowlisted.
- 04
Approve only understood tool calls, inspect edits and terminal commands as they occur, and reject browser, MCP, dependency, or scope expansion without justification.
- 05
Run trusted checks independently, inspect the complete diff and cost, and submit through normal peer review without granting Roo release authority.
Working standard
What good use looks like.
- Plan before Code mode.
- Keep command auto-approval narrow.
- Verify the final diff independently.
Official references