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/steer Command

The /steer command is a feature introduced in Hermes Agent v0.11 that allows users to provide mid-course corrections during long-running tasks without terminating the session[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md][001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md].

By injecting guidance into an active agent loop, it solves the problem of task deviation—where an agent drifts from the original intent or focuses on the wrong angle—by allowing the user to refocus the agent while preserving the work already completed^[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md].

Functionality

When a task is running, users can observe the output via the TUI. If the direction or output appears incorrect, the user can invoke /steer to input new instructions or constraints[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md][001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md].

The key operational benefits are:

  • Context Preservation: Unlike restarting a task, /steer retains the prompt cache and data already gathered in the current session^[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md].
  • Reduced Latency and Cost: It eliminates the need to re-process completed work, saving both time and API tokens^[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md].
  • Execution Continuity: The agent continues execution from the point of intervention rather than stopping and starting over^[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md].

Usage Scenarios

Research Task Correction

A primary use case is during research tasks where an agent may drift toward irrelevant details or an unintended perspective^[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md].

  • Scenario: An agent is conducting research but begins focusing on the wrong aspect of the topic.
  • Action: The user uses /steer to refocus the agent on the specific angle or requirement.
  • Result: The agent utilizes the previously collected data but adjusts the synthesis or subsequent investigation steps according to the new prompt^[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md].

Multi-agent orchestration

The /steer command is effective within Multi-Agent workflows, particularly at the orchestrator level^[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md].

  • Scenario: An orchestrator agent is aggregating results from multiple sub-agents (leaves).
  • Action: The user can intervene during the aggregation phase to adjust the summarization strategy or prioritization.
  • Result: The orchestrator modifies its behavior without requiring the child tasks to be re-executed^[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md].

Technical Context

The /steer command is part of the interface improvements introduced in the v0.11 "Interface + Infrastructure + Extensibility" update^[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-结构升级与实战工作流解读.md]. It relies on the new TUI capabilities which allow for real-time observation of streaming output, enabling users to detect deviations as they happen rather than waiting for task failure^[001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md].

Sources

  • 001-TODO__Hermes_Agent_v0.11_-_结构升级与实战工作流解读.md