Common Terms

This page defines the main terms used throughout the CLI docs.

Term	Definition
Turn	One full run of Cosine for a prompt. It starts when you send a message and ends when Cosine has finished reasoning, using tools, making any edits, and the terminal user interface (TUI) is ready for your next input.
Session	A saved conversation and working context in the CLI, including things like history, mode, model, and working directory.
Mode	The behavior policy Cosine uses while working, such as Manual, Auto, Plan, or Swarm.
Agent Commit	A git commit Cosine creates at the end of a turn when the agent edited files. It includes only the files changed during that turn.
Background Task	A separate agent run that works in parallel with your main session, usually on its own branch or worktree.
Subagent	An additional agent spawned to help with part of a task, especially in more complex or parallel workflows.
Nudge	A follow-up message sent to the run that is currently in progress.
Queue	A follow-up message saved to run after the current turn finishes.
Linked Project	An additional local repository or directory attached to the current session so Cosine can work across multiple codebases.
Commands Menu	The in-app menu you open with `/` to see the current actions available inside the TUI, such as resuming a session, linking a project, or starting a background task.

See Also