Every Harnest agent is compiled from the capabilities you add. Tools, queued tasks, SubAgents, MCP connections, Agent Skills, Agent Plugins, Harnest Extensions, sandboxes, and lifecycle hooks and factories are left out unless you use them.
Managed and advanced modes
Harnest builds on the work of Google ADK and LangGraph. Managed mode gives you the fastest path. Advanced mode lets you break out to native framework APIs without giving up the harness around them.
Existing agents can start in advanced mode and move compatible capabilities into the managed structure over time. See Migrate a project.
Install
1
Install the CLI
2
Verify the CLI and managed runtime
Initialize a project
Choose a framework:
Start with only the core files, then add resources from inside the new agent:
task, lifecycle, and context resources. Use --project <agent-root> only when running outside the agent folder.
compile, test, and serve sync automatically. Add only your packages to pyproject.toml; Harnest owns the framework dependency.
Migrate a project
Bring an existing agent into Harnest
Start with the mode that preserves your current behavior. Harnest adds tests, serving, sessions, auth, storage, telemetry, and the playground around it. Move native pieces into managed capabilities only when that improves the project.
Upgrade an older Harnest project
Preview first, then apply and test:Switch between ADK and LangGraph
For a managed agent, changespec.framework.name in config.yaml:
Serve a project
The playground and neutral API work in both modes. Override server defaults in the optional
server: section of config.yaml.
Explore Harnest
Build agents
Learn the project concepts and where each capability belongs.
Compare frameworks
See what moves between ADK and LangGraph.
Configure lifecycle
Add resources, storage, auth, hooks, and telemetry.
Serve agents
Use the neutral API, events, approvals, and playground.