y Coding Agent Desktop App

y provides a malleable workspace for local coding agents

y is a desktop application built with Electron that functions as a chat-first workspace for CLI-native coding agents. Unlike traditional coding tools, y is designed to be malleable, meaning users can reshape the application's interface and workflow in real-time using a dedicated modification system.

The Modify system for live UI evolution

Modify is a specialized interface within y that allows the application to edit its own Userland UI. This system enables users to request changes to the app's layout, controls, copy, and local workflow affordances without leaving the environment.

To ensure stability and security, the Modify workflow follows a strict process:

• Diff-gated changes: All UI modifications are presented as a code diff for user review before being applied.
• Safe rendering: Changes are rendered locally, and the user must explicitly choose to keep or revert them.
• Built-in rollback: The application maintains known-good snapshots, allowing users to recover the interface if a modification introduces a bug.

Architecture: Protected Kernel vs. Mutable Userland

To prevent self-modification from compromising the application's integrity, y employs a dual-layer architecture:

Layer	Responsibility
Protected Kernel	Manages authentication, local engine adapters, app state, safety rails, filesystem boundaries, terminal bridges, and the rollback system.
Mutable Userland	Contains the chat UI and the general app surface that can be edited live by the user or the Modify agent.

This separation ensures that while the UI can be reshaped, the Modify agent cannot access privileged host APIs, session internals, or the core Kernel logic.

Local Agent Orchestration

y does not provide its own LLM; instead, it orchestrates existing local CLI agents. It allows users to run official local CLIs using their own authentication, ensuring the user remains the source of truth for identity and access.

Key capabilities include:

• Multi-Agent Support: Users can run Claude Code and OpenAI Codex side-by-side.
• Isolated Workspaces: Separate chats can be assigned to isolated workspaces, enabling multiple agents to work in parallel without conflicting with the same file checkouts.
• Integrated Tooling: The app provides integrated views for the file tree, terminal, and diffs while agents are active.

Technical Specifications and Availability

• Tech Stack: Built with Electron and managed via pnpm.
• Platform Support: Currently targeting macOS Apple Silicon.
• Privacy: Project files, terminal commands, and agent prompts are kept local and are not sent to product analytics. Analytics are limited to app health and feature usage.
• License: Distributed under the MIT License.