A lightweight task tracker that lives as Markdown files in a repo
cairn manages tasks as Markdown files inside a instead of using a separate tracking service. There is no database, so there is no extra data service to host or back up. Cloning the repository brings the backlog with it, and task changes appear in and diffs like other .
Each task can include check commands such as `go test ./...` or `pytest && ruff`, so a task can require real before it is closed. One Go binary serves the same task list to people through a web UI and to agents through MCP. Agents can claim tasks, send heartbeats, leave notes, run checks, and hand work over for review.
Every change is signed by whoever made it, whether that is a person or a specific agent. It can run as a , browser UI, or on Mac, Windows, and Linux, and it is an early 0.1.0 release.
Key points
- Each task is stored as a Markdown file in the repository.
- There is no database to host or back up.
- Task changes show up in and diffs.
- Tasks can require check commands before they are closed.
- It can run on a Mac as a , browser UI, or .