Date: 2026-09-14

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Common workflows

Use Nova for outcomes rather than individual keystrokes. State what must be true when the work is finished, then ask Nova to inspect, act, and verify within that boundary.

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Investigate a regression

This keeps the first pass read-only. Once you agree with the diagnosis, ask Nova to implement the change and run the focused check.

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Implement a scoped change

Include compatibility requirements and an observable verification target. Nova can inspect existing patterns before it edits.

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Review a diff

A review is most useful when it is explicitly read-only and has a defined risk focus.

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Plan a larger change

Use a plan when work crosses several modules, changes a public contract, or needs a migration or rollout decision.

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Work in an isolated Git worktree

Nova asks before it creates the managed worktree and then starts the session there. Review the branch and diff before merging or committing.

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Finish and commit

Nova can also generate a draft commit message with nova commit --dry-run. Commit and push remain deliberate actions; review the staged diff first.

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A reliable request includes

  • the intended result;
  • important constraints or files to preserve;
  • whether Nova may edit files;
  • the check, test, or evidence that proves completion.