Date: 2026-09-14

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Overview

Nova is Compass’s terminal agent for software work. It can inspect a repository, explain a problem, make scoped edits, run project checks, review Git changes, and help you turn a finished change into a commit. Nova works with the repository and tools available on your machine. You stay in control of changes: Nova presents tool activity and asks for approval when an action needs it.

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What Nova can help with

  • Understand a codebase — search files, trace code, inspect dependencies, and explain the relevant path before changing it.
  • Deliver a change — plan larger work, edit files, run the relevant tests or checks, and review the resulting diff.
  • Work safely in Git — inspect status and diffs, create conventional commit messages, and use managed worktrees for isolated changes.
  • Continue complex work — resume archived sessions, keep project context, and use plans when a change needs several verified steps.
  • Extend a session — connect approved MCP servers, use installed skills, configure custom models, and run supported automation.

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Start with a real task

From a project directory, start Nova and describe the outcome and constraint that matter:
For a conversation in the terminal, run nova without a prompt. For a one-off request in a script, use print mode. See the Quickstart for the installation path.

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What Nova does not assume

Nova does not treat a model response as proof that a change works. A reliable task ends with observable evidence such as a diff, command output, or a passing check. Available models, tools, integrations, and approvals depend on your authentication, local environment, organisation policy, and configuration.

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Next steps