> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ade-ac1c6011-ade-im-seeing-error-messag-eright-58df792e.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Automations Overview

> Programmable rules that run background work by time or action. Each automation can launch an agent session, a worker run, or a built-in task from a single surface.

## Overview

Automations is ADE's background execution layer. Each automation is a **Trigger → Execution** rule. When a trigger fires, ADE executes through one of three surfaces:

* **agent-session** — an automation-only AI chat thread with scoped tools.
* **worker run** — a delegated worker run with phases, workers, and intervention support. (Paused in packaged builds until Workers ships; see the Execution Surfaces page.)
* **built-in** — an ADE-native operation (tests, conflict prediction, status sync) with no chat session. Can target a specific lane or auto-select from the trigger.

The trigger can come from a schedule (`schedule`) or an action event (`webhook`, `github.webhook`, `git.push`, `git.commit`, manual run).

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Event-Driven" icon="bolt">
    Time-based (cron) and action-based triggers fire automatically based on events from git, files, webhooks, and user actions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Execution Surfaces" icon="robot">
    Choose between Agent Session, Worker run, and Built-In Task based on autonomy and audit needs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configurable Guardrails" icon="shield-check">
    Budget caps, scoped tools, dry-run mode, and verification gates keep automation outcomes controlled.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Built-in Templates" icon="layer-group">
    ADE ships with PR Reviewer, Test Guardian, Daily Standup, and more out of the box.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Trigger Types

### Local Git & File Events

| Trigger          | Description                                                      | Filter Options                 |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| `git.push`       | Code is pushed to any branch                                     | Branch name or glob pattern    |
| `git.pr_opened`  | A PR is opened from any lane                                     | Source branch pattern          |
| `git.pr_merged`  | A PR is merged                                                   | Target branch                  |
| `git.pr_closed`  | A PR is closed without merging                                   | Source branch pattern          |
| `git.commit`     | A commit is made locally                                         | File path filter (glob)        |
| `file.change`    | A specific file or glob changes on disk                          | File path glob                 |
| `lane.created`   | A new lane is created                                            | Lane name pattern              |
| `lane.archived`  | A lane is archived                                               | Lane name pattern              |
| `schedule`       | Cron expression                                                  | Any valid cron expression      |
| `webhook`        | External webhook payload event                                   | Provider-specific routing keys |
| `github-webhook` | GitHub webhook event                                             | Event name, repository, branch |
| `linear.*`       | Linear issue events (created, updated, assigned, status changed) | Project, team, assignee        |
| `manual`         | User clicks "Run" in the Automations UI                          | —                              |

***

## Explore Automations

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Execution surfaces" icon="robot" href="/automations/executors">
    Learn about agent-session, worker run, and built-in execution and how to pick the right one.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Templates & Outputs" icon="layer-group" href="/automations/templates">
    Browse built-in automation templates and configure output routing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Guardrails & Security" icon="shield-check" href="/automations/guardrails">
    Tool palette security, execution guardrails, budget controls, and troubleshooting.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>