Configuration Optimization
Quick reference for picking the right model and execution mode for each task
A concise cheat sheet for matching Verdent Manager's model and execution mode to the task at hand. For deeper configuration, see the dedicated pages for Subagents, BYOK, and BYOA.
Model Selection
| Task Type | Recommended Model | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Quick fixes, small edits | Claude Haiku 4.5 | Fastest, lowest credit cost |
| General development | Claude Sonnet 4.6 | Best speed/quality tradeoff |
| Complex architecture, deep reasoning | Claude Opus 4.6 | Strongest reasoning |
| Parallel routine tasks | Claude Haiku 4.5 | Resource-efficient across many Workers |
Leave Auto mode on in the input box and Verdent picks the model for you based on task signals. Disable Auto only when you want to pin a specific model.
Execution Mode Selection
| Scenario | Mode | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clear, well-defined task | Agent Mode | Direct execution, no planning overhead |
| Unfamiliar codebase, exploration | Plan Mode | Review approach before acting |
| Production changes, architectural work | Plan Mode → Agent Mode | Validate plan, then execute |
| Fast iteration loops | Agent Mode | Minimal friction |
See Agent Mode and Plan Mode for full details.
Context Management
For large projects, keep the main context window lean:
- Delegate to subagents —
@Verifier,@Fast Context, and custom subagents run in their own context; only their results return to the main agent. - Reference files explicitly — Use
@filenameto pull only what's needed instead of loading whole directories. - Chunk large tasks — Start a new session at natural boundaries (per feature, per module).
- Plan Mode first — Validate the approach before burning execution context on the wrong path.
Configuration Priority
When rules conflict, Verdent applies this priority order:
- Project Rules (
AGENTS.mdin project root) — highest priority - Workspace settings — application workspace-level settings
- User Rules (
~/.verdent/VERDENT.md) — global defaults - Verdent defaults — lowest priority
See Rules for writing effective rules.