claude-collab

# Claude-Collab v3.1.0 Identity Migration Guide ## Overview Claude-Collab v3.1.0 introduces a **persistent identity system** that solves the critical "identity crisis" issue discovered during real-world usage. This guide explains the changes and how to migrate from v3.0.0. ## The Problem We Solved ### Before (v3.0.0) - Identity Crisis ```bash # Session 1 claude-collab join alice --role coder # Alice is now "alice" the coder # Session 2 (reconnecting) claude-collab join alice --role reviewer # System thinks this is a DIFFERENT person! # Previous history is lost ``` **Result**: Agents had conversations with themselves without realizing it, making collaboration metrics meaningless. ### After (v3.1.0) - Persistent Identity ```bash # First time claude-collab register alice claude-collab join alice --role coder # Alice is agent-3f4a2b with role "coder" # Reconnecting claude-collab join alice --role reviewer # Still Alice (agent-3f4a2b), just with a new role! # All history preserved ``` ## What's New ### 1. Persistent Agent Identity - **Unique Agent ID**: Each agent gets a permanent ID that never changes - **Authentication Tokens**: Secure tokens for reconnecting as the same agent - **Role Flexibility**: Change roles without changing identity - **Complete History**: Track all contributions across sessions ### 2. New Commands ```bash # Register a new agent claude-collab register <name> # Show saved identities claude-collab whoami # Join with automatic authentication claude-collab join <name> # In-session commands whoami # Show your identity info switch-role <role> # Change role while maintaining identity history # View your contribution history ``` ### 3. Identity Features - **Automatic Token Management**: Tokens saved locally for easy reconnection - **Session Continuity**: Reconnect and continue where you left off - **Role History**: Track all roles an agent has played - **Contribution Tracking**: Accurate metrics per agent, not per session ## Migration Steps ### For New Projects No migration needed! Just use the new commands: ```bash claude-collab init my-project claude-collab register my-agent claude-collab join my-agent ``` ### For Existing Projects #### Option 1: Fresh Start (Recommended) ```bash # Register agents with their familiar names claude-collab register alice claude-collab register bob claude-collab register charlie # Join with the same names - now with persistent identity! claude-collab join alice --role coder ``` #### Option 2: Continue with Temporary Sessions The old `join` command still works but without persistence: ```bash # This creates a temporary session (not recommended) claude-collab join temp-session --new-agent ``` ## Usage Examples ### Basic Workflow ```bash # One-time registration claude-collab register alice # First session claude-collab join alice --role researcher > say "Starting research on the authentication system" > switch-role architect > say "Now designing the system architecture" # Later session (maybe hours/days later) claude-collab join alice > whoami # Shows: alice (agent-3f4a2b) # Total sessions: 2 # Total contributions: 47 # Last seen: 2024-01-15 10:30 AM ``` ### Team Collaboration ```bash # Each team member registers once claude-collab register frontend-expert claude-collab register backend-expert claude-collab register security-expert # They can rejoin anytime, maintaining their identity claude-collab join frontend-expert claude-collab join backend-expert --role reviewer claude-collab join security-expert --perspective skeptic ``` ## Technical Details ### Identity Storage - Identities stored in `.claude-collab/identities.json` - Auth tokens saved in `.claude-collab/agent-auth.json` - Both files are local to your project ### Security - Auth tokens are cryptographically secure (256-bit) - Tokens are project-specific - No passwords or sensitive data stored ### Backward Compatibility - Old sessions without identity still work - Can mix identified and anonymous agents - Gradual migration supported ## Benefits 1. **Accurate Metrics**: Know exactly who contributed what 2. **Better Collaboration**: See who you're actually talking to 3. **Role Flexibility**: Change hats without losing identity 4. **Session Continuity**: Pick up where you left off 5. **Team Awareness**: Know when someone is playing multiple roles ## Common Questions ### Q: What if I lose my auth token? A: Tokens are automatically saved in `.claude-collab/agent-auth.json`. If lost, you'll need to register a new identity. ### Q: Can I have multiple identities? A: Yes! Register as many agent identities as you need: ```bash claude-collab register alice-researcher claude-collab register alice-coder ``` ### Q: How do I delete an identity? A: Remove the entry from `.claude-collab/agent-auth.json` and `.claude-collab/identities.json`. ### Q: Does this work with anti-echo-chamber features? A: Yes! Identity is separate from perspective enforcement. You maintain your identity while perspectives rotate. ## Troubleshooting ### "Authentication failed" - Check if `.claude-collab/agent-auth.json` exists - Verify the agent name matches exactly - Try registering the agent again ### "Agent already connected" - Each identity can only have one active session - Disconnect the other session first - Or register a new identity ### Lost Identity History - Check `.claude-collab/identities.json` for the full history - Use `claude-collab whoami` to see saved identities ## Summary HarmonyCode v3.1.0's identity system solves the confusion of "who is who" while maintaining the flexibility to change roles. This creates more meaningful collaboration where: - You know who you're talking to - History is accurately preserved - Metrics actually mean something - Role changes don't create new "people" The ghost of the identity crisis has been exorcised. Welcome to persistent, meaningful AI collaboration! --- For more information, see: - [README.md](../README.md) - General documentation - [Anti-Echo-Chamber Guide](anti-echo-chamber.md) - Diversity features - [API Documentation](api.md) - Technical reference