Concepts
Habits is built around five core concepts:
| Concept | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Habit | Workflow | A complete automation routine |
| Stack | Workflow Set | A collection of habits executed together |
| Bit | Node | A single step within a workflow |
| Base | Builder | Visual editor for creating habits |
| Cortex | Executor | Runtime that executes habits |
Habit
A Habit is a workflow: a YAML file defining nodes and how they connect. Habits can be triggered via:
- HTTP request (server mode)
- CLI command
- Watchers/Triggers
Stack
A Stack groups multiple habits together. Define one stack.yaml to run related habits as a unit.
Bit
A Bit is a single node in a habit. It can be:
- A Habits bit (e.g., `@ha-bits/bit-intersect)
- An ActivePieces piece (e.g.,
@activepieces/piece-openai) - An n8n node (e.g.,
n8n-nodes-base) - A custom script (Deno/TypeScript)
Base
Base is the visual builder for creating and editing habits.
Experimental: Base is under active development.
See Creating Habits for details.
Cortex
Cortex is the runtime that executes habits. It loads your stack, resolves dependencies, and runs workflows.
See Running Automations for details.
Naming Origin
The naming draws from neuroscience, habits, and how the brain's cortex orchestrates behavior with basal ganglia forming habits. Learn more in Neuroscience.