dev@bfd:~/dev-diary$ git show 2026-02
commit 2026-02-12-reworked-flagulator-flow-and-validated-tokenizer-move
Author: MJ
Date: Feb 12, 2026

2026-02-12 - Reworked Flagulator flow and validated tokenizer move

Timeline

  • (Context) Continued follow-up work focused on turning the Flagulator from a long-form interface into a beginner-usable training console.
  • (Action) Implemented pane-based layout segmentation across Build/Run, Workflows, Learning, and Memory/Session.
  • (Action) Added script convenience controls, quoted-path handling, and manual-save-only run policy updates.
  • (Action) Added dynamic flag validity behavior that marks blocked options and explains likely conflicts.
  • (Action) Expanded beginner guidance with first-run onboarding, shortcuts, and updated in-app wording.
  • (Action) Rewrote project documentation into a full beginner-first README and added a one-page quick start card.
  • (Observation) Verified server/client syntax and DOM wiring checks passed after refactors.
  • (Observation) Verified the relocated tokenizer app starts and serves expected API and static responses.

Context

  • Follow-up session focused on practical usability improvements and documentation quality for mixed skill-level users.
  • The main target was reducing friction for beginners while preserving control for advanced users.
  • A secondary target was confirming that the tokenizer remained functional after being moved into its own folder.

Actions

  • Reworked the Flagulator into pane-based navigation with beginner-first quick-start flow.
  • Added Build/Run, Workflows, Learning, and Memory/Session pane switching and responsive layout behavior.
  • Implemented quoted path normalization for root and working directory handling.
  • Added Step 2 script actions to open script directory and open selected script in editor.
  • Removed automatic command-memory creation on execution; runs now require explicit save for memory entry creation.
  • Added dynamic flag validity heuristics to disable likely invalid options, push them lower, and show reason text.
  • Updated run and workflow flows to preserve risk gates while aligning with the new save policy.
  • Rewrote the Flagulator README as a complete beginner-first feature and behavior reference.
  • Created a standalone quick-start card for first-run success without full manual reading.
  • Audited the relocated tokenizer project, ran syntax checks, and smoke-tested startup plus key API/static routes.

Observations

  • Pane segmentation significantly reduces cognitive load compared with the previous long stacked layout.
  • Manual-save-only memory behavior better matches intentional training goals and prevents noisy history growth.
  • Constraint-aware flag rendering provides immediate feedback that supports elimination-style command building.
  • The tokenizer move did not require code changes once an older port listener was cleared and tests were rerun cleanly.
  • Documentation clarity improved by using command breakdowns, translation lines, and explicit beginner warnings.

Open Threads

  • Add a dedicated constraint inspector panel so users can see all active flag rules in one place.
  • Expand dynamic flag constraints beyond description heuristics to include richer parser-level rule extraction.
  • Add automated integration tests for critical API routes and UI state persistence paths.
  • Consider a printable compact desk-card variant for classroom use.

Boundary Reminder:
Seeds. No maintenance. No roadmap.