File-Based Multi-Agent Handoffs
Enable cross-agent collaboration using shared workspace file locations when session history access is restricted.
Overview
When AI agents need to hand off work between specialized roles (design agent to developer agent, researcher to analyst), they cannot access each other's session history due to permission boundaries. File-based handoffs solve this by writing work products to known shared locations in the workspace. The receiving agent reads from the agreed path and proceeds with full context.
How It Works
Agent A completes a task (design spec, research report, analysis) and writes output to a standardized workspace path (e.g., /workspace/designs/[project]-spec.md for design work, /workspace/reports/[topic]-date.md for research). Agent A confirms the output path in its completion message. The orchestrator spawns Agent B with an explicit input file path in the task prompt. Agent B reads from the shared location and has full context without needing session history access. This creates a persistent artifact trail for all multi-agent work.
Tools Used
Outcome
Enabled 6 successful handoffs between specialist agents in February 2026. Design-to-dev handoff (persona landing page) completed without context loss. Research-to-analyst pipeline (market intel reports) automated with zero rework loops. Pattern now documented in agent coordination guidelines.