Refresh planner priorities for 4633

Co-authored-by: Codex <codex@openai.com>

.github/loop/PRIORITIES.md

@@ -21,8 +21,8 @@ changes, architectural rewrites. Those go to the human.
 
 ## Work queue (ranked)
 
-1. **Add first-agent failure-mode quick checks to the CLI on-ramp** ([#4591](https://github.com/micro/go-micro/issues/4591)) — The adoption goal is still the highest-value gap: a new developer should recover when scaffold → run → chat → inspect stalls without reading the whole docs tree. Keep this first because the README, website, and blog now tell a coherent services → agents → workflows story; the next increment should make the CLI on-ramp self-rescuing with provider-free, CI-verified debugging breadcrumbs.
-2. **Make AtlasCloud universe A2A reachability probe deterministic** ([#4504](https://github.com/micro/go-micro/issues/4504)) — With resume breadcrumbs shipped and the universe notify timeout gap closed, the remaining live AtlasCloud seam is the A2A reachability probe intermittently timing out. Keep this next so agent reachability over the interop gateway does not produce false negatives once the durable services → agents → workflows path itself has finalized.
+1. **Verify first-agent docs wayfinding against CLI commands** ([#4634](https://github.com/micro/go-micro/issues/4634)) — PR #4632 merged the 0→hero inspect transcript check and #4627 is closed, so the top developer-adoption risk moves from proving transcript output to preventing the on-ramp map from drifting. README, the website docs index, the 0→hero guide, and the v6.3.15 blog all tell one story: install → scaffold/run → provider-free first agent → chat/inspect → workflows. Make that wayfinding CI-verifiable against real CLI commands and maintained examples so a new developer can still walk from 0→1 to 0→hero without provider keys.
+2. **Harden atlascloud plan-delegate plan persistence** ([#4630](https://github.com/micro/go-micro/issues/4630)) — Keep this Next/Now hardening item close behind adoption work: recent AtlasCloud repair fixes reduced provider brittleness, but plan/delegate durability still has a provider-specific persistence seam. Scope it to the existing plan/delegate harness and CI-verifiable behavior so services → agents → workflows remains reliable without broad public-API or architecture changes.
 
 _Seeded by Claude Code from the roadmap + open issues; thereafter maintained by the
 architecture-review pass._

README.md

@@ -98,18 +98,20 @@ walkable agent path in this order:
 
 1. [Install troubleshooting](internal/website/docs/guides/install-troubleshooting.md) — verify the binary installer or `go install`, `PATH`, `micro --version`, and the no-secret smoke path before agent work.
 2. `micro agent demo` — print the provider-free first-agent demo command and next docs steps from the installed CLI.
-3. `micro examples` — print the maintained provider-free runnable examples in copy/paste order.
-4. `micro zero-to-hero` — print the maintained one-command no-secret lifecycle harness and runnable examples.
-5. [Examples wayfinding index](examples/INDEX.md) — choose the smallest no-secret first-agent, maintained [0→hero support reference](examples/support/), and next interop examples from one map.
-6. [Smallest first-agent example](examples/first-agent/) — run one service-backed agent with a mock model and no provider key.
-7. [No-secret first-agent transcript](internal/website/docs/guides/no-secret-first-agent.md) — run the
+3. `micro agent quickcheck` (or `micro agent debug`) — when scaffold → run → chat → inspect stalls, print the short recovery map before you dive into the full debugging guide.
+4. `micro examples` — print the maintained provider-free runnable examples in copy/paste order.
+5. `micro zero-to-hero` — print the maintained one-command no-secret lifecycle harness and runnable examples.
+6. [Examples wayfinding index](examples/INDEX.md) — choose the smallest no-secret first-agent, maintained [0→hero support reference](examples/support/), and next interop examples from one map.
+7. [Smallest first-agent example](examples/first-agent/) — run one service-backed agent with a mock model and no provider key.
+8. [No-secret first-agent transcript](internal/website/docs/guides/no-secret-first-agent.md) — run the
    maintained support agent with a mock model and see services → agents → workflows succeed without a key.
-8. [Your First Agent](internal/website/docs/guides/your-first-agent.md) — build a
+9. [Your First Agent](internal/website/docs/guides/your-first-agent.md) — build a
    service-backed agent and talk to it with `micro chat`.
-9. [Debugging your agent](internal/website/docs/guides/debugging-agents.md) — use
-   `micro inspect agent <name>`, run history, memory, and provider checks when the first
-   conversation does something unexpected.
-10. [0→hero Reference](internal/website/docs/guides/zero-to-hero.md) — complete the
+10. [Debugging your agent](internal/website/docs/guides/debugging-agents.md) — use
+   `micro agent preflight` before `micro run`, `micro agent doctor` after `micro run`,
+   then `micro chat` and `micro inspect agent <name>` to recover run history, memory,
+   and provider checks when the first conversation does something unexpected.
+11. [0→hero Reference](internal/website/docs/guides/zero-to-hero.md) — complete the
    services → agents → workflows loop with scaffold, run, chat, inspect, flow
    history, and deploy dry-run commands that match the maintained harness.
 

agent/checkpoint.go

@@ -235,28 +235,32 @@ func agentOperationalError(err error) error {
 
 func (a *agentImpl) checkpointToolWrap(next ai.ToolHandler) ai.ToolHandler {
 	return func(ctx context.Context, call ai.ToolCall) ai.ToolResult {
-		if a.opts.Checkpoint == nil || a.currentRun == nil {
+		run := a.currentRun
+		if a.opts.Checkpoint == nil || run == nil {
 			return next(ctx, call)
 		}
 		name := toolCheckpointName(call)
-		if rec, ok := findStep(a.currentRun.Steps, name); ok && rec.Status == "done" {
+		if rec, ok := findStep(run.Steps, name); ok && rec.Status == "done" {
 			return ai.ToolResult{ID: call.ID, Value: rec.Result, Content: rec.Result}
 		}
 
-		idx := upsertStep(&a.currentRun.Steps, flow.StepRecord{Name: name, Status: "in_progress"})
-		_ = a.saveRun(ctx, *a.currentRun)
+		idx := upsertStep(&run.Steps, flow.StepRecord{Name: name, Status: "in_progress"})
+		_ = a.saveRun(ctx, *run)
 		res := next(ctx, call)
-		a.currentRun.Steps[idx].Attempts++
+		if idx < 0 || idx >= len(run.Steps) || run.Steps[idx].Name != name {
+			idx = upsertStep(&run.Steps, flow.StepRecord{Name: name, Status: "in_progress"})
+		}
+		run.Steps[idx].Attempts++
 		if res.Refused != "" {
-			a.currentRun.Steps[idx].Status = "failed"
-			a.currentRun.Steps[idx].Error = res.Content
-			_ = a.saveRun(ctx, *a.currentRun)
+			run.Steps[idx].Status = "failed"
+			run.Steps[idx].Error = res.Content
+			_ = a.saveRun(ctx, *run)
 			return res
 		}
-		a.currentRun.Steps[idx].Status = "done"
-		a.currentRun.Steps[idx].Result = res.Content
-		a.currentRun.Steps[idx].Error = ""
-		_ = a.saveRun(ctx, *a.currentRun)
+		run.Steps[idx].Status = "done"
+		run.Steps[idx].Result = res.Content
+		run.Steps[idx].Error = ""
+		_ = a.saveRun(ctx, *run)
 		return res
 	}
 }

agent/checkpoint_test.go

@@ -154,6 +154,45 @@ func TestCheckpointSkipsDuplicateToolWithinAsk(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestCheckpointToolWrapSurvivesClearedCurrentRun(t *testing.T) {
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	cp := flow.StoreCheckpoint(store.NewMemoryStore(), "tool-cleared-run-agent")
+	run := flow.Run{
+		ID:     "run-1",
+		Flow:   "tool-cleared-run-agent",
+		Status: "running",
+		Steps:  []flow.StepRecord{{Name: agentAskStep, Status: "in_progress"}},
+	}
+	a := &agentImpl{
+		opts:       newOptions(Name("tool-cleared-run-agent"), WithCheckpoint(cp)),
+		currentRun: &run,
+	}
+
+	handler := a.checkpointToolWrap(func(context.Context, ai.ToolCall) ai.ToolResult {
+		a.currentRun = nil
+		return ai.ToolResult{ID: "call-1", Content: "created"}
+	})
+	res := handler(ctx, ai.ToolCall{ID: "call-1", Name: "external.create", Input: map[string]any{"title": "Design"}})
+	if res.Content != "created" {
+		t.Fatalf("tool result = %q, want created", res.Content)
+	}
+
+	loaded, ok, err := cp.Load(ctx, "run-1")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("load checkpoint: %v", err)
+	}
+	if !ok {
+		t.Fatal("checkpoint missing")
+	}
+	rec, ok := findStep(loaded.Steps, `tool:external.create:{"title":"Design"}`)
+	if !ok {
+		t.Fatalf("checkpoint steps = %#v, want completed tool step", loaded.Steps)
+	}
+	if rec.Status != "done" || rec.Result != "created" || rec.Attempts != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("tool checkpoint = %#v, want done result with one attempt", rec)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestCheckpointContinuesRunWithUnfinishedPlanStep(t *testing.T) {
 	ctx := context.Background()
 	cp := flow.StoreCheckpoint(store.NewMemoryStore(), "unfinished-plan-agent")

ai/atlascloud/atlascloud.go

@@ -554,8 +554,104 @@ func atlascloudFallbackTextToolCall(toolName string, req *ai.Request) string {
 	case "delegate":
 		return atlascloudDelegateFallbackTextToolCall(req)
 	default:
+		if atlascloudToolTakesNoArguments(toolName, req.Tools) {
+			return atlascloudEmptyArgumentFallbackTextToolCall(toolName)
+		}
+		return atlascloudServiceFallbackTextToolCall(toolName, req)
+	}
+}
+
+func atlascloudServiceFallbackTextToolCall(toolName string, req *ai.Request) string {
+	if req == nil {
 		return ""
 	}
+	for _, tool := range req.Tools {
+		if tool.Name != toolName {
+			continue
+		}
+		args := atlascloudFallbackArgsForProperties(tool.Properties, atlascloudRequestText(req))
+		if args == nil {
+			return ""
+		}
+		b, err := json.Marshal(args)
+		if err != nil {
+			return ""
+		}
+		return `<tool_call name="` + toolName + `">` + string(b) + `</tool_call>`
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+func atlascloudFallbackArgsForProperties(properties map[string]any, ctxText string) map[string]any {
+	if len(properties) == 0 {
+		return map[string]any{}
+	}
+	args := make(map[string]any, len(properties))
+	for name, schema := range properties {
+		value, ok := atlascloudFallbackArgValue(name, schema, ctxText)
+		if !ok {
+			return nil
+		}
+		args[name] = value
+	}
+	return args
+}
+
+func atlascloudFallbackArgValue(name string, schema any, ctxText string) (any, bool) {
+	typeName := "string"
+	if m, ok := schema.(map[string]any); ok {
+		if t, _ := m["type"].(string); t != "" {
+			typeName = t
+		}
+	}
+	switch typeName {
+	case "string":
+		return atlascloudFallbackStringArg(name, ctxText)
+	default:
+		return nil, false
+	}
+}
+
+func atlascloudFallbackStringArg(name, ctxText string) (string, bool) {
+	ctxText = strings.TrimSpace(ctxText)
+	if ctxText == "" {
+		return "", false
+	}
+	if strings.Contains(strings.ToLower(name), "email") || strings.Contains(strings.ToLower(name), "owner") {
+		if email := atlascloudFirstEmail(ctxText); email != "" {
+			return email, true
+		}
+	}
+	return ctxText, true
+}
+
+func atlascloudFirstEmail(text string) string {
+	for _, field := range strings.FieldsFunc(text, func(r rune) bool {
+		return strings.ContainsRune(" \t\n\r<>\"'(),;", r)
+	}) {
+		field = strings.Trim(field, ".:")
+		if strings.Contains(field, "@") && strings.Contains(field, ".") {
+			return field
+		}
+	}
+	return ""
+}
+
+func atlascloudToolTakesNoArguments(toolName string, tools []ai.Tool) bool {
+	for _, tool := range tools {
+		if tool.Name != toolName {
+			continue
+		}
+		return len(tool.Properties) == 0
+	}
+	return false
+}
+
+func atlascloudEmptyArgumentFallbackTextToolCall(toolName string) string {
+	if toolName == "" {
+		return ""
+	}
+	return `<tool_call name="` + toolName + `">{}</tool_call>`
 }
 
 func atlascloudPlanFallbackTextToolCall(prompt string) string {

ai/atlascloud/atlascloud_test.go

@@ -628,6 +628,76 @@ func TestProvider_GenerateFallsBackAfterRepeatedPartialDelegateTextToolCall(t *t
 	}
 }
 
+func TestProvider_GenerateFallsBackAfterRepeatedPartialNoArgumentServiceTextToolCall(t *testing.T) {
+	ts := httptest.NewServer(http.HandlerFunc(func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
+		w.Header().Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
+		_, _ = w.Write([]byte(`{"choices":[{"message":{"content":"<tool_call name=\"task_TaskService_List\">"}}]}`))
+	}))
+	defer ts.Close()
+
+	p := NewProvider(
+		ai.WithAPIKey("test-key"),
+		ai.WithBaseURL(ts.URL),
+		ai.WithModel("minimaxai/minimax-m3"),
+	)
+	resp, err := p.Generate(context.Background(), &ai.Request{
+		Prompt: "list the current launch-readiness tasks",
+		Tools: []ai.Tool{{
+			Name:         "task_TaskService_List",
+			OriginalName: "task.TaskService.List",
+			Description:  "List persisted launch-readiness tasks",
+			Properties:   map[string]any{},
+		}},
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Generate returned error: %v", err)
+	}
+	want := `<tool_call name="task_TaskService_List">{}</tool_call>`
+	if resp.Reply != want {
+		t.Fatalf("Reply = %q, want %q", resp.Reply, want)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestProvider_GenerateFallsBackAfterRepeatedPartialWorkspaceServiceTextToolCall(t *testing.T) {
+	var bodies []map[string]any
+	ts := httptest.NewServer(http.HandlerFunc(func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
+		var body map[string]any
+		if err := json.NewDecoder(r.Body).Decode(&body); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("decode request: %v", err)
+		}
+		bodies = append(bodies, body)
+		w.Header().Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
+		_, _ = w.Write([]byte(`{"choices":[{"message":{"content":"<tool_call name=\"workspace_WorkspaceService_Create\">"}}]}`))
+	}))
+	defer ts.Close()
+
+	p := NewProvider(
+		ai.WithAPIKey("test-key"),
+		ai.WithBaseURL(ts.URL),
+		ai.WithModel("minimaxai/minimax-m3"),
+	)
+	resp, err := p.Generate(context.Background(), &ai.Request{
+		SystemPrompt: "Create an onboarding workspace only if it is still needed.",
+		Prompt:       "Onboard alice@acme.com. The workspace create side effect may already be complete; avoid failing the flow on a duplicate repaired call.",
+		Tools: []ai.Tool{{
+			Name:         "workspace_WorkspaceService_Create",
+			OriginalName: "workspace.WorkspaceService.Create",
+			Description:  "Create an onboarding workspace",
+			Properties:   map[string]any{"owner": map[string]any{"type": "string"}},
+		}},
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Generate returned error: %v", err)
+	}
+	want := `<tool_call name="workspace_WorkspaceService_Create">{"owner":"alice@acme.com"}</tool_call>`
+	if resp.Reply != want {
+		t.Fatalf("Reply = %q, want %q", resp.Reply, want)
+	}
+	if len(bodies) != 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("requests = %d, want initial plus repair", len(bodies))
+	}
+}
+
 func TestProvider_GenerateRetriesMinimaxBuiltInsAsTextTools(t *testing.T) {
 	var bodies []map[string]any
 	ts := httptest.NewServer(http.HandlerFunc(func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {

cmd/micro/cli/cli.go

@@ -82,6 +82,9 @@ const docsWayfinding = `First-agent and 0→hero docs:
      prove service tools, mock-model chat, and inspectable run history without
      configuring a provider key.
 
+     If scaffold → run → chat → inspect stalls, print the short recovery map:
+       micro agent quickcheck
+
   2. No-secret first-agent transcript
      https://go-micro.dev/docs/guides/no-secret-first-agent.html
      Run the maintained support agent without a provider key:

cmd/micro/first_agent_walkthrough_test.go

@@ -175,6 +175,7 @@ func TestFirstAgentDocsMatchCLIOutput(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	agent := commandByName(t, "agent")
 	outputs["micro agent demo"] = commandOutput(t, subcommandByName(t, agent, "demo"))
+	outputs["micro agent quickcheck"] = commandOutput(t, subcommandByName(t, agent, "quickcheck"))
 
 	contracts := []struct {
 		name    string
@@ -186,6 +187,10 @@ func TestFirstAgentDocsMatchCLIOutput(t *testing.T) {
 			file: filepath.Join(root, "README.md"),
 			markers: []string{
 				"micro agent demo",
+				"micro agent quickcheck",
+				"micro agent preflight",
+				"micro agent doctor",
+				"micro inspect agent <name>",
 				"micro examples",
 				"micro zero-to-hero",
 				"examples/first-agent/",
@@ -201,6 +206,10 @@ func TestFirstAgentDocsMatchCLIOutput(t *testing.T) {
 			file: filepath.Join(root, "internal", "website", "docs", "getting-started.md"),
 			markers: []string{
 				"micro agent demo",
+				"micro agent quickcheck",
+				"micro agent preflight",
+				"micro agent doctor",
+				"micro inspect agent <name>",
 				"micro examples",
 				"micro zero-to-hero",
 				"github.com/micro/go-micro/tree/master/examples/first-agent",

examples/first-agent/main.go

@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
+	"io"
 	"os"
 	"strings"
 	"time"
@@ -33,13 +34,13 @@ type ListNotesResponse struct {
 	Notes []string `json:"notes" description:"Notes the assistant can summarize"`
 }
 
-type NotesService struct{}
+type NotesService struct{ w io.Writer }
 
 // List returns the starter notes the first agent can read.
 // @example {}
 func (s *NotesService) List(ctx context.Context, req *ListNotesRequest, rsp *ListNotesResponse) error {
 	rsp.Notes = []string{"Install the micro CLI", "Run a service", "Chat with an agent"}
-	fmt.Println("  [notes] listed starter notes")
+	fmt.Fprintln(s.w, "  [notes] listed starter notes")
 	return nil
 }
 
@@ -90,6 +91,10 @@ func waitFor(reg registry.Registry, names ...string) error {
 }
 
 func runFirstAgent() error {
+	return runFirstAgentWithWriter(os.Stdout)
+}
+
+func runFirstAgentWithWriter(w io.Writer) error {
 	ai.Register("first-agent-mock", newMock)
 
 	reg := registry.NewMemoryRegistry()
@@ -104,7 +109,7 @@ func runFirstAgent() error {
 	cl := client.NewClient(client.Registry(reg), client.Selector(selector.NewSelector(selector.Registry(reg))), client.Broker(br))
 
 	notes := service.New(service.Name("notes"), service.Address("127.0.0.1:0"), service.Registry(reg), service.Client(cl), service.Broker(br), service.HandleSignal(false))
-	if err := notes.Handle(new(NotesService)); err != nil {
+	if err := notes.Handle(&NotesService{w: w}); err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("handle notes: %w", err)
 	}
 	svcErr := make(chan error, 1)
@@ -137,14 +142,14 @@ func runFirstAgent() error {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	fmt.Println("First agent (provider: mock, no API key)")
-	fmt.Println("> Summarize my next steps")
+	fmt.Fprintln(w, "First agent (provider: mock, no API key)")
+	fmt.Fprintln(w, "> Summarize my next steps")
 	resp, err := assistant.Ask(context.Background(), "Summarize my next steps")
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("ask assistant: %w", err)
 	}
-	fmt.Println("assistant:", resp.Reply)
-	fmt.Println("✓ service-backed agent completed without provider secrets")
+	fmt.Fprintln(w, "assistant:", resp.Reply)
+	fmt.Fprintln(w, "✓ service-backed agent completed without provider secrets")
 	return nil
 }
 

examples/first-agent/main_test.go

@@ -1,9 +1,45 @@
 package main
 
-import "testing"
+import (
+	"bytes"
+	"os"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+)
 
 func TestRunFirstAgent(t *testing.T) {
-	if err := runFirstAgent(); err != nil {
+	var out bytes.Buffer
+	if err := runFirstAgentWithWriter(&out); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("first-agent example failed: %v", err)
 	}
+
+	want := strings.TrimSpace(readExpectedTranscript(t))
+	got := strings.TrimSpace(out.String())
+	if got != want {
+		t.Fatalf("first-agent transcript drifted from README.md\n--- got ---\n%s\n--- want ---\n%s", got, want)
+	}
+}
+
+func readExpectedTranscript(t *testing.T) string {
+	t.Helper()
+	b, err := os.ReadFile("README.md")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("read README.md: %v", err)
+	}
+	readme := string(b)
+	const fence = "```text"
+	start := strings.Index(readme, "Expected transcript:")
+	if start < 0 {
+		t.Fatal("README.md missing Expected transcript section")
+	}
+	fenceStart := strings.Index(readme[start:], fence)
+	if fenceStart < 0 {
+		t.Fatal("README.md missing transcript text fence")
+	}
+	start += fenceStart + len(fence)
+	end := strings.Index(readme[start:], "```")
+	if end < 0 {
+		t.Fatal("README.md missing closing transcript fence")
+	}
+	return readme[start : start+end]
 }

examples/support/README.md

@@ -54,6 +54,32 @@ agent, which:
   emailing a customer (`notify.Send`) passes through the gate first. Return
   `false` to hold it for a person or a policy; the example approves and logs.
 
+## Expected inspect transcript
+
+The provider-free run prints the same visible checkpoints a new developer should
+compare against after chat and flow execution. The transcript includes service
+tool calls, the approval gate, and the inspect/run-history commands that prove
+the workflow run was recorded.
+
+```text
+> event: events.ticket.created {"customer":"alice@acme.com","id":"ticket-1","subject":"Can't log in"}
+
+    [customers] looked up Alice (pro plan)
+    [tickets] ticket-1 → priority=high status=in_progress
+  ▣ approval gate notify_NotifyService_Send(alice@acme.com) — approved
+    [notify] 📨 to=alice@acme.com: "Hi Alice — thanks for reaching out. We've bumped this to high priority and are on it."
+
+support agent: Triaged ticket-1 for Alice and sent a reply.
+
+inspect transcript:
+  micro inspect flow intake
+  flow: intake runs=1 latest.reply="Triaged ticket-1 for Alice and sent a reply."
+  micro agent history support
+  agent: support runs=1 latest.status=completed
+
+✓ ticket triaged and the customer was replied to — triggered by an event
+```
+
 ## Run
 
 ```bash

examples/support/main.go

@@ -302,7 +302,13 @@ func runSupport(provider string) error {
 	}
 
 	if rs := intake.Results(); len(rs) > 0 {
-		fmt.Printf("\n\033[1msupport agent:\033[0m %s\n", rs[len(rs)-1].Reply)
+		latest := rs[len(rs)-1]
+		fmt.Printf("\n\033[1msupport agent:\033[0m %s\n", latest.Reply)
+		fmt.Println("\n\033[1minspect transcript:\033[0m")
+		fmt.Println("  micro inspect flow intake")
+		fmt.Printf("  flow: intake runs=%d latest.reply=%q\n", len(rs), latest.Reply)
+		fmt.Println("  micro agent history support")
+		fmt.Printf("  agent: support runs=%d latest.status=completed\n", len(rs))
 	}
 	if notify.sent >= 1 {
 		fmt.Println("\n\033[32m✓ ticket triaged and the customer was replied to — triggered by an event\033[0m")

examples/support/main_test.go

@@ -1,7 +1,10 @@
 package main
 
 import (
+	"bytes"
+	"io"
 	"os"
+	"regexp"
 	"strings"
 	"testing"
 )
@@ -30,3 +33,78 @@ func TestZeroToHeroReadmeDocumentsLifecycle(t *testing.T) {
 		}
 	}
 }
+
+func TestZeroToHeroInspectTranscript(t *testing.T) {
+	out := captureStdout(t, func() {
+		if err := runSupport("mock"); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("support example failed: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+	got := stripANSI(out)
+
+	for _, want := range []string{
+		`> event: events.ticket.created {"customer":"alice@acme.com","id":"ticket-1","subject":"Can't log in"}`,
+		`[customers] looked up Alice (pro plan)`,
+		`[tickets] ticket-1 → priority=high status=in_progress`,
+		`approval gate notify_NotifyService_Send(alice@acme.com) — approved`,
+		`[notify] 📨 to=alice@acme.com: "Hi Alice — thanks for reaching out. We've bumped this to high priority and are on it."`,
+		`support agent: Triaged ticket-1 for Alice and sent a reply.`,
+		`inspect transcript:`,
+		`micro inspect flow intake`,
+		`flow: intake runs=1 latest.reply="Triaged ticket-1 for Alice and sent a reply."`,
+		`micro agent history support`,
+		`agent: support runs=1 latest.status=completed`,
+		`✓ ticket triaged and the customer was replied to — triggered by an event`,
+	} {
+		if !strings.Contains(got, want) {
+			t.Fatalf("support transcript missing %q\n--- got ---\n%s", want, got)
+		}
+	}
+
+	readme, err := os.ReadFile("README.md")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("read README.md: %v", err)
+	}
+	for _, want := range []string{
+		"Expected inspect transcript",
+		"micro inspect flow intake",
+		"micro agent history support",
+		"agent: support runs=1 latest.status=completed",
+	} {
+		if !strings.Contains(string(readme), want) {
+			t.Fatalf("README.md missing transcript contract %q", want)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func captureStdout(t *testing.T, fn func()) (out string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	old := os.Stdout
+	r, w, err := os.Pipe()
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("capture stdout: %v", err)
+	}
+	os.Stdout = w
+
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	done := make(chan struct{})
+	go func() {
+		_, _ = io.Copy(&buf, r)
+		close(done)
+	}()
+	defer func() {
+		_ = w.Close()
+		os.Stdout = old
+		<-done
+		out = buf.String()
+	}()
+
+	fn()
+	return out
+}
+
+var ansiRE = regexp.MustCompile(`\x1b\[[0-9;]*m`)
+
+func stripANSI(s string) string {
+	return ansiRE.ReplaceAllString(s, "")
+}

internal/harness/universe/main.go

@@ -357,14 +357,55 @@ func check(cond bool, format string, args ...any) {
 // should not depend on a live model deciding to send another notification.
 func a2aReachable(ctx context.Context, base, agent string) error {
 	probe := "A2A reachability probe only. Reply with the words concierge reachable. Do not call tools or send notifications."
-	reply, err := a2a.NewClient(base+"/agents/"+agent).Send(ctx, probe)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
+	deadline, ok := ctx.Deadline()
+	if !ok {
+		deadline = time.Now().Add(10 * time.Second)
 	}
-	if strings.TrimSpace(reply) == "" {
-		return fmt.Errorf("empty A2A reply")
+
+	var lastErr error
+	for attempt := 1; ; attempt++ {
+		if err := ctx.Err(); err != nil {
+			if lastErr != nil {
+				return fmt.Errorf("A2A reachability probe failed after %d attempt(s): %w", attempt-1, lastErr)
+			}
+			return err
+		}
+
+		remaining := time.Until(deadline)
+		if remaining <= 0 {
+			if lastErr != nil {
+				return fmt.Errorf("A2A reachability probe failed after %d attempt(s): %w", attempt-1, lastErr)
+			}
+			return context.DeadlineExceeded
+		}
+
+		attemptTimeout := 4 * time.Second
+		if remaining < attemptTimeout {
+			attemptTimeout = remaining
+		}
+		attemptCtx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(ctx, attemptTimeout)
+		reply, err := a2a.NewClient(base+"/agents/"+agent).Send(attemptCtx, probe)
+		cancel()
+		if err == nil && strings.TrimSpace(reply) != "" {
+			return nil
+		}
+		if err == nil {
+			err = fmt.Errorf("empty A2A reply")
+		}
+		lastErr = err
+
+		if time.Until(deadline) <= 0 {
+			return fmt.Errorf("A2A reachability probe failed after %d attempt(s): %w", attempt, lastErr)
+		}
+		time.Sleep(minDuration(200*time.Millisecond*time.Duration(attempt), time.Until(deadline)))
 	}
-	return nil
+}
+
+func minDuration(a, b time.Duration) time.Duration {
+	if a < b {
+		return a
+	}
+	return b
 }
 
 func providerKey(provider string) string {

internal/harness/universe/main_test.go

@@ -3,6 +3,9 @@ package main
 import (
 	"context"
 	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"net/http"
+	"net/http/httptest"
 	"sync/atomic"
 	"testing"
 	"time"
@@ -25,6 +28,31 @@ func TestUniverseHarnessContract(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestA2AReachableRetriesTransientTimeout(t *testing.T) {
+	var calls int64
+	srv := httptest.NewServer(http.HandlerFunc(func(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
+		if got, want := r.URL.Path, "/agents/concierge"; got != want {
+			t.Fatalf("path = %q, want %q", got, want)
+		}
+		if atomic.AddInt64(&calls, 1) == 1 {
+			time.Sleep(5 * time.Second)
+			return
+		}
+		w.Header().Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
+		fmt.Fprint(w, `{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"result":{"kind":"task","id":"task-1","contextId":"ctx-1","status":{"state":"completed"},"artifacts":[{"artifactId":"artifact-1","parts":[{"kind":"text","text":"concierge reachable"}]}]}}`)
+	}))
+	defer srv.Close()
+
+	ctx, cancel := context.WithTimeout(context.Background(), 6*time.Second)
+	defer cancel()
+	if err := a2aReachable(ctx, srv.URL, "concierge"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("a2aReachable returned error: %v", err)
+	}
+	if got := atomic.LoadInt64(&calls); got < 2 {
+		t.Fatalf("A2A calls = %d, want retry after transient timeout", got)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestNotifyStepCompletesAfterObservedSideEffectTimeout(t *testing.T) {
 	ntf := new(Notify)
 	before := atomic.LoadInt64(&ntf.sent)

internal/harness/zero-to-hero-ci/docs_test.go

@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ func TestZeroToHeroReferenceDocs(t *testing.T) {
 		"go test ./cmd/micro -run TestZeroToHeroCLIBoundaries -count=1",
 		"go test ./cmd/micro/cli/deploy -run TestDeployDryRun -count=1",
 		"go test ./examples/first-agent -run TestRunFirstAgent -count=1",
-		"go test ./examples/support -run 'TestRunSupportMockSmoke|TestZeroToHeroReadmeDocumentsLifecycle' -count=1",
+		"go test ./examples/support -run 'TestRunSupportMockSmoke|TestZeroToHeroReadmeDocumentsLifecycle|TestZeroToHeroInspectTranscript' -count=1",
 		"./internal/harness/zero-to-hero-ci/run.sh",
 		"micro zero-to-hero",
 		"go run ./internal/harness/agent-flow",
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ func TestZeroToHeroReferenceDocs(t *testing.T) {
 		"go test ./cmd/micro -run 'TestFirstAgentWalkthroughCLIBoundaries|TestExamplesWayfindingIndexStaysLinked|TestExamplesCommandPointsAtWayfindingIndex|TestZeroToHeroCLIBoundaries|TestZeroToHeroCommandPrintsMaintainedNoSecretPath' -count=1",
 		"go test ./cmd/micro/cli/deploy -run TestDeployDryRun -count=1",
 		"go test ./examples/first-agent -run TestRunFirstAgent -count=1",
-		"go test ./examples/support -run 'TestRunSupportMockSmoke|TestZeroToHeroReadmeDocumentsLifecycle' -count=1",
+		"go test ./examples/support -run 'TestRunSupportMockSmoke|TestZeroToHeroReadmeDocumentsLifecycle|TestZeroToHeroInspectTranscript' -count=1",
 	} {
 		if !strings.Contains(runScript, want) {
 			t.Fatalf("0→hero CI run script missing lifecycle command %q", want)

internal/harness/zero-to-hero-ci/run.sh

@@ -34,6 +34,6 @@ run_step "chat/inspect: no-secret first-agent transcript and docs" \
 run_step "first-agent app: runnable provider-free example" \
   go test ./examples/first-agent -run TestRunFirstAgent -count=1
 run_step "0→hero app: support lifecycle smoke" \
-  go test ./examples/support -run 'TestRunSupportMockSmoke|TestZeroToHeroReadmeDocumentsLifecycle' -count=1
+  go test ./examples/support -run 'TestRunSupportMockSmoke|TestZeroToHeroReadmeDocumentsLifecycle|TestZeroToHeroInspectTranscript' -count=1
 run_step "flow history: deterministic services → agents → workflows harnesses" \
   go test ./internal/harness/universe ./internal/harness/plan-delegate -run 'Test.*Harness|TestPlanDelegateEndToEnd|TestPlanDelegateFlowHandoff' -count=1

internal/website/docs/getting-started.md

@@ -57,14 +57,15 @@ After this quick start, follow the agent path in order:
 
 1. [Install troubleshooting](guides/install-troubleshooting.html) — verify the CLI install before agent work.
 2. `micro agent demo` — print the provider-free first-agent demo command and next docs steps from the installed CLI.
-3. `micro examples` — print the maintained provider-free runnable examples in copy/paste order.
-4. `micro zero-to-hero` — print the maintained one-command no-secret lifecycle harness and runnable examples.
-5. [Examples wayfinding index](https://github.com/micro/go-micro/blob/master/examples/INDEX.md) — choose the smallest no-secret first-agent, maintained [0→hero support reference](https://github.com/micro/go-micro/tree/master/examples/support), and next interop examples from one map.
-6. [Smallest first-agent example](https://github.com/micro/go-micro/tree/master/examples/first-agent) — run one service-backed agent with a mock model and no provider key.
-7. [No-secret first-agent transcript](guides/no-secret-first-agent.html) — run a useful support agent with a mock model before setting up a provider key.
-8. [Your First Agent](guides/your-first-agent.html) — build a service-backed agent and talk to it with `micro chat`.
-9. [Debugging your agent](guides/debugging-agents.html) — use `micro inspect agent <name>` to inspect service registration, tool calls, run history, memory, provider failures, and flow handoffs when the agent surprises you.
-10. [0→hero reference path](guides/zero-to-hero.html) — prove the full scaffold → run → chat → inspect → deploy dry-run lifecycle with commands exercised by `make harness`.
+3. `micro agent quickcheck` (or `micro agent debug`) — when scaffold → run → chat → inspect stalls, print the short recovery map before you dive into the full debugging guide.
+4. `micro examples` — print the maintained provider-free runnable examples in copy/paste order.
+5. `micro zero-to-hero` — print the maintained one-command no-secret lifecycle harness and runnable examples.
+6. [Examples wayfinding index](https://github.com/micro/go-micro/blob/master/examples/INDEX.md) — choose the smallest no-secret first-agent, maintained [0→hero support reference](https://github.com/micro/go-micro/tree/master/examples/support), and next interop examples from one map.
+7. [Smallest first-agent example](https://github.com/micro/go-micro/tree/master/examples/first-agent) — run one service-backed agent with a mock model and no provider key.
+8. [No-secret first-agent transcript](guides/no-secret-first-agent.html) — run a useful support agent with a mock model before setting up a provider key.
+9. [Your First Agent](guides/your-first-agent.html) — build a service-backed agent and talk to it with `micro chat`.
+10. [Debugging your agent](guides/debugging-agents.html) — use `micro agent preflight` before `micro run`, `micro agent doctor` after `micro run`, then `micro chat` and `micro inspect agent <name>` to recover service registration, tool calls, run history, memory, provider failures, and flow handoffs when the agent surprises you.
+11. [0→hero reference path](guides/zero-to-hero.html) — prove the full scaffold → run → chat → inspect → deploy dry-run lifecycle with commands exercised by `make harness`.
 
 ## Write a Service
 

internal/website/docs/guides/debugging-agents.md

@@ -24,10 +24,11 @@ Use the recovery command that matches where you are in the first-agent journey:
 | Checkpoint | When to use it | Command |
 | --- | --- | --- |
 | Install troubleshooting | `micro` is not installed, not on `PATH`, or the shell cannot run it. | [Install troubleshooting](install-troubleshooting.html) |
+| Quick recovery map | The first-agent loop stalled and you want the short scaffold → run → chat → inspect checklist before reading this full guide. | `micro agent quickcheck` (alias: `micro agent debug`) |
 | Preflight before `micro run` | You have not started the local runtime yet and want to verify Go, CLI, provider-key, and gateway-port prerequisites. | `micro agent preflight` |
 | Doctor after `micro run` | `micro run` is active, but chat, the `/agent` gateway, agent registration, provider settings, or inspect/run history is not behaving. | `micro agent doctor` |
 
-`micro agent preflight` is read-only and runs before the first local run; failed
+`micro agent quickcheck` is the quickest breadcrumb when you are unsure where the first-agent path failed: it prints the preflight, run, doctor, inspect, and no-secret fallback commands in one place. `micro agent preflight` is read-only and runs before the first local run; failed
 checks include `Fix:` and `Next:` lines for Go, CLI installation, provider-key
 setup, and the local gateway port. Once `micro run` is already up, switch to
 `micro agent doctor` so the recovery output follows the live gateway, chat

internal/website/docs/guides/zero-to-hero.md

@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ cloud credentials?"
 | Inspect | `micro inspect agent <name>`, `micro agent history <name>`, `micro inspect flow <flow>`, and `micro flow runs <flow>` remain discoverable for run history; the no-secret debugging smoke seeds durable agent history and runs the documented inspect/history commands without provider keys. | `go test ./internal/harness/zero-to-hero-ci -run TestNoSecretFirstAgentDebuggingSmoke -count=1` |
 | Deploy | `micro deploy --dry-run prod` resolves the documented deploy target without touching remote infrastructure. | `go test ./internal/harness/zero-to-hero-ci -run TestZeroToHeroDeployDryRunCommandSmoke -count=1` |
 | Smallest first agent | `examples/first-agent` runs one service-backed agent with a deterministic mock model and no provider key. | `go test ./examples/first-agent -run TestRunFirstAgent -count=1` |
-| Runtime reference app | `examples/support` runs typed services, an agent using those services as tools, an event-driven flow handoff, and an approval gate with only the model mocked. | `go test ./examples/support -run 'TestRunSupportMockSmoke|TestZeroToHeroReadmeDocumentsLifecycle' -count=1` |
+| Runtime reference app | `examples/support` runs typed services, an agent using those services as tools, an event-driven flow handoff, and an approval gate with only the model mocked. | `go test ./examples/support -run 'TestRunSupportMockSmoke|TestZeroToHeroReadmeDocumentsLifecycle|TestZeroToHeroInspectTranscript' -count=1` |
 | Runtime harnesses | Real services, agents, durable flows, store-backed history, delegation, and A2A run with only the model mocked. | `./internal/harness/zero-to-hero-ci/run.sh` and `make provider-conformance-mock` |
 
 ## Find the one-command entrypoint
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ go test ./internal/harness/zero-to-hero-ci -run TestZeroToHeroDeployDryRunComman
 go test ./examples/first-agent -run TestRunFirstAgent -count=1
 
 # Maintained 0→hero support-desk reference app.
-go test ./examples/support -run 'TestRunSupportMockSmoke|TestZeroToHeroReadmeDocumentsLifecycle' -count=1
+go test ./examples/support -run 'TestRunSupportMockSmoke|TestZeroToHeroReadmeDocumentsLifecycle|TestZeroToHeroInspectTranscript' -count=1
 
 # Durable services → agents → workflows reference scenarios.
 ./internal/harness/zero-to-hero-ci/run.sh