HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Baton Desktop App Tames AI Agent Development Chaos

Hacker News •
×

Baton addresses the growing complexity of managing multiple AI coding agents across different IDEs and terminals. The creator built this desktop app after struggling with scattered Claude Code agents that created workflow chaos. Baton provides a centralized dashboard to monitor all agents simultaneously, with smart notifications when tasks complete, encounter errors, or require input. Each agent operates in isolated git workspaces, preventing conflicts between different projects.

The app supports multiple AI coding assistants including Claude Code, Codex CLI, OpenCode, and Gemini CLI. Baton's strength lies in its git worktree architecture, giving each agent its own branch and working directory. Users can launch new agents in seconds, review changes with a Monaco-powered diff viewer, and push branches or create pull requests directly. The local-first design ensures code remains on users' computers, with only optional workspace naming prompts sent to external AI services.

Baton transforms the workflow from chaotic tab-switching to streamlined agent management. Its dashboard organizes workspaces by status, while built-in tools for file search, commit history, and multi-terminal support enhance productivity. The free version supports up to 4 concurrent workspaces, while a one-time $49 license removes this restriction. Baton represents an essential tool for developers increasingly relying on multiple AI agents in their daily coding tasks.