Core Concepts
Learn about the fundamental concepts that power Assembly - Context Management, Workflows, and Sessions
Assembly introduces three core concepts that work together to transform how you build software: Context Management, Workflows, and Sessions. Understanding these concepts is key to maximizing your productivity with Assembly.
Context
What is Context?
Context in Assembly represents all the information relevant to your current development task.
Assembly supports various types of context, including:
Code Context
- Repository contents
- Pull requests
- Code history
- Local files
Documentation Context
- Design documents
- API specifications
- Technical guides
- Meeting notes
Task Context
- Jira tickets
- Linear issues
- Project roadmaps
- Sprint planning
Discussion Context
- PR comments
- Slack threads
- Email threads
Workflows
Workflows transform complex development tasks into guided, repeatable processes that can be customized for your organization.
Understanding Workflows
Workflows in Assembly are:
- Configurable templates for common development tasks
- AI-guided processes that adapt to your needs
- Shareable best practices for your team
Key Workflow Components
Context Configuration
Define what information the workflow needs to access
Process Definition
Specify the steps and logic for completing the task
Output Specifications
Define the expected deliverables and their format
Customization Options
Add organization-specific requirements and preferences
Sessions & Fragments
Sessions are your working environment in Assembly, featuring a malleable interface that adapts to your current task through different types of fragments.
Understanding Sessions
Sessions provide:
- A dedicated space for your current task
- Persistent context and conversation history
- Collaborative features for team work
Fragment Types
Code Fragments
Write and edit code with syntax highlighting and intelligent suggestions
Documents
Create and edit markdown documents with live preview
React Components
Build and preview UI components with live rendering
Mermaid Diagrams
Create and edit system diagrams and flowcharts
Python Scripts
Run data analysis and automation scripts
HTML/CSS
Design and preview web interfaces
SVG Graphics
Create and edit vector graphics
Putting It All Together
These concepts work together to create a powerful development environment:
- Context provides the foundation of information
- Workflows guide you through complex tasks
- Sessions & Fragments give you the right interface for each task
Start Building
Now that you understand the core concepts, try Assembly yourself with our quickstart guide