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Overview

Codegen supports real-time interrupts that allow users to send additional messages or clarifications while the agent is actively working on a task. This feature enables dynamic, conversational interactions where users can provide feedback, corrections, or additional context without waiting for the agent to complete its current work.

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How Interrupts Work

When Codegen is actively processing a request, users can send follow-up messages through supported channels (Slack, Linear) that will be immediately delivered to the running agent as “interrupt messages.”

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Key Features

  • Real-time delivery: Messages are delivered immediately to the active agent
  • Context preservation: The agent maintains full context of the original task
  • Immediate acknowledgment: Codegen typically responds quickly to acknowledge the interrupt
  • Seamless integration: The agent incorporates new information into its current workflow

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Supported Channels

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Slack Interrupts

In Slack, you can send interrupt messages by:

  1. Replying in the thread where Codegen is working
  2. Mentioning @codegen with additional context
  3. Sending follow-up messages in the same channel

Important: You must mention @codegen in your interrupt messages for Codegen to respond in Slack channels, unless you’re in a direct message (DM) with Codegen where it will respond automatically.

Example:

User: @codegen can you fix the login bug?
Codegen: I'll fix the login bug! 🔧 [starts working]
User: Actually, make sure to also handle the password reset flow
Codegen: Got it! I'll include the password reset flow in my fix 👍

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Linear Interrupts

In Linear, interrupts work through:

  1. Adding comments to the issue Codegen is working on
  2. Updating the issue description with additional requirements
  3. Changing issue priority or labels (triggers re-evaluation)

Note: Codegen will respond automatically to your comments in Linear unless another user is tagged in the same comment.

Example:

Issue: Fix authentication system
Codegen: Working on the authentication fix...
[User adds comment]: "Please also add 2FA support"
Codegen: I see you've added 2FA requirements - incorporating that now!

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Best Practices

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For Users

Send interrupts early: If you realize you need to add context or change requirements, send the message immediately rather than waiting for completion.

  • Be specific: Clearly state what you want to add or change
  • Provide context: Explain how the new information relates to the original request
  • Use @mentions in Slack: Always mention @codegen in Slack channels (not needed in DMs)
  • No mentions needed in Linear: Codegen responds automatically unless other users are tagged

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Common Use Cases

  1. Adding requirements: “Also make sure to add error handling”
  2. Providing clarification: “By ‘users’ I meant admin users specifically”
  3. Changing scope: “Actually, let’s focus on the mobile version first”
  4. Sharing additional context: “Here’s the error log I forgot to include”
  5. Course correction: “That approach won’t work, try using the new API instead”

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Limitations

  • Processing order: Interrupts are processed in the order they’re received
  • Context switching: Very frequent interrupts may slow down overall progress
  • Channel-specific: Interrupts only work within the same channel/issue where work started

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Troubleshooting

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Interrupt Not Acknowledged

If your interrupt isn’t acknowledged:

  1. Check the channel: Ensure you’re messaging in the same thread/issue
  2. Wait briefly: The agent may be in the middle of a long operation
  3. Use @mentions in Slack: Make sure you mentioned @codegen (required in channels, not DMs)
  4. Check for other tags in Linear: If you tagged other users, Codegen won’t respond automatically
  5. Check agent status: The agent may have completed or encountered an error

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Message Not Incorporated

If your interrupt seems ignored:

  1. Be more explicit: Clearly state what you want changed
  2. Reference the original task: Connect your interrupt to the current work
  3. Follow up: Send a clarifying message if needed

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Examples

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Slack Thread Example

User: @codegen create a user registration form
Codegen: I'll create a user registration form! 📝 [working...]

User: Make sure it includes email verification
Codegen: Got it! Adding email verification to the registration form 📧

User: And add password strength requirements
Codegen: Perfect! I'll include password strength validation as well 🔒

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Linear Issue Example

Linear Issue: "Implement search functionality"
Codegen: Working on search functionality...

[User adds comment]: "Please include filters for date and category"
Codegen: I see you've added filter requirements - implementing date and category filters now!

[User adds comment]: "Also add sorting options"
Codegen: Adding sorting options to the search as well! 📊