Paco Framework

PA·co Framework

What is PA·co Framework?

PA·co Framework is a markdown-first, zero-code multi-agent operations system for Claude Code. It enables 3-22+ specialized AI agents to coordinate via file-based state management, maintain institutional memory through 4-layer Context Engineering, and operate autonomously with human oversight -- without writing a single line of Python.

PA·co stands for Penguin Alley Commander/Officer. It transforms a Claude Code instance into an autonomous team of AI agents that coordinate, learn, and evolve using only markdown files.

How PA·co Framework Works

PA·co uses a file-based architecture where each AI agent reads markdown files to understand its role, the current system state, and what work needs to be done. Agents coordinate through shared state files rather than message passing:

Key Capabilities

Quick Start

1. Clone this repo into your project
2. Run the bootstrap prompt in Claude Code:

3. Answer 5-7 questions about your project
4. PA·co generates your entire multi-agent system
5. Run your first standup: Run as /paco -- execute daily standup

Full setup guide: docs/getting-started.md

Architecture

7-Phase Product Workflow

Every product goes through the full workflow. No shortcuts, no skipped phases.

See core/workflow-schema.md for the full schema.

4-Layer Context Engineering

Context Engineering is the core innovation of PA·co Framework. It solves the fundamental problem of multi-agent AI systems: how does each agent get the right information at the right time without exceeding context limits?

Same agent + different context = different behavior per product. Agent definitions are generic; products/{name}/ directories make them product-specific.

See core/context-engineering.md for the full specification.

State…