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Multi-Worker System

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Coordination system for running multiple Claude Code instances in parallel. Features lock management, shared state, and policy-based automation.

Bash Docker Coordination

Worker Workflow

1

Startup

Worker reads all status files, policies, and backlog

2

Claim Lock

Worker updates their status file with project name

3

Work

Worker completes tasks following policies

4

Update

Worker logs changes to CHANGELOG.md

5

Release

Worker sets project to "-" when done

Features

Project Locking

Prevents multiple workers from editing the same project simultaneously. Workers claim locks via their status files.

Shared State

Common files for policies, backlog, and environment settings that all workers can read and follow.

Status Tracking

Each worker maintains a status file showing current project, task, and recent completions.

Policy System

Pre-approved actions that workers can take without asking. Boundaries that require explicit approval.

Model Tiering

Workers use the cheapest capable model: Ollama (free) → Haiku (cheap) → Opus (full price).

Token Tracking

Statusline shows model usage (O:X H:Y L:Z) to monitor costs across all workers.

Case Study: Building 14 Android Apps in Parallel

The Challenge

Ship multiple production-quality Android apps simultaneously without conflicts, context loss, or duplicate work — while maintaining consistent code quality and documentation across all projects.

The Solution

  • ✓ Designed file-based locking system preventing workers from editing same project
  • ✓ Created shared BACKLOG.md for task queue visible to all workers
  • ✓ Implemented POLICIES.md defining pre-approved actions and boundaries
  • ✓ Built status tracking showing each worker's current project and progress
  • ✓ Established model tiering: Ollama (free) → Haiku (cheap) → Opus (complex tasks)
  • ✓ Added token tracking in statusline for cost visibility across workers

The Results

14
Apps shipped in parallel
4
Concurrent workers
0
Merge conflicts
~60%
Cost reduction via tiering

Key Files

WORKER1-4.md Individual worker status and current task
LOCKS.md Project lock registry and ownership
POLICIES.md Pre-approved actions and boundaries
BACKLOG.md Shared task queue and ideas
CLAUDE.md Master instructions for all workers