# Agent Bootstrapping
Bootstrapping is the first‑run ritual that prepares an agent workspace and collects identity details. It happens after onboarding, when the agent starts for the first time.
# What bootstrapping does
On the first agent run, OpenSoul bootstraps the workspace (default ~/.opensoul/workspace):
- Seeds
AGENTS.md,BOOTSTRAP.md,IDENTITY.md,USER.md. - Runs a short Q&A ritual (one question at a time).
- Writes identity + preferences to
IDENTITY.md,USER.md,SOUL.md. - Removes
BOOTSTRAP.mdwhen finished so it only runs once.
# Where it runs
Bootstrapping always runs on the gateway host. If the macOS app connects to a remote Gateway, the workspace and bootstrapping files live on that remote machine.
Note: When the Gateway runs on another machine, edit workspace files on the gateway host (for example,
user@gateway-host:~/.opensoul/workspace).
# Related docs
- macOS app onboarding: Onboarding
- Workspace layout: Agent workspace