Execution Topologies

Qualixar OS supports 13 execution topologies that define how agents communicate and process work. These are registered in the swarm engine from four topology modules: basic (4), advanced (4), experimental (4), and hybrid (1).

Topology Quick Reference

#	Topology	Module	Agents	Pattern	Best For
1	sequential	basic	2+	Chain	Multi-step processing
2	parallel	basic	2+	Concurrent	Independent subtasks
3	hierarchical	basic	3+	Manager + workers	Complex projects
4	dag	basic	2+	Directed acyclic graph	Custom dependencies
5	mixture_of_agents	advanced	3+	Ensemble + synthesizer	Best-of-N synthesis
6	debate	advanced	3	Argue + judge	Creative decisions
7	mesh	advanced	3+	All-to-all	Collaborative reasoning
8	star	advanced	3+	Hub-and-spoke	Centralized coordination
9	circular	experimental	3+	Ring passing	Iterative refinement
10	grid	experimental	4+	2D grid neighbors	Spatial/parallel reasoning
11	forest	experimental	4+	Multiple tree roots	Parallel hierarchies
12	maker	experimental	2+	Build-test cycle	Code generation
13	hybrid	hybrid	3+	Local + cloud routing	Cost-optimized execution

Detailed Descriptions

Sequential (basic)

Agents execute in order. Each agent's output becomes the next agent's input.

Agent A --> Agent B --> Agent C --> Result

Use when tasks have clear sequential stages (research, write, review).

Parallel (basic)

All agents execute simultaneously on the same prompt. Results are collected independently.

Use for independent subtasks or getting multiple perspectives.

Hierarchical (basic)

A manager agent decomposes the task and assigns subtasks to worker agents. Workers report back to the manager, who assembles the final result.

DAG (basic)

Define a custom directed acyclic graph of agent dependencies. Each node executes when all its dependencies complete.

{ "topology": "dag", "topologyConfig": { "edges": [["research", "write"], ["research", "diagram"]] } }

Mixture of Agents (advanced)

Multiple agents independently produce outputs. A synthesizer agent merges the best elements into a final result. Similar to voting but with intelligent synthesis rather than simple majority.

Debate (advanced)

Two agents argue opposing positions across multiple rounds. A third agent (judge) evaluates and decides.

Mesh (advanced)

Every agent can communicate with every other agent. Messages pass around until the group converges on a result. Use for collaborative reasoning.

Star (advanced)

A central hub agent communicates with all spoke agents. Spokes do not communicate with each other. The hub coordinates and aggregates results.

Circular (experimental)

Agents are arranged in a ring. Each agent processes and passes output to the next in the circle. Multiple rounds refine the result iteratively.

Grid (experimental)

Agents are arranged in a 2D grid. Each agent communicates with its neighbors (up, down, left, right). Use for spatial reasoning or parallel processing patterns.

Forest (experimental)

Multiple independent tree hierarchies execute in parallel. Each tree has its own root and workers. Results from all trees are merged.

Maker (experimental)

A builder agent generates output (typically code), then a tester agent validates it. Failed tests trigger another build-test cycle. Use for code generation with automated verification.

Hybrid (hybrid)

Routes agents between local and cloud execution based on cost, latency, and capability requirements. The 13th topology, designed for cost-optimized mixed-provider workflows.

Emits hybrid:route_assigned, hybrid:cloud_fallback, and hybrid:cost_reconciled events.

Mode Gating

Not all topologies are available in all modes. The ModeEngine enforces topology access:

• Companion mode: Simpler topologies allowed
• Power mode: All 13 topologies available

Check available topologies via: GET /api/swarm/topologies

Choosing a Topology

Question	Recommended
Simple, one-step task?	sequential (1 agent)
Clear sequential stages?	sequential
Independent subtasks?	parallel
Need best-of-N?	mixture_of_agents
Complex dependencies?	dag
Exploring trade-offs?	debate
Code generation?	maker
Cost-sensitive multi-provider?	hybrid

Related

• Builder Tab -- Visual workflow builder
• Forge Tab -- Auto-design teams with topology selection
• First Multi-Agent Task -- Hands-on guide