DeepSeek Harness Runtime Modes
DeepSeek Harness ships four runtime modes: Standard, Code (PTC), Minimal, and Creator. From daily coding to model benchmarking, from multi-step orchestration to plugin experiments — every mode is composed of plugins and can be selected freely when starting a new session.
Four Runtime Modes
Standard Mode
Includes the full toolset: file editing, shell, file and web search, skills, planning, goals, subagents, and workflows. The default choice for day-to-day coding tasks.
Use case: Daily coding: read the repo, edit code, run tests, commit changes.
Code Mode (PTC)
All Standard mode capabilities, with tools exposed through the Code Mode SDK so the model can combine multi-step operations in one TypeScript program. Complex tasks become composable, reusable programs instead of linear tool-call chains.
Use case: Complex orchestration: bulk refactors, cross-file analysis, multi-step tasks needing loops and conditionals.
Minimal Mode
A two-tool coding agent with persistent bash and str_replace_editor, for benchmarking models in a minimal environment. No distracting tools — a purer evaluation of model capability.
Use case: Model evaluation: fair benchmarks in a minimal environment.
Creator Mode
Built for creating custom agent presets: all Standard mode capabilities plus runtime inspection, plugin experiments, and preset-authoring guidance. Test Cordis plugins in memory and combine them into new runtime modes.
Use case: Harness customization: inspect the runtime, experiment with plugins, author your own agent presets.
Mode Comparison
Compare the four runtime modes by toolset and use case:
| Mode | Toolset | Orchestration | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Full toolset | Workflows | Daily coding |
| Code (PTC) | Standard + Code Mode SDK | TypeScript program | Complex multi-step tasks |
| Minimal | Bash + file editor | Linear tool calls | Model benchmarking |
| Creator | Standard + runtime inspection | Plugin experiments | Custom agent presets |
The four modes are themselves composed of plugins: every capability is a plugin, and every mode is a composition of plugins.
How to Switch Modes
When creating a new session in the Web UI, expand the mode selector to pick a runtime mode. Presets composed in Creator mode also appear in the selector for later sessions.
# Launch the Web UI and pick a mode for a new session npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web # New session → expand the mode selector # ┌──────────────┐ # │ Standard │ ← full-featured coding agent # │ Code (PTC) │ ← orchestrate tools in TypeScript # │ Minimal │ ← two-tool benchmarking # │ Creator │ ← inspect runtime, test plugins # └──────────────┘
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FAQ
What runtime modes does DeepSeek Harness offer?
Four: Standard mode (full toolset), Code/PTC mode (Code Mode SDK orchestration), Minimal mode (two-tool benchmarking), and Creator mode (building custom presets).
What's the difference between Code mode and Standard mode?
Code mode has all Standard mode capabilities, but tools are exposed through the Code Mode SDK — the model writes one TypeScript program combining multi-round tool calls, ideal for complex multi-step orchestration.
When should I use Minimal mode?
Minimal mode keeps only persistent bash and str_replace_editor — ideal for benchmarking models in a minimal environment with a purer evaluation.
How do I experiment with plugins in Creator mode?
Creator mode provides runtime inspection and plugin experiments: load Cordis plugins in memory, observe their behavior, and save the composition as a new preset.