0001-core-dispatch-via-method-missing.md

ADR 0001: Core Dispatch via method_missing

• Status: accepted
• Date: 2026-02-13

Context

Agent needs a minimal runtime surface where unknown operations can be interpreted at call time by an LLM. We want a single dispatch hook that captures positional and keyword args while preserving object identity.

Decision

Use Ruby method_missing as the core dispatch mechanism:

• Setter-style methods (foo=) are handled directly and persist to @context.
• Non-setter methods route through prompt construction, provider generation, and code execution.
• respond_to_missing? is implemented so introspection follows the dynamic contract.

Consequences

• Positive: one clear entry point, small architecture, idiomatic Ruby metaprogramming.
• Positive: uniform handling for broad method vocabulary without predeclared API.
• Tradeoff: behavior is runtime-defined and depends on provider responses.