Architecture¶
Amplifier follows a Linux kernel-inspired architecture where a tiny, stable core provides mechanisms while all features live at the edges as replaceable modules.
Core Principle¶
"The center stays still so the edges can move fast."
Topics¶
Overview
High-level architecture and component relationships.
Kernel Philosophy
Why the kernel is tiny, stable, and boring.
Module System
How modules are discovered, loaded, and coordinated.
Mount Plans
The configuration contract between apps and kernel.
Event System
Canonical events and observability.
Quick Architecture Overview¶
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Application Layer (amplifier-app-cli) │
│ • Resolves configuration → Creates Mount Plans │
│ • Provides approval/display systems │
└──────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Kernel (amplifier-core) - ~2,600 lines │
│ • Validates Mount Plans │
│ • Loads modules via entry points │
│ • Coordinates session lifecycle │
│ • Emits canonical events │
└──────┬──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Modules (Userspace) │
│ • Providers: LLM backends │
│ • Tools: Agent capabilities │
│ • Orchestrators: Execution loops │
│ • Contexts: Memory management │
│ • Hooks: Observability & control │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Key Concepts¶
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Kernel | Ultra-thin core providing mechanisms only |
| Module | Swappable component implementing a contract |
| Mount Plan | Configuration specifying which modules to load |
| Event | Observable occurrence in the system |
| Hook | Module that observes/controls events |
| Session | Single conversation lifecycle |
| Coordinator | Infrastructure context for modules |