Direct mode is faster to start. Isolated mode is safer for parallel work.
Polystro can run against the original repo directory or through isolated agent workspaces. The right choice depends on whether you are doing one tight loop or supervising several independent streams of change.
Direct Mode
Direct mode runs the session against the original working directory. It is the simplest setup and best fits single-session work when you want the agent operating in the same place you are already editing.
Isolated Mode
Isolated mode creates or reuses a separate agent workspace, typically via worktree-style isolation. This is the safer option when more than one agent is active or when you want cleaner review and merge boundaries around the output.
When To Use Which
Use direct mode for one active loop
Good for quick focused work when you are not juggling several competing agent changes.
Use isolated mode for parallel work
Best when reviewer, fixer, and builder sessions might all be active at once.
Use isolated mode before heavy review
It creates cleaner boundaries for Merge Center and reviewer-agent flows.
Prefer isolation when uncertainty is high
If you are not sure how broad the change will become, isolation gives you more room to inspect before merging back.
Review Impact
The choice of mode changes how review feels. Direct mode is lighter, but isolated mode is what makes reviewer agents, Merge Center, and parallel workspaces especially valuable inside Polystro.
Short version