Oscar, an open-source contributor agent architecture

Oscar is an open-source project designed to enhance software development by creating automated agents to assist with open-source maintenance. The initiative aims to alleviate the burdens of maintaining projects by utilizing large language models (LLMs) for semantic analysis of natural language, which can improve interactions between agents and users. Unlike other applications of LLMs, Oscar focuses on automating tedious tasks such as processing issues and matching questions to documentation, rather than writing code.

The project is currently being developed under the Go project, with the potential for future expansion. Its primary goals include reducing the effort required by maintainers to resolve issues, change lists, and forum questions, while enabling more individuals to become effective maintainers. Oscar's architecture is intended to be reusable across various software projects.

Key capabilities of Oscar include indexing project context to assist contributors, using natural language to control deterministic tools, and analyzing issue reports and pull requests. The prototype agent, named Gaby, operates within the Go issue tracker, providing relevant links to related issues and documentation in response to new reports. This immediate interaction helps maintainers and contributors engage effectively, improving the overall maintenance process. Future developments will focus on enhancing Gaby's capabilities, including the integration of additional tools and analyses tailored to specific project needs.