From 33c779aa9894e1347aeaa4c73e536cf842aee684 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Michelle Tilley <michelle@michelletilley.net>
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:53:31 -0700
Subject: feat: Implement write_file tool with overwrite safety (#3432)
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## Summary

Implements the `write_file` client-side tool — creates new files or
overwrites existing ones with an explicit `overwrite` flag for safety.

- **Overwrite flag**: Writing to an existing file without `overwrite:
true` returns an error directing the LLM to set the flag or use
`edit_file` for targeted changes. Prevents accidental overwrites.
- **Snapshots**: Existing files are backed up before overwriting (same
infrastructure as `edit_file`).
- **Content preview**: Completed writes show the first 10 lines in gray
with line numbers, plus "+ N more lines" for longer files.
- **Atomic writes**: Uses `tempfile` + fsync + rename (same as
`edit_file`).
- **File tracker update**: After writing, the file is registered in the
tracker so subsequent `edit_file` calls work without a separate read.
- **Permission**: Shares the `"Write"` rule with `edit_file` — one
permission covers both tools.
---
 crates/atuin-ai/src/tui/dispatch.rs | 67 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 1 file changed, 67 insertions(+)

(limited to 'crates/atuin-ai/src/tui/dispatch.rs')

diff --git a/crates/atuin-ai/src/tui/dispatch.rs b/crates/atuin-ai/src/tui/dispatch.rs
index fea26953..46eebd9b 100644
--- a/crates/atuin-ai/src/tui/dispatch.rs
+++ b/crates/atuin-ai/src/tui/dispatch.rs
@@ -232,6 +232,10 @@ fn execute_tool(
             let edit_call = edit_call.clone();
             execute_edit_tool(handle, tx, tool_id, edit_call);
         }
+        ClientToolCall::Write(write_call) => {
+            let write_call = write_call.clone();
+            execute_write_tool(handle, tx, tool_id, write_call);
+        }
         _ => {
             execute_simple_tool(handle, tx, tool_id, tool, db);
         }
@@ -387,6 +391,69 @@ fn execute_edit_tool(
     });
 }
 
+/// Execute a write_file tool call.
+///
+/// Snapshots the existing file (if any) before overwriting, writes atomically,
+/// stores a content preview on the tracker, and updates the file tracker.
+fn execute_write_tool(
+    handle: &Handle<Session>,
+    tx: &mpsc::Sender<AiTuiEvent>,
+    tool_id: String,
+    write_call: crate::tools::WriteToolCall,
+) {
+    let h = handle.clone();
+    let tx = tx.clone();
+
+    tokio::spawn(async move {
+        let resolved = write_call.resolved_path();
+
+        // 1. Snapshot the existing file before overwriting (if it exists).
+        if resolved.exists()
+            && let Ok(original_content) = std::fs::read(&resolved)
+        {
+            let snap_path = resolved.clone();
+            h.update(move |state| {
+                if let Some(ref mut store) = state.snapshot_store
+                    && let Err(e) = store.ensure_snapshot(&snap_path, &original_content)
+                {
+                    tracing::warn!("failed to create file snapshot: {e}");
+                }
+            });
+        }
+
+        // 2. Execute: check exists/overwrite, atomic write
+        let (outcome, new_bytes) = write_call.execute(&resolved);
+
+        // 3. Build content preview on success
+        let write_preview = if new_bytes.is_some() {
+            Some(crate::diff::WritePreview::from_content(&write_call.content))
+        } else {
+            None
+        };
+
+        // 4. Update tracker, store preview, and finish
+        let tc_id = tool_id;
+        h.update(move |state| {
+            if let Some(ref new_bytes) = new_bytes
+                && let Ok(mtime) = std::fs::metadata(&resolved).and_then(|m| m.modified())
+            {
+                state
+                    .file_tracker
+                    .update_after_edit(&resolved, new_bytes, mtime);
+            }
+            if let Some(preview) = write_preview
+                && let Some(tracked) = state.tool_tracker.get_mut(&tc_id)
+            {
+                tracked.write_preview = Some(preview);
+            }
+            state.finish_tool_call(&tc_id, outcome);
+            if !state.tool_tracker.has_pending() {
+                let _ = tx.send(AiTuiEvent::ContinueAfterTools);
+            }
+        });
+    });
+}
+
 /// Execute a shell tool with streaming VT100 preview.
 fn execute_shell_tool(
     handle: &Handle<Session>,
-- 
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