Modes
Plan, build, and ask — choosing the right mode for the task.
The assistant works in one of three modes, which you pick from the model selector in the chat composer. Each mode points the assistant at a different job, so you get focused help instead of one generalist that tries to do everything at once.
| Mode | Best for | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Plan (default) | Designing a pipeline | Gathers requirements and helps you design a telemetry pipeline before any YAML is written. |
| Build | Producing config | Generates or modifies your configuration, applying changes to the canvas and YAML. |
| Ask | Learning | Answers questions about OpenTelemetry without changing your configuration. |
Plan
Plan is the default. Use it at the start, when you know the outcome you want but not the exact components. Describe your goal — "collect nginx logs, parse them, and send to Grafana Cloud" — and the assistant helps shape the pipeline, asking follow-up questions and refining the design as you go.
Build
Build turns intent into configuration. Use it to:
- Generate a new pipeline from a description.
- Modify what's on the canvas — add a processor, change an endpoint, wire a new exporter.
Build uses the Update YAML tool, so its changes appear directly on your canvas and in the YAML, ready for you to review and save.
Ask
Ask is for understanding, not editing. Use it to learn how a component works, compare options, or get guidance — without touching your configuration. It's the right mode when you want an explanation rather than a change.
Switching modes
Switch modes any time from the composer. A common flow is Plan to shape the idea, Build to generate it, then Ask when you hit a concept you want explained.