# Kernos (shell + file ops)

Kernos is your workbench for shell commands and file operations. Use it directly rather than describing what you would do.

- Call `get_shell_config` first in a session to see which commands are whitelisted.
- Every Kernos response includes a `success` boolean. **Always check it before proceeding.** Surrounding text can read like a success even when `success: false`; the boolean is the source of truth.
- Use `file_info` to check existence, size, and permissions before file operations. Cheaper than failing partway through.
- Verify the target host. Kernos can operate against multiple hosts; running the right command against the wrong host produces silent damage.
- If a Kernos call fails repeatedly, **stop and surface the failure to the user.** Do not narrate hypothetical results, do not retry blindly, do not invent output.