Kilo Unveils AI Slack Bot for Seamless Code Deployment from Chat!

Kilo's launch of an AI-powered Slack bot marks a significant step in the evolution of software development tools. Positioned as an innovative leap for developers, the Slack bot from Kilo is designed to seamlessly integrate into Slack workspaces, enabling developers to perform various coding tasks directly from chat messages. This integration is possible through Kilo Code's sophisticated AI, which can query repositories, generate and implement code fixes, debug issues, and collaborate on projects—all without the need to leave Slack. According to VentureBeat, these capabilities are achieved by analyzing connected GitHub repositories, which allows the bot to respond contextually within a conversation or through direct commands.

Kilo's Slack bot represents a significant advancement in the integration of artificial intelligence within developer workflows, enabling seamless communication and task execution directly from Slack channels. One of the bot's core capabilities is its ability to facilitate deep interaction with code repositories, allowing developers to not only query and analyze code but also implement features and fixes. For instance, developers can address issues such as a null pointer exception by simply messaging the bot, thus eliminating the need to switch between multiple tools or interfaces during the debugging process. This streamlined workflow can greatly enhance productivity and ensure that developers remain focused on the task at hand. The bot achieves this by leveraging Kilo Code's AI, which is tightly integrated with GitHub repositories to support complex operations like branch creation and pull request handling in real-time.

Communication with Kilo's Slack bot is designed to be intuitive and flexible, accommodating various developer needs through multiple interaction methods. Users can mention the bot directly in a thread to provide context-specific commands or initiate tasks via private direct messages for more confidential operations. This versatility makes it an ideal tool for both individual and team settings, allowing for a personalized approach to code management and collaboration. The system is optimized for detailed interaction, where users specify repository names or files, thus ensuring accurate and efficient processing of requests. By analyzing thread context and user inputs, the bot can tailor its responses and operations to suit the specific requirements of each task. This level of customization is particularly valuable in complex coding environments where precise execution is critical.

Technical proficiency in managing multi-step coding tasks is another cornerstone of Kilo's Slack bot capabilities. The bot employs a sophisticated technical workflow through various modes including 'code' for generating and refactoring multi-file implementations, 'architect' for managing code architecture inquiries, 'debug' for error analysis and fixing, and 'orchestration' for coordinating complex tasks across these modes. This comprehensive approach allows developers to tackle large scale projects efficiently, minimizing the risk of errors during complex operations such as multi-file code generation and refactoring. Moreover, changes to the code are systematically managed through pull requests that ensure any modifications are evaluated within the team’s existing code review processes, thereby maintaining code quality and coherence throughout the project lifecycle.

Interacting with Kilo's AI-powered Slack bot is straightforward yet highly effective for developers seeking smooth integration into their Slack workspaces. By mentioning the bot within a thread, developers can leverage its contextual understanding to generate intelligent responses and execute relevant actions on code repositories, according to VentureBeat. This interaction allows users to perform tasks such as querying code architectures, implementing features, or debugging errors without leaving the Slack environment.

The Slack bot from Kilo also allows private interaction through direct messages, making it possible to conduct sensitive operations or handle confidential code precisely and discreetly. As noted in the documentation, users are encouraged to provide specific details like repository names for more accurate results, optimizing the bot's functionality and ensuring efficient task completion.

Moreover, Kilo's bot makes use of commands which are crucial in its interaction paradigm. Users can issue specific instructions like "@Kilo implement the fix for the null pointer exception" directly in the chat, streamlining the coding process significantly. This method not only speeds up development cycles but also empowers teams to collaborate effectively by reducing the need for constant context switching between different development environments.

In addition to supporting over 400 AI models, which can be configured via the Kilo Workspace under Slack integrations (as outlined here), the tool ensures that developers can choose the model that best suits their speed, cost, and reasoning needs. This flexibility is key to adapting the bot's operations to various project requirements and team preferences.

To get the most out of Kilo's capabilities, developers should adopt best practices such as maintaining clear and concise communication with the bot and utilizing Slack threads to preserve context. This approach not only helps in managing the complexities of code interactions but also minimizes the risk of errors and maximizes productivity, as described in the Kilo documentation.

The integration of AI tools into existing workflows has seen a significant advancement with the introduction of the Kilo Slack bot. This bot serves as a seamless bridge between collaborative communication and coding tasks by leveraging Kilo Code's AI to streamline developer operations within Slack workspaces. Developers can directly query repositories, request code implementations, and even push changes without leaving the chat interface. According to VentureBeat, the bot operates by analyzing connected GitHub repositories to generate tailored responses and code changes based on active thread context or specific commands.

The bot's primary workflow involves processing user requests through connected GitHub repositories. It utilizes Kilo Code's AI across various modes such as code, architect, debug, and orchestration—to handle multi-step tasks efficiently. For instance, a developer might mention the bot in a thread for contextual processing of a request or use direct messaging for private tasks. The workflow is designed to streamline tasks like error debugging, feature implementation, and pull request creation, effectively reducing the friction that typically comes with switching between communication and coding platforms. As detailed in this article, the bot's integration with Slack allows for a fluid and cohesive technical workflow.

Customizability and resource management are pillars of Kilo's integration strategy, with the bot supporting over 400 AI models that users can configure via the Kilo Workspace. This adaptability ensures that the bot can cater to diverse operational needs and task complexities. Moreover, its usage of Kilo Code credits aligns with typical industry models but requires careful management to avoid ballooning costs, particularly for complex, multi-repo tasks. The platform's open-source nature, as mentioned in VentureBeat, further allows developers to inspect and customize operations, fostering a flexible environment for AI-assisted development workflows.

The deployment of Kilo's AI-powered Slack bot introduces a new level of customization and cost management for coding teams, directly within their collaborative workspaces. Offering support for over 400 AI models, these can be configured through the Kilo Workspace's Slack integrations, allowing teams to tailor the bot's capabilities to suit specific project demands and workflow requirements. This flexibility ensures that development teams can select models that best balance factors such as speed, reasoning ability, and cost efficiency, ultimately optimizing their code management processes.

Cost-wise, Kilo employs a credit-based system, essentially enabling a pay-as-you-go model that is crucial for managing expenses against project needs. This approach mirrors that of other Kilo interfaces and is particularly advantageous for small to medium-sized businesses looking to maintain tight control over their budgets. The credits are consumed in proportion to the computational complexity and resources utilized by the AI models during tasks such as implementing code changes or debugging. As a result, teams can predict and scale their usage—and spending—based on the specific AI operations they require, although they must remain mindful of potential high costs associated with more resource-intensive tasks.

Kilo's role as an open-source agentic platform transcends its recent technological innovations with the integration of an AI-powered Slack bot. This development represents a broader context of Kilo's commitment to enhancing collaborative dev environments through open-source solutions. At its core, Kilo has been designed to facilitate a seamless interaction between developers and artificial intelligence, thereby enhancing productivity and efficiency within coding operations. As an open-source platform, it provides users with the ability to modify and expand upon its functionalities, adapting the tool to fit specific project needs without sacrificing the robustness required for large-scale software development. VentureBeat highlights Kilo's emphasis on open-source principles as pivotal, especially when considering the competitive landscape of AI development tools that are often proprietary.”

The open-source nature of Kilo empowers developers to both utilize and contribute to the platform's growth. By allowing customizations and modifications, Kilo not only supports a wide array of AI models—as many as 400+ ranging from custom to frontier LLMs—but also facilitates an environment where developers can innovate on top of an already flexible system. This adaptability is crucial for developers seeking to tailor their environments specifically to their team workflows and integration needs. Additionally, this open approach ensures that Kilo remains at the forefront of innovation while simultaneously fostering a community of developers dedicated to continuous improvement and functionality enhancement. Read more about how Kilo is poised to reshape software development.”

Within the broader context of open-source software, Kilo's approach addresses a pivotal niche by combining artificial intelligence with collaborative coding practices in a manner that is both scalable and customizable. This has significant implications for the broader software development landscape, as it brings powerful AI capabilities into the hands of developers around the world without the constraints typically imposed by closed systems. By embedding itself directly within Slack, Kilo exemplifies how open-source projects can effectively merge utility with accessibility, offering tools that are both powerful and intuitive for users. Through these integrations, Kilo not only aims to increase efficiency but also to redefine traditional code collaboration paradigms, paving the way for new forms of digital interaction. Learn about the Slack integration.

Installing and setting up Kilo's Slack bot is a straightforward process that begins with integrating it into your Slack workspace. First, connect your GitHub repositories to your Kilo workspace, which allows the bot to access and manipulate these repositories in response to your Slack messages. After setting up these connections, you can proceed to install the bot from the Slack app directory by searching for 'Kilo' and adding it to your app list. This setup facilitates seamless interaction with your repositories directly from your Slack conversations.

Once Kilo is added to your Slack, interacting with it is intuitive. You can start by either initiating a direct message with the bot or simply mentioning it within a channel to enable context-specific operations. For instance, users can ask the bot to implement certain features or look into specific issues by addressing it with commands like '@Kilo implement the new feature on the main branch'. Such commands leverage the bot's AI to process requests in real-time, pushing code changes or generating pull requests as needed without the need to switch to another application.

The power of Kilo's integration lies in its ability to use Slack as a hub for efficient coding operations. The bot is designed to handle mentions in threads to capture context accurately, reducing the need for repeated explanations and enhancing collaborative problem-solving among team members. Additionally, by configuring the bot in the Kilo workspace settings, users can tailor its operations to fit their development needs, choosing from a wide array of over 400 supported AI models. This customization ensures optimal performance tailored to specific project requirements.

Implementing the Kilo Slack bot also requires a clear understanding of its credit usage structure, akin to Kilo’s other tools. Each interaction and operation consumes Kilo Code credits, where the complexity and model of AI used determine the credit cost. For teams intending to perform extensive debugging or large-scale implementations, it's essential to monitor and manage credit usage to avoid unexpected costs. This setup ensures that you only pay for the required computational power, aligning well with budget-conscious project planning.

Overall, Kilo enhances the Slack environment by embedding AI-powered coding operations directly into your chat tool, making it an invaluable asset for development teams. It bridges the gap between code documentation, implementation, and review processes—all conducted from the convenience of a Slack window. This not only boosts productivity but also fosters a more integrated and responsive development workflow.

Kilo has introduced an AI-powered coding bot that seamlessly integrates with Slack to enhance the collaborative development process. This bot is capable of analyzing GitHub repositories and performing various tasks such as querying repos, implementing code, debugging errors, and initiating pull requests—all from within the Slack interface. By supporting over 400 different AI models, the bot can be customized to align with specific project requirements, offering flexibility and precision for developers. This customization can be managed through the Kilo Workspace under the Integrations section, allowing teams to select models best suited to their needs, whether they prioritize speed, accuracy, cost-efficiency, or other factors. This adaptability makes Kilo highly versatile, improving team productivity and ensuring a tighter integration of AI into everyday coding tasks, as detailed in this article.

Kilo Code credits form the foundation of the bot’s pricing model, which reflects a consumption-based approach rather than a flat fee structure. This allows users to pay according to their needs, which is particularly beneficial for startups and small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) that may have variable demands. Each request made within the Slack bot environment, whether it's implementing a code fix or debugging a project, consumes a certain amount of these credits. The volume of credits utilized correlates directly with the task’s complexity, which means that more complicated undertakings, such as multi-repo orchestration, will necessitate a greater expenditure of credits. As such, the cost considerations require users to balance their task demands effectively to avoid overconsumption of credits.

Unlike traditional software subscription models, Kilo's pricing strategy can pose challenges, especially for larger enterprises with extensive coding tasks. Since complex tasks draw more credits, organizations need to strategically plan their workflows. This might involve prioritizing which tasks are essential for AI automation and which are better handled manually to optimize credit usage. This consumption model stands in contrast to other platforms, where subscription fees are static regardless of usage which might be financially predictable but less flexible to scale with specific needs. It's a crucial consideration for budgeting in environments where coding tasks can be unpredictably dynamic, underscoring the importance of strategic credit management to mitigate operational costs.

Moreover, Kilo’s pricing and cost structure offer customization through its workspace integrations. Users can select from over 400 AI models to tailor their coding tasks based on speed, cost, or accuracy priorities, all of which impact the allocation and consumption of credits differently. These model selections can significantly influence the overall cost, as choosing high-performance models may increase the credit usage, thus escalating the financial outlay. This tailored approach is advantageous for developers seeking granular control over their operations, ensuring that the solution fits their specific business requirements. Providing this flexibility allows Kilo’s offering to align closely with the diverse technical and financial needs of its users, showing its commitment to efficient and adaptable AI coding solutions.

The intricacies of integrating AI tools like Kilo's Slack bot into existing workflows highlight new benchmarks in performance and accuracy, especially under complex task loads. The integration of AI to facilitate tasks such as multi-file debugging, contextual code implementations, and orchestrated repository management from within Slack bridges efficiency with ease of use as reported. Such tools inherently increase the complexity of tasks that can be handled simultaneously, while maintaining high accuracy rates due to sophisticated context parsing and execution capabilities.

Kilo's Slack bot's ability to perform detailed, multi-step operations like generating pull requests and analyzing stack traces directly in chat reinforces its accuracy in complex tasks. This is achieved through advanced modes offered by Kilo Code's AI, including architect and debug functions, which work in tandem to enhance precision in task handling according to the original report. The capability to customize AI models within the bot also supports tailored applications, ensuring that the specificity of tasks does not compromise the bot's performance.

Moreover, performance in intricate settings is bolstered by Kilo's support for over 400 AI models, enabling users to choose models best suited for specific tasks and operations directly within Slack environments. This flexibility continues to enhance accuracy by aligning model performance metrics closely with the unique requirements of a given task, thereby reducing error rates that typically plague complex technical workflows as detailed by VentureBeat. The strategic advantage of such adaptable AI integrations is in its ability to manage high-density technical operations with precision and speed.

When considering the introduction of Kilo's AI-powered Slack bot, one must compare it to alternative solutions available in the market. For example, Kilo provides a seamless integration that specializes in developer workflows inside Slack by enabling repository queries and code shipping directly from chat messages. In contrast, alternative solutions such as GitHub Copilot are integrated within IDEs and offer features that might not extend beyond code suggestions and completions within those environments. This direct integration with communication platforms like Slack allows Kilo to provide immediate context and collaborative capabilities that are detached from traditional IDE-bound AI tools.

Other alternatives such as Slack's native AI features focus primarily on enhancing general productivity tasks, including conversation summaries and meeting notes. However, these tools lack the specific functions tailored for software development which Kilo incorporates, such as creating pull requests and debugging. Slack's AI does not have the capability to interact with GitHub repositories to manage code changes—a distinct advantage that Kilo's integration brings. Slack's AI may enhance communication efficiency, but it does not directly aid in software development processes as Kilo does.

Moreover, tools like Cursor and Claude offer limited single-repository interactions compared to Kilo’s ability to handle multi-repository environments. Cursor, for instance, facilitates code suggestions within single repositories, while Kilo can navigate across multiple repositories, providing a broader scope of function in complex development tasks. This feature is particularly beneficial for teams working on large-scale, distributed projects where context awareness across different parts of the code base is essential. Kilo's capability to perform within Slack without necessitating a shift between various platforms stands out as a significant advantage over these alternatives.

Furthermore, the economic aspect of adopting AI tools such as Kilo must be considered. While Kilo uses a credit-based system, it is often designed to be adaptable to different enterprise sizes, contrasting with tools that might have fixed pricing structures. This adaptability can lead to efficient cost management for startups and SMBs, although care must be taken to control credit usage, particularly in complex tasks. On the other hand, solutions like GitHub Copilot or other IDE-based AI tools typically work on subscription models that may not provide the cost flexibility that Kilo's system offers. Overall, Kilo's unique model positions it as a versatile and economically viable option for enhancing developer productivity directly within Slack.

Open source software offers a world of possibilities for developers who wish to maintain control over their tools while benefiting from community contributions. Kilo, the AI-powered coding platform behind the innovative Slack bot, stands out as a significant example of this potential. With its launch of the Slack bot, Kilo has enhanced the way developers interact with code repositories, allowing them to implement features and debug issues directly from Slack messages. The open-source nature of Kilo permits organizations to self-host, providing the flexibility to audit and customize the tool according to their specific needs and security requirements. This is a compelling benefit that can improve developer autonomy and contribute to the transparency and trustworthiness of the technology stack they utilize (https://venturebeat.com/technology/kilo-launches-ai-powered-slack-bot-that-ships-code-from-a-chat-message).

The ability to self-host the Kilo AI bot offers a significant advantage in scenarios where data privacy and control over the software environment are paramount. By opting for self-hosting, organizations can ensure that sensitive code and intellectual property remain secure within their own infrastructure. This aligns well with enterprises that have stringent compliance requirements or those aiming to minimize reliance on third-party cloud services. Moreover, the open-source license of Kilo allows developers not only to inspect the code for vulnerabilities but also to contribute improvements, fostering a collaborative ecosystem where innovations can be shared and adopted, enhancing the overall robustness and utility of the platform (https://tessl.io/blog/inside-kilo-code-an-open-source-ai-coding-agent-with-plans-to-reshape-software-development/).

The launch of Kilo's AI-powered Slack bot signifies a significant step forward in bridging communication platforms with coding functionalities, yet it does come with its limitations. A primary consideration for developers utilizing this tool involves the consumption of Kilo Code credits during complex operations, which may lead to high costs without diligent monitoring. Best practices to mitigate these expenses include breaking down large tasks into smaller components and ensuring clear, concise prompts. Moreover, developers should provide specific repository names or file details when interacting with the bot to enhance accuracy and efficiency as recommended by Kilo.

In addition to cost considerations, there are practical guidelines users should follow to make the most of Kilo's advanced capabilities. According to Kilo's documentation, maintaining context is critical for effective task execution. This can be achieved by using dedicated threads for project discussions and ensuring continuity in follow-up queries. When dealing with multi-file changes or debugging, it is advisable to use the bot's specialized modes such as 'code mode' and 'debug workspace', which are designed to handle these complex tasks more effectively.

Another limitation developers may face is the requirement for precise input. The bot's efficiency heavily depends on the specificity of the commands issued; vague or incomplete instructions can result in suboptimal outcomes. Therefore, continuous reference to detailed documentation and potential training for teams on optimal usage strategies can greatly enhance productivity. Being an open-source platform, as highlighted in Kilo's resources, allows experienced developers to customize and adapt the tool according to their unique workflows, potentially overcoming some of these hurdles.

To further leverage Kilo's Slack bot, developers are encouraged to incorporate feedback loops into their development processes. Regular reviews of the interactions with the bot can help identify patterns or recurring issues in prompt structuring. These insights can then be used to refine approaches over time, leading to more effective use of the bot and improved results. Developing an internal best practices guide based on team experiences with Kilo could serve as a valuable resource for ongoing optimization.

It is also essential to be aware of the security implications of integrating an AI bot that interacts with repositories over Slack. Ensuring that access credentials are securely managed and regularly updated, alongside conducting periodic audits of the bot's activity, can mitigate potential risks associated with data leaks or unauthorized access, as noted in Kilo's guidelines. Prioritizing security awareness and robust access management should be a cornerstone of any team looking to utilize Kilo's capabilities in their Slack environments.

Public and developer reactions to the launch of the Kilo Slack bot are overwhelmingly positive, especially within the developer community and among tech enthusiasts. The bot's integration into Slack facilitates streamlined workflows by allowing developers to perform complex coding tasks such as bug fixes, repository queries, and pull request generation without leaving the chat platform. According to VentureBeat, this feature is particularly appreciated for its capability to support asynchronous coding workflows, enabling smoother collaboration and reducing the need to switch between different development environments.

Many developers highlight the ease of setup, which reportedly takes under two minutes thanks to straightforward GitHub integrations. The flexibility offered by Kilo's support for over 400 different AI models is another point of commendation, as it allows teams to tailor the tool to their specific needs. This customization extends to its open-source nature, permitting users to self-host and modify the bot, further enhancing its appeal as noted by Kilo's official blog.

Despite the largely positive reception, some users have raised concerns over the credit-based pricing model, which could lead to high costs for tasks requiring significant computational resources. These concerns underscore the importance of precise configuration and usage practices to avoid unexpected expenses, a consideration mentioned in community discussions and early reviews. However, these potential downsides seem to be outweighed by the bot's productivity benefits.

Comparison with other platforms, like Slack's native AI tools, underscore Kilo's strengths in handling development-specific actions. While Slack's AI focuses on general productivity features like conversation summarization, Kilo stands out with its ability to execute coding tasks directly within Slack channels. This contrast is highlighted by users who find Kilo more adept at meeting the nuanced needs of development teams, as discussed in early YouTube reviews.

When contrasting Kilo's Slack bot with Slack's native AI, the differences are significant. While Slack's AI focuses on providing general productivity features like conversation summaries and recaps, Kilo is geared towards software development, offering specific functionalities such as repo queries and GitHub pull request integration. For developers, this means that while Slack's AI tools enhance productivity through summarization and organization, they fall short of managing the intricacies of coding tasks facilitated by Kilo. As noted in discussions sourced from Kilo's documentation, this focus on development-specific actions uniquely positions Kilo in the market, providing an edge over Slack's traditional AI features.

The launch of Kilo's Slack bot, while innovative and potentially transformative, does not come without its share of criticisms and limitations. One of the primary concerns revolves around the credit-based pricing scheme, which can become costly for large or complex tasks. This pricing model may deter smaller teams or startups who have budget constraints, leading to uneasiness about escalating expenses especially when dealing with multi-repository tasks. Additionally, as Kilo requires precise prompts and repository specifications to function optimally, any vagueness or lack of specifics could lead to suboptimal outcomes, which might frustrate users expecting seamless automation as highlighted in discussions.

The launch of Kilo's AI-powered Slack bot is set to have profound economic, social, and political implications for the future of software development. Economically, the integration of AI assistants like Kilo can significantly enhance productivity by reducing the time developers spend on routine tasks such as code reviews, debugging, and pull request (PR) creation. According to the main article, tools like Kilo can turn what once took hours into tasks that can be completed in minutes, potentially reducing software development costs by 30-40% by 2027. This shift promises to benefit smaller businesses by allowing them to execute large-scale projects without proportionally increasing their labor force, although it also poses the risk of reduced demand for junior and freelance developers as firms adopt these automated solutions.

Socially, Kilo's ability to integrate seamlessly into team workflows within Slack can foster more efficient and comfortable work environments. By enabling developers to run complex commands like "@Kilo implement fix" directly within chat platforms, it supports continuous workflows and minimizes the disruptions caused by switching between different tools. As noted in Kilo's documentation, this integration may enhance team collaboration and inclusivity, particularly for less experienced developers. However, there is a potential downside; as developers become more reliant on AI, they may lose proficiency in critical skills like debugging and systems architecture, leading to potential skill atrophy in the workforce.

Politically, the adoption of AI-driven coding bots poses regulatory challenges, particularly concerning intellectual property rights and the transparency of AI tools in sensitive areas such as employment and software development. As mentioned in Slack's AI feature guide, the need for clear guidelines and regulations is paramount to ensure the security and fairness of AI applications. Additionally, open-source tools like Kilo democratize access to advanced technology, potentially easing geopolitical tensions by mitigating the AI divide between global tech superpowers. However, this open access also raises concerns about misuse in cyber operations, highlighting the need for vigilant AI safety standards globally.

Kilo's launch of an AI-powered Slack bot represents a significant shift in how developers interact with their coding environments. The integration allows for seamless communication between team members who can now perform coding tasks directly from Slack. As reported, the bot can query repositories, implement code, and debug issues all within the chat interface, which experts believe could revolutionize collaborative coding environments.

The trend towards integrating AI with communication platforms like Slack is accelerating, as companies seek to streamline workflows and increase productivity. According to current insights, the use of AI to manage coding tasks from within such platforms could lead to a significant reduction in development time and errors. Experts predict a growing reliance on these types of bots to not only manage existing codebases but to also aid in the onboarding of new developers, reducing training time.

Industry analysts predict that the integration of AI technologies such as Kilo's Slack bot will continue to transform software development processes, making them more efficient and cost-effective. By integrating AI into everyday tools, developers can focus more on creative problem-solving rather than manual coding tasks. This shift is expected to lead to a decrease in the number of required coding hours and potentially transform the role of developers in tech companies.

Furthermore, as mentioned in recent analyses, the success of Kilo's Slack bot might inspire other tech platforms to explore similar integrations, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI in professional environments. As the technology becomes more ubiquitous, companies must also address concerns related to security and data privacy, especially regarding sensitive repository access within shared work environments.

The arrival of Kilo's Slack bot has positioned it as a key player in the evolving landscape of AI and software development. The trend of using AI to assist with coding tasks is on the rise, and experts predict that it will not only continue but accelerate, with more companies adopting similar technologies. As automation becomes more ingrained in software development, the role of AI is expected to expand beyond simple task execution to complex problem solving and strategy development.