Dagu

Dagu is an open-source, local-first workflow orchestration tool that executes declarative YAML workflows across scripts, containers, and SSH commands.

Dagu functions as a workflow engine that allows teams to define operations in declarative YAML. The software runs as a single binary, eliminating the need for external databases or frameworks. Users can execute scripts, manage Docker containers, or run commands over SSH, while monitoring progress through a built-in Web UI. It supports complex task management, including scheduling with cron syntax, retry policies, and human intervention points. The tool integrates with AI clients via MCP, enabling teams to trigger and inspect workflows directly from IDEs or AI agents. It is designed for environments where workflow automation needs to reside on internal infrastructure.

Dagu at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: Linux, macOS, Windows, API
Pricing: Community version is free (GPLv3); Team $50/month ($500/year) for 3 server licenses; Pro $150/month ($1,500/year) for 15 server licenses.
Released: April 2022
Category: AI coding tool
Website: dagu.sh

Key features

Declarative workflow definition in YAML
Web UI for monitoring logs and DAG history
Cron scheduling with timezone support
Docker container execution for isolated steps
Remote command execution via SSH
Nested workflow composition
Integration with MCP clients

Use it for

Automating private script execution and internal CLI tools
Orchestrating workflows across distributed infrastructure
Triggering production workflows from AI tools
Handling incident routing and task notifications

Alternatives to Dagu

AG-UI — Standardizes agent-user interactions and generative UI for applications.
CCG Workflow — Orchestrates multiple AI coding CLIs simultaneously with parallel agent teams.
Datadog — Consolidates observability and security data in one unified platform.
Synkra AIOS — Orchestrates specialized AI agents to manage complex development workflows.
Inngest — It runs durable, fault-tolerant workflows without managing infrastructure.
Genkit — Provides unified APIs and local developer tools for AI application workflows.
Maige — Automates GitHub issue management and code reviews using natural language rules.
Google ADK for Go — Apply standard software engineering practices to AI agent orchestration.
Flyte — Resumes failed tasks automatically from the exact point of interruption.
Stoneforge — Runs isolated git worktrees and automated merges to prevent conflicts.
Archon — Orchestrate multiple AI agents with isolated workflows via a single command layer.
Daft — It runs consistent pipelines from local laptops to distributed clusters.

All Dagu alternatives