ThumbGate Verification evidence
guide | code knowledge graph guardrails

# Code Graphs Are Context. ThumbGate Is Execution Control.

Code knowledge graphs help AI coding agents understand files, functions, dependencies, and architecture layers. ThumbGate turns those graph signals into pre-action checks before risky edits, commands, deploys, or publishes execute.

👍 Thumbs up reinforces good behavior
👎 Thumbs down blocks repeated mistakes

## Why this page exists

- Code graphs explain what the system is; pre-action gates decide what the agent is allowed to do next.
- The fastest rollout is three graph-informed checks: central-file impact review, cross-layer refactor checkpointing, and generated-graph artifact protection.
- This positions graph tools as complementary context while making ThumbGate the enforcement layer buyers still need.

## Why this became a buyer question

Understand Anything and code-graph MCPs are making architecture maps easier to generate. That helps agents stop reading code blind, but it does not automatically govern the next tool call.

A graph can say a file is central, a refactor crosses layers, or a generated graph artifact should not be edited. ThumbGate turns those signals into allow, warn, or block decisions before execution.

## High-ROI gate templates

- CLI path: npx thumbgate code-graph-guardrails --central-files=src/api/server.js --layers=api,data --generated-artifacts=.codegraph/index.json --json.
- Require diff impact before central edits: block writes to high-centrality files until the agent has reviewed blast radius.
- Checkpoint cross-layer refactors: warn before one run changes API, service, data, and UI layers together.
- Protect generated graph artifacts: block manual edits to graph outputs that should be regenerated from source.

## Where this creates revenue

This is a strong engagement wedge for audiences already excited about codebase understanding. The public line is simple: Code graphs tell the agent what the system is; ThumbGate decides what the agent is allowed to do next.

For teams, sell the Workflow Hardening Sprint around one graph-informed repeated failure: one central file, one risky refactor path, or one generated artifact that agents keep touching incorrectly.

## FAQ

Does ThumbGate build the code knowledge graph?

No. ThumbGate can work alongside graph tools by consuming their risk signals as policy context. The graph supplies structure; ThumbGate enforces the next action.

What should I gate first after generating a code graph?

Start with high-centrality files, cross-layer refactors, and generated graph artifacts. Those are narrow enough to enforce quickly and risky enough to create real ROI.

Is this a replacement for architecture documentation?

No. It turns architecture context into runtime enforcement so the agent cannot ignore the risk signals it just discovered.