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Lingua Universale

A language for verified AI agent protocols.

PyPI License: Apache 2.0 Zero Dependencies VS Code Discord

Try it in your browser -- no install needed. Watch AI agents live -- 3 agents on a verified protocol.


The Problem

Your AI agents talk to each other, but nothing guarantees they follow the rules. Wrong sender, wrong message order, missing steps -- and you only find out in production.

Lingua Universale (LU) is a type checker for AI agent conversations. You define the protocol, LU proves it's correct, and the runtime enforces it.

from cervellaswarm_lingua_universale import Protocol, ProtocolStep, MessageKind, SessionChecker, TaskRequest

# Define: who sends what, to whom, in what order
review = Protocol(name="Review", roles=("dev", "reviewer"), elements=(
    ProtocolStep(sender="dev", receiver="reviewer", message_kind=MessageKind.TASK_REQUEST),
    ProtocolStep(sender="reviewer", receiver="dev", message_kind=MessageKind.TASK_RESULT),
))

checker = SessionChecker(review)
checker.send("dev", "reviewer", TaskRequest(task_id="1", description="Review auth"))  # OK
checker.send("dev", "reviewer", TaskRequest(task_id="2", description="Oops"))         # ProtocolViolation!
#                                                                                      ^^^ wrong turn: reviewer must send next

The protocol says reviewer goes next. The runtime blocks it. Not because you trust the code -- because the session type makes it impossible.


Related MCP server: mcp-server-quint

Install

pip install cervellaswarm-lingua-universale

Or try it first: Playground (runs in your browser via Pyodide).


Write a Protocol

protocol DelegateTask:
    roles: supervisor, worker, validator

    supervisor asks worker to execute analysis
    worker returns result to supervisor
    supervisor asks validator to verify result

    when validator decides:
        pass:
            validator returns approval to supervisor
        fail:
            validator sends feedback to supervisor

    properties:
        always terminates
        no deadlock
        no deletion
        all roles participate

Then verify it:

lu verify delegate_task.lu
  [1/4] always_terminates  ... PROVED
  [2/4] no_deadlock        ... PROVED
  [3/4] no_deletion        ... PROVED
  [4/4] all_roles_participate ... PROVED

  All 4 properties PASSED.

Mathematical proof. Not a test that passes today and fails tomorrow.


What You Get

Feature

Description

Full compiler

Tokenizer, parser (64 rules), AST, contract checker, Python codegen

9 verified properties

always_terminates, no_deadlock, no_deletion, role_exclusive, and more

20 stdlib protocols

AI/ML, Business, Communication, Data, Security -- ready to use

Linter + Formatter

lu lint (10 rules) + lu fmt (zero-config, like gofmt)

LSP server

Diagnostics, hover, completion, go-to-definition, formatting

VS Code extension

Install from Marketplace

Interactive chat

lu chat -- build protocols conversationally (English, Italian, Portuguese)

Browser playground

Try it now -- Check, Lint, Run, Chat

Lean 4 bridge

Generate and verify mathematical proofs

REPL

lu repl for interactive exploration

Project scaffolding

lu init --template rag_pipeline from 20 verified templates

Zero external dependencies. Pure Python stdlib.


CLI

lu check file.lu          # Parse and compile
lu verify file.lu         # Formal property verification
lu run file.lu            # Execute
lu lint file.lu           # 10 style and correctness rules
lu fmt file.lu            # Zero-config auto-formatter
lu chat --lang en         # Build a protocol conversationally
lu demo --lang it         # See the La Nonna demo
lu init --template NAME   # Scaffold from stdlib templates
lu visualize file.lu      # Generate Mermaid sequence diagram
lu mcp-audit --manifest t.json  # Audit MCP server protocols
lu repl                   # Interactive REPL
lu lsp                    # Start LSP server

CI Integration

Add protocol verification to your GitHub Actions workflow:

# .github/workflows/lu-check.yml
on:
  push:
    paths: ["**/*.lu"]

jobs:
  lu-check:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
      - uses: actions/setup-python@v6
        with:
          python-version: "3.11"
      - run: pip install cervellaswarm-lingua-universale
      - run: lu lint protocols/
      - run: lu verify protocols/

Exit code is non-zero on violations -- works with any CI system.


How It Works

LU is built on multiparty session types (Honda, Yoshida, Carbone -- POPL 2008). Session types describe communication protocols as types: if two processes follow the same session type, they cannot deadlock, messages cannot arrive in the wrong order, and the conversation always terminates.

The pipeline:

.lu source → Tokenizer → Parser → AST → Spec Checker → Lean 4 Proofs → Python Codegen
                                           ↓
                                    PROVED or VIOLATED

LU doesn't replace your AI agent framework. It makes it safe. Like TypeScript for JavaScript -- you keep your tools, you add guarantees.


Examples

LU Debugger -- Live web app: 3 AI agents (Customer, Warehouse, Payment) communicate on a verified OrderProcessing protocol. Click "Break" to see a protocol violation blocked in real time. Source code.

See the examples/ directory:

Or try the interactive Colab notebook -- 2 minutes, zero setup.


More from CervellaSwarm

Lingua Universale is the core project by CervellaSwarm. We also publish these Python packages:

Package

What it does

code-intelligence

AST-powered code understanding (tree-sitter, PageRank)

agent-hooks

Lifecycle hooks for Claude Code agents

agent-templates

Agent definition templates & team configuration

task-orchestration

Deterministic task routing & validation

spawn-workers

Multi-agent process management

session-memory

Persistent session context across conversations

event-store

Immutable event logging & audit trail

quality-gates

Automated quality checks & scoring

All Apache 2.0, Python 3.11+, tested, documented.


Contributing

We welcome contributions! See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.


License

Apache License 2.0 -- see LICENSE.

Copyright 2025-2026 CervellaSwarm Contributors.


Lingua Universale -- Verified protocols for AI agents.

Playground | LU Debugger | PyPI | VS Code | Blog | Colab Demo

Available Tools

4 tools
lu_check_propertiesA

Verify the formal safety properties declared in a .lu protocol.

Runs the static property checker (Layer 1) on all protocols found in
the source. Optionally, if Lean 4 is installed, also runs formal
verification (Layer 2).

Args:
    protocol_text: Full .lu protocol definition text including a
        "properties:" block, e.g.:
        "    properties:\n"
        "        always terminates\n"
        "        no deadlock\n"
        "        all roles participate\n"

Returns:
    JSON string with:
      ok (bool), protocols (list of protocol results), summary (dict).
      Each protocol result has: protocol_name, all_passed, results (list).
      Each result has: kind, verdict, evidence, params.
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
protocol_textYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A4.4/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses running the static checker on all protocols and the optional Lean verification, including the prerequisite of Lean installation. No contradictions or missing critical behavioral details.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is well-structured with an intro, argument explanation, and return value specification. It is relatively concise and front-loaded, though slightly lengthy. Every sentence adds value.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's simplicity (one parameter, output schema exists), the description is complete. It explains the input format, optional behavior, and return structure in sufficient detail. No gaps.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 0%, so the description compensates by explaining the 'protocol_text' parameter in detail, including example format and requirement for a 'properties' block. This adds significant meaning beyond the schema which only defines it as a string.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose: verifying formal safety properties in .lu protocols. It specifies static checking and optional Lean verification, distinguishing it from sibling tools like lu_list_templates, lu_load_protocol, and lu_verify_message.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explains when to use the tool (to verify properties) and mentions optional Lean verification if installed. It does not explicitly exclude scenarios, but the context is sufficiently clear.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

lu_list_templatesA

List available Lingua Universale standard library protocol templates.

The standard library contains 20 verified protocols across 5 categories:
communication, data, business, ai_ml, security.

Args:
    category: Optional filter. One of: communication, data, business,
        ai_ml, security. Leave empty to list all templates.

Returns:
    JSON string with:
      ok (bool), templates (list), category_filter (str), total (int).
      Each template has: name, category, description.
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
categoryNo

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A4.6/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It describes the return structure (JSON with ok, templates, category_filter, total) and the number of templates and categories. It does not cover error handling or edge cases, but for a read-only list tool this is sufficient.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is well-structured with Args and Returns sections, each sentence adds value. It is concise yet complete, with no redundant information.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's simplicity (list with optional filter), the description covers all necessary context: purpose, parameter usage, and return format. No additional information is needed for correct invocation.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 0%, but the description fully compensates by specifying the allowed values for the category parameter and explaining the default behavior (empty lists all). This adds essential meaning beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool lists available Lingua Universale standard library protocol templates, specifying the resource and action. It distinguishes from sibling tools (check, load, verify) by focusing on listing.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It provides clear guidance on using the optional category filter, including the list of allowed categories and that leaving it empty lists all. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use this tool versus alternatives, though the context of siblings makes it clear.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

lu_load_protocolA

Parse a Lingua Universale (.lu) protocol definition.

Accepts the full text of a .lu file and returns the parsed protocol
structure: name, roles, steps, choices, and declared properties.

Args:
    protocol_text: Content of a .lu file, e.g.:
        "protocol RequestResponse:\n"
        "    roles: client, server\n"
        "    client asks server to process request\n"
        "    server returns response to client\n"
        "    properties:\n"
        "        always terminates\n"
        "        no deadlock\n"

Returns:
    JSON string with keys:
      ok (bool), protocol_name (str), roles (list[str]),
      steps (list), properties (list), error (str on failure).
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
protocol_textYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The description discloses the operation is a parsing action with no side effects, includes error handling, and fully covers behavior since no annotations are present.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is well-structured with Args and Returns sections, including a helpful example, though slightly lengthy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

The description is complete for a simple tool with one parameter and no output schema, covering input format and output keys.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Despite 0% schema description coverage, the description provides a clear example and explains the input format (full text of .lu file), adding significant meaning beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states it parses a .lu protocol definition and returns the parsed structure, clearly differentiating from sibling tools like lu_check_properties and lu_list_templates.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage for loading a protocol from text but lacks explicit guidance on when to use alternatives or when not to use.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

lu_verify_messageA

Verify whether a message is valid in the context of an ongoing session.

Replays the existing message history against the protocol, then checks
whether next_message is the expected next step.

Args:
    protocol_text: Full .lu protocol definition text.
    messages: List of already-sent messages, each a dict with keys:
        sender (str), receiver (str), action (str).
        Actions are LU action names: "asks", "returns", "sends",
        "proposes", "tells". These match the verbs in .lu source files.
    next_message: The message to validate, same format as above.

Returns:
    JSON string:
      On success: {"valid": true, "step": N, "next_expected": "..."}
      On violation: {"valid": false, "violation": "...", "expected": "...", "got": "..."}
      On error: {"valid": false, "error": "..."}

Example:
    protocol_text = "protocol Ping:\n    roles: a, b\n    a asks b to ping\n    b returns pong to a\n    properties:\n        always terminates\n"
    messages = [{"sender": "a", "receiver": "b", "action": "asks"}]
    next_message = {"sender": "b", "receiver": "a", "action": "returns"}
    # Returns: {"valid": true, ...}
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
protocol_textYes
messagesYes
next_messageYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
resultYes

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It details the replay-and-check algorithm, parameter semantics, and full return format. It does not mention side effects, but as a verification tool, none are expected.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Description is well-structured: purpose sentence, then detailed argument descriptions, return format, and example. Slightly lengthy due to example but front-loaded and each section earns its place.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given 3 required nested parameters with 0% schema coverage and an output schema described in text, the description provides complete information: argument formats, valid actions, return types, and a concrete example. An agent can invoke correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema has 0% description coverage, but the description fully compensates by explaining each parameter: protocol_text is .lu protocol text, messages list with required keys, next_message same format, with example action values. Adds significant meaning beyond schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool verifies if a message is valid given a protocol and message history, using verbs like 'verify' and 'replays'. It is distinct from siblings that check properties, list templates, or load protocols.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explains the context ('in the context of an ongoing session') and the process (replaying history, checking next step). It does not explicitly state when not to use or alternatives, but siblings are sufficiently different, making intended use clear.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

TDQS

A4.4/5.0
Disambiguation5/5

Each tool has a clearly distinct purpose with no overlap: lu_check_properties verifies safety properties, lu_list_templates lists available templates, lu_load_protocol parses protocol definitions, and lu_verify_message validates message sequences. The descriptions clearly differentiate their functions, making misselection unlikely.

Naming Consistency5/5

All tools follow a perfect 'lu_verb_noun' pattern (lu_check_properties, lu_list_templates, lu_load_protocol, lu_verify_message). This consistent naming convention makes the tool set predictable and easy to understand at a glance.

Tool Count4/5

Four tools is reasonable for a Lingua Universale protocol server, covering key operations like checking, listing, loading, and verifying. However, the scope might benefit from additional tools for protocol creation or modification, making it slightly lean but still functional.

Completeness4/5

The tools provide good coverage for protocol analysis and validation, including property checking, template listing, parsing, and message verification. A minor gap exists in protocol creation or editing capabilities, but core workflows for verification and inspection are well-supported.

Maintenance

ActivityMaintained
ResponsivenessSyncing

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