Missing Python backend (spec_runner.py) in v2.8.0-beta.6 - autonomous tasks not working

[alexdonega]

Bug Description

Aperant v2.8.0-beta.6 on Windows does not include the Python backend required for autonomous task execution. The app references runners/spec_runner.py, run.py, and requirements.txt extensively in the codebase (65+ references to autoBuildPath, 32+ to pythonPath, 7+ to spec_runner), but these files are not bundled with the installer.

Environment

• OS: Windows 11
• Aperant version: 2.8.0-beta.6
• Python: 3.14 installed at C:\Python314\python.exe
• Claude CLI: installed and authenticated
• Git: installed

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Aperant v2.8.0-beta.6 on Windows
2. Open Settings > Paths
3. The "Aperant Path" field points to resources/prompts (markdown templates, not the backend)
4. Clear the field to trigger auto-detection
5. Auto-detection fails - no runners/spec_runner.py found anywhere
6. Try to create a task → Error: "Auto-build source path not found"

Expected Behavior

The Python backend should be either:

• Bundled with the installer (as extraResources/backend)
• Available in the GitHub repo with setup instructions
• Documented as a separate installation step

Actual Behavior

• C:\Users\Alex\AppData\Local\Programs\aperant\resources\ contains only prompts/ (no backend/)
• GitHub repo AndyMik90/Aperant (develop branch) has no apps/backend/ directory
• The old AndyMik90/Auto-Claude repo structure had apps/backend/ but appears removed/restructured
• Features affected: Tasks, Changelog, Insights, Ideation, Roadmap

Additional Context

The package.json build config does not include a backend directory in extraResources. The electron.vite.config.ts and electron-builder config only bundle prompts/ and resources/. This suggests the backend was either removed during the Aperant rebrand or is hosted separately.

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[alexdonega]

Related: #1968 — the same broken packaging issue affects native modules (@lydell/node-pty missing from app.asar). This confirms the v2.8.0-beta.x build process is not correctly bundling required resources — both native binaries and the Python backend scripts are being omitted from the installer.