chore: Switch to hermes-agent v0.20.1

.github/workflows/ci_check.yml

@@ -59,6 +59,12 @@ jobs:
           path: ~/.cache/pre-commit
           key: fabric-pre-commit-${{ runner.os }}-${{ hashFiles('.pre-commit-config.yaml', 'uv.lock') }}
 
+      - name: Create virtual environment
+        run: uv venv --python "${UV_PYTHON:-${{ 3.12 }}}" .venv
+
+      - name: Install Hermes Agent
+        run: just install-hermes-agent
+
       - name: Install pre-commit
         run: uv sync --frozen --no-default-groups --group dev --no-install-project
 

.github/workflows/ci_python.yml

@@ -89,18 +89,25 @@ jobs:
         with:
           shared-key: fabric-rust-${{ runner.os }}-${{ runner.arch }}
 
+      - name: Create virtual environment
+        run: |
+          uv venv --python "${UV_PYTHON:-${{ matrix.python-version }}}" .venv
+
+      - name: Install Hermes Agent
+        if: ${{ matrix.python-version != '3.14' }}
+        run: just install-hermes-agent
+
       # Exercise the supported root adapter and harness compositions. The
       # adapter-tests group also keeps local test dependencies independently
       # installable for leaf adapter development.
       - name: Build SDK with native extension
         run: |
-          uv venv --python "${UV_PYTHON:-${{ matrix.python-version }}}" .venv
-          uv sync --no-default-groups --group adapter-tests --group test --extra claude --extra codex --extra deepagents --extra mini-swe-agent ${{ matrix.python-version != '3.11' && '--extra harbor' || '' }} ${{ matrix.python-version != '3.14' && '--extra hermes-agent' || '' }} --extra relay
+          uv sync --no-default-groups --group adapter-tests --group test --extra claude --extra codex --extra deepagents --extra mini-swe-agent ${{ matrix.python-version != '3.11' && '--extra harbor' || '' }} ${{ matrix.python-version != '3.14' && '--extra hermes-agent' || '' }} --extra relay ${{ matrix.python-version == '3.14' && '--frozen --no-sources-package hermes-agent' || '' }}
 
       - name: Run pytest
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
-          just test-python
+          just --set no_uv true test-python
 
   build-wheels:
     name: Build wheels (${{ matrix.platform }})
@@ -147,6 +154,12 @@ jobs:
           enable-cache: true
           cache-dependency-glob: uv.lock
 
+      - name: Create virtual environment
+        run: uv venv --python "${UV_PYTHON:-${{ 3.12 }}}" .venv
+
+      - name: Install Hermes Agent
+        run: just install-hermes-agent
+
       - name: Set version from tag
         if: ${{ (inputs.ref_type || github.ref_type) == 'tag' }}
         env:

.github/workflows/fern-docs.yml

@@ -96,6 +96,14 @@ jobs:
           cache: npm
           cache-dependency-path: source-checkout/docs/package-lock.json
 
+      - name: Create virtual environment
+        working-directory: source-checkout
+        run: uv venv --python "${UV_PYTHON:-${{ 3.12 }}}" .venv
+
+      - name: Install Hermes Agent
+        working-directory: source-checkout
+        run: just install-hermes-agent
+
       - name: Generate and validate source docs
         working-directory: source-checkout
         env:

.gitignore

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 /target/
 /.tmp/
 /.venv/
+/external/hermes-agent/
 /.env
 /.env.*
 !.env.example

.gitlab-ci.yml

@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ publish:artifactory:wheels:
     - job: collect:github-artifacts
       artifacts: true
   before_script:
-    - uv sync --locked --no-install-project --no-default-groups --group dev
+    - uv sync --frozen --no-install-project --no-default-groups --group dev
   script:
     - |
       set -eu
@@ -248,6 +248,8 @@ publish:artifactory:cargo:
         exit 1
       fi
 
+      uv venv --python "${UV_PYTHON:-${NEMO_FABRIC_CI_PYTHON_VERSION}}" .venv
+      just install-hermes-agent
       just set-version "$version"
 
       cargo_home="${CARGO_HOME:-${HOME}/.cargo}"

ATTRIBUTIONS-Python.md

@@ -1753,7 +1753,7 @@ The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all c
 THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.
 ```
 
-## cryptography (49.0.0)
+## cryptography (50.0.0)
 
 ### Licenses
 License: `Apache-2.0 OR BSD-3-Clause`
@@ -3954,36 +3954,6 @@ Apache License
    limitations under the License.
 ```
 
-## hermes-agent (0.19.0)
-
-### Licenses
-License: `MIT`
-
-  - `LICENSE`:
-```
-MIT License
-
-Copyright (c) 2025 Nous Research
-
-Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy
-of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal
-in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights
-to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell
-copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is
-furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:
-
-The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all
-copies or substantial portions of the Software.
-
-THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
-IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
-FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
-AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER
-LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
-OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE
-SOFTWARE.
-```
-
 ## hf-xet (1.5.1)
 
 ### Licenses
@@ -7752,7 +7722,7 @@ OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE
 SOFTWARE.
 ```
 
-## portalocker (3.2.0)
+## portalocker (4.1.0)
 
 ### Licenses
 License: `BSD-3-Clause`
@@ -11364,7 +11334,7 @@ Apache License
    limitations under the License.
 ```
 
-## pytz (2026.2)
+## pytz (2026.3.post1)
 
 ### Licenses
 License: `MIT`

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@ cd NeMo-Fabric
 
 uv venv --seed .venv --python 3.13
 source .venv/bin/activate
+just install-hermes-agent
 uv sync --all-groups --all-extras
 just no_uv=true build-all
 ```
@@ -70,17 +71,18 @@ packages into a virtual environment with:
 uv pip install --find-links ./dist nemo-fabric
 ```
 
-Adapters are distributed as optional extras. For example, install the Hermes
-Agent adapter and harness with:
+Hermes Agent 0.20 and later is not installable from PyPI. For local development,
+check out the pinned Hermes source and synchronize it into the project
+environment with:
 
 ```bash
-uv pip install --find-links ./dist "nemo-fabric[hermes-agent]"
+just install-hermes-agent
 ```
 
-To install only the Hermes adapter and its supported harness, use
-`nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes[harness]`. Install
-`nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes` without an extra when the environment already
-manages a compatible Hermes Agent installation.
+The recipe checks out Hermes Agent under `external/hermes-agent` and installs
+it as the editable source declared in `pyproject.toml`. End users should follow
+the [Hermes Agent installation guide](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/installation)
+and install `nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes` without a harness extra.
 
 Refer to the [installation guide](docs/getting-started/install.mdx) for the
 complete list of adapters and installation options.

README.md

@@ -42,14 +42,17 @@ expressions install the components shown in each column:
 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
 | [Claude Code](docs/integrations/harness/claude.mdx) | `nemo-fabric[claude]` | `nemo-fabric-adapters-claude[harness]` | `nemo-fabric-adapters-claude` |
 | [Codex](docs/integrations/harness/codex.mdx) | `nemo-fabric[codex]` | `nemo-fabric-adapters-codex[harness]` | `nemo-fabric-adapters-codex` |
-| [Hermes Agent](docs/integrations/harness/hermes.mdx) | `nemo-fabric[hermes-agent]` | `nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes[harness]` | `nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes` |
+| [Hermes Agent](docs/integrations/harness/hermes.mdx) | Install Hermes Agent separately, then install `nemo-fabric[hermes-agent]` | Install Hermes Agent separately, then install `nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes` | `nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes` |
 | [LangChain Deep Agents](docs/integrations/harness/deepagents.mdx) | `nemo-fabric[deepagents]` | `nemo-fabric-adapters-deepagents[harness]` | `nemo-fabric-adapters-deepagents` |
 | [mini-SWE-agent](docs/integrations/harness/mini-swe-agent.mdx) | `nemo-fabric[mini-swe-agent]` | `nemo-fabric-adapters-mini-swe-agent[harness]` | `nemo-fabric-adapters-mini-swe-agent` |
 
-The `nemo-fabric` package always installs the runtime, and each root harness
-extra adds the corresponding adapter and supported harness. Use the
-adapter-package forms for split environments or environments that already
-manage the harness. For `harness`, `full`, and Relay behavior, refer to the
+The `nemo-fabric` package always installs the runtime. Package-installable
+harnesses provide root extras that add the corresponding adapter and supported
+harness. Hermes Agent 0.20 and later is not available from PyPI; install it by
+following the [Hermes Agent installation guide](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/installation),
+then install the bare Hermes adapter package. Use the adapter-package forms for
+split environments or environments that already manage the harness. For
+`harness`, `full`, and Relay behavior, refer to the
 [installation guide](docs/getting-started/install.mdx).
 
 Capabilities vary by harness. Review the compatibility matrix and use plan()
@@ -71,16 +74,20 @@ Agent in one Python environment.
 
 ### Install NeMo Fabric and Hermes Agent
 
-Hermes Agent supports Python 3.11 through 3.13. With a supported Python
-version, create and activate a virtual environment, then install the required
-packages:
+Hermes Agent supports Python 3.11 through 3.13. Hermes Agent 0.20 and later is
+not installable from PyPI. Install it with a supported method from the
+[Hermes Agent installation guide](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/installation).
+Then install NeMo Fabric and the Hermes adapter into the Python environment
+that runs Hermes Agent:
 
 ```bash
-python -m venv .venv
-source .venv/bin/activate
 pip install "nemo-fabric[hermes-agent]"
 ```
 
+For local development from this repository, run `just install-hermes-agent`
+instead. The recipe checks out the pinned Hermes Agent source and synchronizes
+it into the project environment.
+
 ### Set the API Key
 
 Create an API key in the [NVIDIA API Catalog](https://build.nvidia.com/), then
@@ -142,7 +149,8 @@ available notebooks.
 
 This is the simplest deployment. The `nemo-fabric` package, selected adapter,
 and supported harness share one Python environment. The quick start above uses
-this model with `nemo-fabric[hermes-agent]`.
+this model with Hermes Agent installed separately from `nemo-fabric` and
+`nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes`.
 
 ### Scenario 2: Isolated Sandbox for Task Execution
 
@@ -152,10 +160,11 @@ selected adapter, and the harness inside an isolated task environment such as a
 Docker container or Daytona sandbox. Adapter discovery and task-path resolution
 occur inside that sandbox.
 
-Install `nemo-fabric[harbor]==0.2.0` in the host environment. Install a complete
-harness composition such as `nemo-fabric[claude]==0.2.0` or
-`nemo-fabric[hermes-agent,relay]==0.2.0` in the task environment. For Claude or
-Codex Relay streaming, also provision the external NeMo Relay CLI in the task
+Install `nemo-fabric[harbor]==0.2.0` in the host environment. For a Hermes
+Agent task, use a task image that installs Hermes Agent according to its
+installation guide, then install `nemo-fabric`, `nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes`,
+and optionally `nemo-fabric[relay]` in that environment. For Claude or Codex
+Relay streaming, also provision the external NeMo Relay CLI in the task
 environment. Refer to the
 [Harbor execution model](examples/harbor/README.md#execution-model) for details.
 
@@ -171,30 +180,27 @@ Create an environment for the NeMo Fabric runtime:
 ```bash
 python -m venv .venv-fabric
 source .venv-fabric/bin/activate
-pip install nemo-fabric==0.2.0
 ```
 
-Create another environment for the adapter and harness. For example, install
-the Hermes Agent integration:
+Install Hermes Agent by following its
+[installation guide](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/installation).
+Then install the Hermes adapter into the Hermes-managed Python environment:
 
 ```bash
-python -m venv .venv-hermes
-source .venv-hermes/bin/activate
-pip install "nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes[harness]==0.2.0"
+pip install "nemo-fabric[hermes-agent]"==0.2.0
 ```
 
-The adapter package keeps this environment independent from the
-`nemo-fabric` distribution. Its `harness` extra installs the compatible Hermes
-Agent dependency alongside the adapter. Use matching NeMo Fabric release
-versions for the runtime and adapter package unless a different pairing has
-been explicitly validated.
+The adapter package keeps this environment independent from the `nemo-fabric`
+distribution and does not install Hermes Agent. Use matching NeMo Fabric
+release versions for the runtime and adapter package unless a different
+pairing has been explicitly validated.
 
 Run NeMo Fabric from its environment and set `ADAPTER_PYTHON` to the interpreter
 that contains the adapter and harness:
 
 ```bash
 source .venv-fabric/bin/activate
-export ADAPTER_PYTHON="$PWD/.venv-hermes/bin/python"
+export ADAPTER_PYTHON="${HERMES_HOME:-$HOME/.hermes}/hermes-agent/venv/bin/python"
 ```
 
 For package options and platform-specific instructions, refer to the

adapters/hermes/README.md

@@ -9,21 +9,32 @@ This adapter runs Hermes Agent through its Python SDK.
 
 ## Install
 
-Hermes Agent and this adapter require Python 3.11 through 3.13. The following
-table shows which components each installation provides:
+Hermes Agent and this adapter require Python 3.11 through 3.13. Hermes Agent
+0.20 and later is not installable from PyPI. Install Hermes Agent by following
+the [Hermes Agent installation guide](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/installation),
+then install the NeMo Fabric packages into the Python environment that runs
+Hermes Agent.
+
+The following table shows which NeMo Fabric components each package expression
+provides. None of these expressions installs Hermes Agent:
 
 | Installation | Runtime | Adapter | Harness | NeMo Relay Python Package |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
-| `pip install "nemo-fabric[hermes-agent]"` | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
-| `pip install "nemo-fabric[hermes-agent,relay]"` | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
-| `pip install "nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes[harness]"` | No | Yes | Yes | No |
-| `pip install "nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes[full]"` | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| `pip install nemo-fabric nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes` | Yes | Yes | No | No |
+| `pip install "nemo-fabric[relay]" nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes` | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
+| `pip install "nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes[full]"` | No | Yes | No | Yes |
 | `pip install "nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes[relay]"` | No | Yes | No | Yes |
 | `pip install nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes` | No | Yes | No | No |
 
-For an environment-managed harness, use `hermes-agent>=0.17.0`. For split
-runtime and adapter environments, configure `ADAPTER_PYTHON` and use matching
-NeMo Fabric release versions. Refer to the
+For local development from this repository, check out and install the pinned
+Hermes Agent source into the project environment:
+
+```bash
+just install-hermes-agent
+```
+
+For split runtime and adapter environments, configure `ADAPTER_PYTHON` and use
+matching NeMo Fabric release versions. Refer to the
 [installation guide](https://docs.nvidia.com/nemo/fabric/getting-started/install#install-an-adapter-and-harness-without-the-runtime).
 
 Relay is optional for ordinary runs. Relay telemetry and

adapters/hermes/pypi.md

@@ -16,14 +16,20 @@ SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache-2.0
 ## Install
 
 Hermes Agent and this adapter require Python versions 3.11 through 3.13.
-Installation can be performed using the `nemo-fabric` meta package with the `hermes-agent` extra, or by installing the adapter and harness packages separately. The following table shows which components each installation provides:
+Hermes Agent 0.20 and later is not installable from PyPI. Install Hermes Agent
+by following the
+[Hermes Agent installation guide](https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/installation),
+then install the NeMo Fabric packages into the Python environment that runs
+Hermes Agent.
+
+The following table shows which NeMo Fabric components each package expression
+provides. None of these expressions installs Hermes Agent:
 
 | Installation | Runtime | Adapter | Harness | NeMo Relay Python Package |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
-| `pip install "nemo-fabric[hermes-agent]"` | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
-| `pip install "nemo-fabric[hermes-agent,relay]"` | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
-| `pip install "nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes[harness]"` | No | Yes | Yes | No |
-| `pip install "nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes[full]"` | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| `pip install nemo-fabric nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes` | Yes | Yes | No | No |
+| `pip install "nemo-fabric[relay]" nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes` | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
+| `pip install "nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes[full]"` | No | Yes | No | Yes |
 | `pip install "nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes[relay]"` | No | Yes | No | Yes |
 | `pip install nemo-fabric-adapters-hermes` | No | Yes | No | No |
 

adapters/hermes/pyproject.toml

@@ -31,14 +31,11 @@ dependencies = [
 ]
 
 [project.optional-dependencies]
-harness = [
-  "hermes-agent>=0.19.0; python_version < '3.14'",
-]
+
 relay = [
   "nemo-relay>=0.7.2,<0.8",
 ]
 full = [
-  "hermes-agent>=0.19.0; python_version < '3.14'",
   "nemo-relay>=0.7.2,<0.8",
 ]