feat: create Backend workers from bare TUI launch

crates/client/src/backend_runtime.rs

@@ -7,10 +7,15 @@ use tokio_tungstenite::tungstenite::client::IntoClientRequest;
 use tokio_tungstenite::tungstenite::http::HeaderValue;
 use tokio_tungstenite::tungstenite::http::header::AUTHORIZATION;
 pub use workspace_api::{
-    Diagnostic as BackendDiagnostic, DiagnosticSeverity as BackendDiagnosticSeverity,
+    BrowserCreateWorkerResponse as BackendCreateWorkerResponse,
-    ListResponse as BackendRuntimeListResponse, RuntimeSummary as BackendRuntimeSummary,
+    CreateWorkspaceWorkerRequest as BackendCreateWorkerRequest, Diagnostic as BackendDiagnostic,
+    DiagnosticSeverity as BackendDiagnosticSeverity, ListResponse as BackendRuntimeListResponse,
+    RuntimeSummary as BackendRuntimeSummary,
     WorkerCapabilitySummary as BackendWorkerCapabilitySummary,
     WorkerImplementationSummary as BackendWorkerImplementationSummary,
+    WorkerLaunchOptionsResponse as BackendWorkerLaunchOptions,
+    WorkerLaunchProfileCandidate as BackendWorkerLaunchProfileCandidate,
+    WorkerLaunchRuntimeOption as BackendWorkerLaunchRuntimeOption,
     WorkerRestoreResponse as BackendWorkerRestoreResponse,
     WorkerRestoreResult as BackendWorkerRestoreResult, WorkerSummary as BackendWorkerSummary,
     WorkerWorkspaceSummary as BackendWorkerWorkspaceSummary,
@@ -171,6 +176,47 @@ struct UploadedFileResponse {
     file: protocol::UploadedFileRef,
 }
 
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub struct BackendWorkerLaunchTarget {
+    pub base_url: String,
+    pub workspace_id: Option<String>,
+}
+
+impl BackendWorkerLaunchTarget {
+    pub fn new(base_url: impl Into<String>, workspace_id: Option<String>) -> Self {
+        Self {
+            base_url: base_url.into(),
+            workspace_id,
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn select_workspace(&mut self, workspace_id: impl Into<String>) {
+        self.workspace_id = Some(workspace_id.into());
+    }
+
+    pub fn workspace_id(&self) -> Option<&str> {
+        self.workspace_id.as_deref()
+    }
+
+    pub fn runtime_target(
+        &self,
+        runtime_id: impl Into<String>,
+        worker_id: impl Into<String>,
+    ) -> Result<BackendRuntimeTarget, BackendRuntimeClientError> {
+        let workspace_id = self.workspace_id.clone().ok_or_else(|| {
+            BackendRuntimeClientError::InvalidTarget(
+                "workspace_id is required before creating a Backend worker".to_string(),
+            )
+        })?;
+        Ok(BackendRuntimeTarget::new(
+            self.base_url.clone(),
+            workspace_id,
+            runtime_id,
+            worker_id,
+        ))
+    }
+}
+
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub struct BackendRuntimeListTarget {
     pub base_url: String,
@@ -255,6 +301,58 @@ impl From<reqwest::Error> for BackendRuntimeClientError {
     }
 }
 
+pub async fn get_backend_worker_launch_options(
+    target: &BackendWorkerLaunchTarget,
+) -> Result<BackendWorkerLaunchOptions, BackendRuntimeClientError> {
+    validate_launch_target(target)?;
+    let api = BackendApiClient::from_stored_token(&target.base_url)?;
+    get_backend_worker_launch_options_with_client(target, &api).await
+}
+
+async fn get_backend_worker_launch_options_with_client(
+    target: &BackendWorkerLaunchTarget,
+    api: &BackendApiClient,
+) -> Result<BackendWorkerLaunchOptions, BackendRuntimeClientError> {
+    let path = backend_workspace_workers_launch_options_path(
+        target
+            .workspace_id
+            .as_deref()
+            .expect("validated Backend Workspace scope"),
+    );
+    let response = api.request(HttpMethod::GET, &path)?.send().await?;
+    let response = api.require_success(response).await?;
+    Ok(response.json::<BackendWorkerLaunchOptions>().await?)
+}
+
+pub async fn create_backend_worker(
+    target: &BackendWorkerLaunchTarget,
+    request: &BackendCreateWorkerRequest,
+) -> Result<BackendCreateWorkerResponse, BackendRuntimeClientError> {
+    validate_launch_target(target)?;
+    let api = BackendApiClient::from_stored_token(&target.base_url)?;
+    create_backend_worker_with_client(target, request, &api).await
+}
+
+async fn create_backend_worker_with_client(
+    target: &BackendWorkerLaunchTarget,
+    request: &BackendCreateWorkerRequest,
+    api: &BackendApiClient,
+) -> Result<BackendCreateWorkerResponse, BackendRuntimeClientError> {
+    let path = backend_workspace_workers_path(
+        target
+            .workspace_id
+            .as_deref()
+            .expect("validated Backend Workspace scope"),
+    );
+    let response = api
+        .request(HttpMethod::POST, &path)?
+        .json(request)
+        .send()
+        .await?;
+    let response = api.require_success(response).await?;
+    Ok(response.json::<BackendCreateWorkerResponse>().await?)
+}
+
 pub async fn list_backend_workers(
     target: &BackendRuntimeListTarget,
 ) -> Result<BackendRuntimeListResponse<BackendWorkerSummary>, BackendRuntimeClientError> {
@@ -462,6 +560,30 @@ fn validate_target(target: &BackendRuntimeTarget) -> Result<(), BackendRuntimeCl
     Ok(())
 }
 
+fn validate_launch_target(
+    target: &BackendWorkerLaunchTarget,
+) -> Result<(), BackendRuntimeClientError> {
+    if target.base_url.trim().is_empty() {
+        return Err(BackendRuntimeClientError::InvalidTarget(
+            "Backend API base URL is required".to_string(),
+        ));
+    }
+    if !(target.base_url.starts_with("http://") || target.base_url.starts_with("https://")) {
+        return Err(BackendRuntimeClientError::InvalidTarget(
+            "Backend API base URL must start with http:// or https://".to_string(),
+        ));
+    }
+    match target.workspace_id.as_deref() {
+        Some("") => Err(BackendRuntimeClientError::InvalidTarget(
+            "workspace_id must not be empty".to_string(),
+        )),
+        None => Err(BackendRuntimeClientError::InvalidTarget(
+            "workspace selection is required before creating a Backend worker".to_string(),
+        )),
+        Some(_) => Ok(()),
+    }
+}
+
 fn validate_list_target(
     target: &BackendRuntimeListTarget,
 ) -> Result<(), BackendRuntimeClientError> {
@@ -496,6 +618,17 @@ fn validate_list_target(
     Ok(())
 }
 
+fn backend_workspace_workers_path(workspace_id: &str) -> String {
+    format!("/api/w/{}/workers", path_segment_encode(workspace_id))
+}
+
+fn backend_workspace_workers_launch_options_path(workspace_id: &str) -> String {
+    format!(
+        "{}/launch-options",
+        backend_workspace_workers_path(workspace_id)
+    )
+}
+
 fn backend_runtimes_path(workspace_id: &str) -> String {
     format!("/api/w/{}/runtimes", path_segment_encode(workspace_id))
 }
@@ -580,6 +713,155 @@ fn percent_encode(input: &str, keep: impl Fn(u8) -> bool) -> String {
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
+    use tokio::io::{AsyncReadExt, AsyncWriteExt};
+    use tokio::net::TcpListener;
+
+    async fn serve_json_once(body: serde_json::Value) -> (String, tokio::task::JoinHandle<String>) {
+        let listener = TcpListener::bind("127.0.0.1:0").await.unwrap();
+        let base_url = format!("http://{}", listener.local_addr().unwrap());
+        let task = tokio::spawn(async move {
+            let (mut socket, _) = listener.accept().await.unwrap();
+            let mut request = Vec::new();
+            let header_end = loop {
+                let mut buffer = [0_u8; 4096];
+                let read = socket.read(&mut buffer).await.unwrap();
+                assert!(read > 0, "client closed before sending HTTP headers");
+                request.extend_from_slice(&buffer[..read]);
+                if let Some(position) = request.windows(4).position(|part| part == b"\r\n\r\n") {
+                    break position + 4;
+                }
+            };
+            let headers = String::from_utf8_lossy(&request[..header_end]);
+            let content_length = headers
+                .lines()
+                .find_map(|line| {
+                    let (name, value) = line.split_once(':')?;
+                    name.eq_ignore_ascii_case("content-length")
+                        .then(|| value.trim().parse::<usize>().unwrap())
+                })
+                .unwrap_or(0);
+            while request.len() < header_end + content_length {
+                let mut buffer = [0_u8; 4096];
+                let read = socket.read(&mut buffer).await.unwrap();
+                assert!(read > 0, "client closed before sending HTTP body");
+                request.extend_from_slice(&buffer[..read]);
+            }
+
+            let body = serde_json::to_vec(&body).unwrap();
+            let response = format!(
+                "HTTP/1.1 200 OK\r\nContent-Type: application/json\r\nContent-Length: {}\r\nConnection: close\r\n\r\n",
+                body.len()
+            );
+            socket.write_all(response.as_bytes()).await.unwrap();
+            socket.write_all(&body).await.unwrap();
+            String::from_utf8(request).unwrap()
+        });
+        (base_url, task)
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn launch_options_request_uses_workspace_path_and_bearer_auth() {
+        let (base_url, server) = serve_json_once(serde_json::json!({
+            "workspace_id": "team main",
+            "runtimes": [{
+                "runtime_id": "embedded",
+                "display_name": "Embedded",
+                "built_in": true,
+                "worker_creation_available": true,
+                "working_directory_required": false,
+                "status": "online",
+                "diagnostics": []
+            }],
+            "default_profile": "builtin:default",
+            "profiles": [{
+                "id": "builtin:default",
+                "label": "Default",
+                "description": ""
+            }],
+            "repositories": [],
+            "working_directories": [],
+            "diagnostics": []
+        }))
+        .await;
+        let target = BackendWorkerLaunchTarget::new(&base_url, Some("team main".to_string()));
+        let api = BackendApiClient::from_access_token_for_test(&base_url, "launch-secret").unwrap();
+
+        let response = get_backend_worker_launch_options_with_client(&target, &api)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(response.runtimes[0].runtime_id, "embedded");
+        let request = server.await.unwrap();
+        assert!(request.starts_with("GET /api/w/team%20main/workers/launch-options HTTP/1.1\r\n"));
+        assert!(
+            request
+                .to_ascii_lowercase()
+                .contains("authorization: bearer launch-secret\r\n")
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn create_worker_posts_frontend_contract_to_workspace_path() {
+        let (base_url, server) = serve_json_once(serde_json::json!({
+            "workspace_id": "workspace-1",
+            "runtime_id": "embedded",
+            "worker_id": "worker-1",
+            "console_href": "/w/workspace-1/workers/embedded/worker-1",
+            "worker": {
+                "runtime_id": "embedded",
+                "worker_id": "worker-1",
+                "host_id": "host-1",
+                "display_name": "Coder one",
+                "label": "Coder one",
+                "profile": "builtin:coder",
+                "singleton_key": null,
+                "tags": [],
+                "workspace": {
+                    "visibility": "workspace",
+                    "identity": "workspace",
+                    "workspace_id": "workspace-1"
+                },
+                "state": "idle",
+                "last_seen_at": null,
+                "pinned": false,
+                "retention_state": "resident",
+                "implementation": {"kind": "embedded", "display_hint": "Embedded"},
+                "capabilities": {"can_stop": true, "can_spawn_followup": false},
+                "diagnostics": []
+            },
+            "diagnostics": []
+        }))
+        .await;
+        let target = BackendWorkerLaunchTarget::new(&base_url, Some("workspace-1".to_string()));
+        let api = BackendApiClient::from_access_token_for_test(&base_url, "create-secret").unwrap();
+        let create = BackendCreateWorkerRequest {
+            runtime_id: "embedded".to_string(),
+            display_name: "Coder one".to_string(),
+            profile: Some("builtin:coder".to_string()),
+            ticket_assignment: None,
+            initial_submit: Vec::new(),
+            working_directory: None,
+            control_operation_id: None,
+        };
+
+        let response = create_backend_worker_with_client(&target, &create, &api)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(response.worker_id, "worker-1");
+        let request = server.await.unwrap();
+        assert!(request.starts_with("POST /api/w/workspace-1/workers HTTP/1.1\r\n"));
+        assert!(
+            request
+                .to_ascii_lowercase()
+                .contains("authorization: bearer create-secret\r\n")
+        );
+        let body = request.split_once("\r\n\r\n").unwrap().1;
+        let body: serde_json::Value = serde_json::from_str(body).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(body["runtime_id"], "embedded");
+        assert_eq!(body["display_name"], "Coder one");
+        assert_eq!(body["profile"], "builtin:coder");
+        assert_eq!(body["initial_submit"], serde_json::json!([]));
+        assert_eq!(body["working_directory"], serde_json::Value::Null);
+    }
 
     #[test]
     fn protocol_url_uses_backend_runtime_worker_identity() {

crates/client/src/lib.rs

@@ -21,11 +21,14 @@ pub use backend_auth::{
     poll_device_login, start_device_login, wait_for_device_login,
 };
 pub use backend_runtime::{
-    BackendDiagnostic, BackendDiagnosticSeverity, BackendRuntimeClientError,
+    BackendCreateWorkerRequest, BackendCreateWorkerResponse, BackendDiagnostic,
-    BackendRuntimeListResponse, BackendRuntimeListTarget, BackendRuntimeSummary,
+    BackendDiagnosticSeverity, BackendRuntimeClientError, BackendRuntimeListResponse,
-    BackendRuntimeTarget, BackendWorkerCapabilitySummary, BackendWorkerImplementationSummary,
+    BackendRuntimeListTarget, BackendRuntimeSummary, BackendRuntimeTarget,
-    BackendWorkerRestoreResponse, BackendWorkerRestoreResult, BackendWorkerSummary,
+    BackendWorkerCapabilitySummary, BackendWorkerImplementationSummary, BackendWorkerLaunchOptions,
-    BackendWorkerWorkspaceSummary, BackendWorkingDirectorySummary, connect_backend_runtime,
+    BackendWorkerLaunchProfileCandidate, BackendWorkerLaunchRuntimeOption,
+    BackendWorkerLaunchTarget, BackendWorkerRestoreResponse, BackendWorkerRestoreResult,
+    BackendWorkerSummary, BackendWorkerWorkspaceSummary, BackendWorkingDirectorySummary,
+    connect_backend_runtime, create_backend_worker, get_backend_worker_launch_options,
     list_backend_stopped_workers, list_backend_workers, restore_backend_worker,
 };
 pub use backend_workspace::{
@@ -35,9 +38,9 @@ pub use backend_workspace::{
 };
 pub use client::{Client, ClientError};
 pub use target::{
-    BackendTarget, Dashboard, ResolvedTarget, StandaloneTarget, StandaloneWorkerListIntent,
+    BackendTarget, BackendWorkerLaunch, Dashboard, ResolvedTarget, StandaloneTarget,
-    StandaloneWorkerResumeIntent, Target, TargetError, TargetKind, WorkerConnection,
+    StandaloneWorkerListIntent, StandaloneWorkerResumeIntent, Target, TargetError, TargetKind,
-    WorkerConnectionSelector, WorkerList, WorkerListRequest, WorkerSpawn,
+    WorkerConnection, WorkerConnectionSelector, WorkerList, WorkerListRequest, WorkerSpawn,
 };
 pub use workspace_api::{
     CompanionCancelRequest, CompanionLifecycleState, CompanionMessageDisposition,

crates/client/src/target.rs

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ use std::{fmt, path::PathBuf};
 
 use crate::{
     BackendApiClient, BackendApiClientError, BackendOrigin, BackendRuntimeListTarget,
-    BackendRuntimeTarget,
+    BackendRuntimeTarget, BackendWorkerLaunchTarget,
 };
 
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
@@ -123,6 +123,11 @@ pub struct Dashboard {
     pub workspace_id: String,
 }
 
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub struct BackendWorkerLaunch {
+    pub target: BackendWorkerLaunchTarget,
+}
+
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub struct WorkerList {
     pub backend_target: BackendRuntimeListTarget,
@@ -199,6 +204,13 @@ pub trait Target: fmt::Debug + Send + Sync {
         Err(TargetError::unsupported("Worker dashboard", self.kind()))
     }
 
+    fn launch_backend_worker(&self) -> Result<BackendWorkerLaunch, TargetError> {
+        Err(TargetError::unsupported(
+            "Backend Worker launch",
+            self.kind(),
+        ))
+    }
+
     fn list_workers(&self, _request: WorkerListRequest) -> Result<WorkerList, TargetError> {
         Err(TargetError::unsupported("Worker listing", self.kind()))
     }
@@ -299,6 +311,15 @@ impl Target for BackendTarget {
         })
     }
 
+    fn launch_backend_worker(&self) -> Result<BackendWorkerLaunch, TargetError> {
+        Ok(BackendWorkerLaunch {
+            target: BackendWorkerLaunchTarget::new(
+                self.base_url.clone(),
+                self.workspace_id.clone(),
+            ),
+        })
+    }
+
     fn list_workers(&self, request: WorkerListRequest) -> Result<WorkerList, TargetError> {
         Ok(WorkerList {
             backend_target: BackendRuntimeListTarget::new(

crates/tui/src/backend_spawn.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,483 @@
+use client::{
+    BackendCreateWorkerRequest, BackendWorkerLaunchOptions, BackendWorkerLaunchProfileCandidate,
+    BackendWorkerLaunchRuntimeOption, BackendWorkerLaunchTarget, create_backend_worker,
+    get_backend_worker_launch_options,
+};
+use crossterm::event::{self, Event, KeyCode, KeyEventKind, KeyModifiers};
+use ratatui::layout::{Constraint, Direction, Layout};
+use ratatui::style::{Color, Modifier, Style};
+use ratatui::text::{Line, Span};
+use ratatui::widgets::{Block, Borders, Paragraph, Wrap};
+
+use crate::backend_workspace_picker::select_backend_workspace;
+use crate::console;
+use crate::inline_terminal::{InlineTerminal, with_inline_terminal};
+
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
+enum Field {
+    Name,
+    Runtime,
+    Profile,
+}
+
+impl Field {
+    fn next(self) -> Self {
+        match self {
+            Self::Name => Self::Runtime,
+            Self::Runtime => Self::Profile,
+            Self::Profile => Self::Name,
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn previous(self) -> Self {
+        match self {
+            Self::Name => Self::Profile,
+            Self::Runtime => Self::Name,
+            Self::Profile => Self::Runtime,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+struct Selection {
+    runtime_id: String,
+    display_name: String,
+    profile: String,
+}
+
+struct FormState {
+    field: Field,
+    display_name: String,
+    runtime_index: usize,
+    profile_index: usize,
+    status: String,
+}
+
+impl FormState {
+    fn new(options: &BackendWorkerLaunchOptions) -> Self {
+        let runtime_index = options
+            .runtimes
+            .iter()
+            .position(runtime_supports_workdirless_creation)
+            .unwrap_or(0);
+        let profile_index = options
+            .default_profile
+            .as_deref()
+            .and_then(|default| {
+                options
+                    .profiles
+                    .iter()
+                    .position(|candidate| candidate.id == default)
+            })
+            .unwrap_or(0);
+        Self {
+            field: Field::Name,
+            display_name: "Worker".to_string(),
+            runtime_index,
+            profile_index,
+            status: String::new(),
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn current_runtime<'a>(
+        &self,
+        options: &'a BackendWorkerLaunchOptions,
+    ) -> Option<&'a BackendWorkerLaunchRuntimeOption> {
+        options.runtimes.get(self.runtime_index)
+    }
+
+    fn current_profile<'a>(
+        &self,
+        options: &'a BackendWorkerLaunchOptions,
+    ) -> Option<&'a BackendWorkerLaunchProfileCandidate> {
+        options.profiles.get(self.profile_index)
+    }
+
+    fn cycle_runtime(&mut self, options: &BackendWorkerLaunchOptions, delta: isize) {
+        self.runtime_index = cycle_index(self.runtime_index, options.runtimes.len(), delta);
+        self.status.clear();
+    }
+
+    fn cycle_profile(&mut self, options: &BackendWorkerLaunchOptions, delta: isize) {
+        self.profile_index = cycle_index(self.profile_index, options.profiles.len(), delta);
+        self.status.clear();
+    }
+
+    fn submit(&mut self, options: &BackendWorkerLaunchOptions) -> Option<Selection> {
+        let display_name = self.display_name.trim();
+        if display_name.is_empty() {
+            self.status = "Worker name is required.".to_string();
+            self.field = Field::Name;
+            return None;
+        }
+        let Some(runtime) = self.current_runtime(options) else {
+            self.status = "No Runtime is available in this Workspace.".to_string();
+            self.field = Field::Runtime;
+            return None;
+        };
+        if !runtime.worker_creation_available {
+            self.status = "The selected Runtime cannot create Workers right now.".to_string();
+            self.field = Field::Runtime;
+            return None;
+        }
+        if runtime.working_directory_required {
+            self.status =
+                "The selected Runtime requires a workdir; this launch flow does not select one yet."
+                    .to_string();
+            self.field = Field::Runtime;
+            return None;
+        }
+        let Some(profile) = self.current_profile(options) else {
+            self.status = "No Worker profile is available.".to_string();
+            self.field = Field::Profile;
+            return None;
+        };
+        Some(Selection {
+            runtime_id: runtime.runtime_id.clone(),
+            display_name: display_name.to_string(),
+            profile: profile.id.clone(),
+        })
+    }
+}
+
+pub async fn run(mut target: BackendWorkerLaunchTarget) -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
+    if target.workspace_id().is_none() {
+        let Some(workspace) = select_backend_workspace(&target.base_url).await? else {
+            return Ok(());
+        };
+        target.select_workspace(workspace);
+    }
+
+    let options = get_backend_worker_launch_options(&target).await?;
+    let Some(selection) = select_worker(&options)? else {
+        return Ok(());
+    };
+    let request = request_from_selection(selection);
+    let created = create_backend_worker(&target, &request).await?;
+    let runtime_target = target.runtime_target(created.runtime_id, created.worker_id)?;
+    console::run_backend_runtime(runtime_target).await
+}
+
+fn request_from_selection(selection: Selection) -> BackendCreateWorkerRequest {
+    BackendCreateWorkerRequest {
+        runtime_id: selection.runtime_id,
+        display_name: selection.display_name,
+        profile: Some(selection.profile),
+        initial_submit: Vec::new(),
+        working_directory: None,
+        ticket_assignment: None,
+        control_operation_id: None,
+    }
+}
+
+const VIEWPORT_LINES: u16 = 14;
+
+fn select_worker(
+    options: &BackendWorkerLaunchOptions,
+) -> Result<Option<Selection>, Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
+    with_inline_terminal(VIEWPORT_LINES, |terminal| run_form(terminal, options))
+}
+
+fn run_form(
+    terminal: &mut InlineTerminal,
+    options: &BackendWorkerLaunchOptions,
+) -> Result<Option<Selection>, Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
+    let mut state = FormState::new(options);
+
+    loop {
+        terminal.draw(|frame| render(frame, &state, options))?;
+        let event = event::read()?;
+        let Event::Key(key) = event else {
+            continue;
+        };
+        if key.kind != KeyEventKind::Press {
+            continue;
+        }
+        if key.code == KeyCode::Char('c') && key.modifiers.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL) {
+            return Ok(None);
+        }
+
+        match key.code {
+            KeyCode::Esc => {
+                return Ok(None);
+            }
+            KeyCode::Tab | KeyCode::Down => {
+                state.field = state.field.next();
+                state.status.clear();
+            }
+            KeyCode::BackTab | KeyCode::Up => {
+                state.field = state.field.previous();
+                state.status.clear();
+            }
+            KeyCode::Left => match state.field {
+                Field::Runtime => state.cycle_runtime(options, -1),
+                Field::Profile => state.cycle_profile(options, -1),
+                Field::Name => {}
+            },
+            KeyCode::Right => match state.field {
+                Field::Runtime => state.cycle_runtime(options, 1),
+                Field::Profile => state.cycle_profile(options, 1),
+                Field::Name => {}
+            },
+            KeyCode::Enter => {
+                if let Some(selection) = state.submit(options) {
+                    return Ok(Some(selection));
+                }
+            }
+            KeyCode::Backspace if state.field == Field::Name => {
+                state.display_name.pop();
+                state.status.clear();
+            }
+            KeyCode::Char(character)
+                if state.field == Field::Name
+                    && !key.modifiers.contains(KeyModifiers::CONTROL)
+                    && !character.is_control() =>
+            {
+                state.display_name.push(character);
+                state.status.clear();
+            }
+            _ => {}
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+fn render(frame: &mut ratatui::Frame<'_>, state: &FormState, options: &BackendWorkerLaunchOptions) {
+    let area = frame.area();
+    let vertical = Layout::default()
+        .direction(Direction::Vertical)
+        .constraints([
+            Constraint::Length(1),
+            Constraint::Length(3),
+            Constraint::Length(3),
+            Constraint::Length(3),
+            Constraint::Length(3),
+            Constraint::Min(1),
+        ])
+        .split(area);
+
+    frame.render_widget(
+        Paragraph::new(Line::from(vec![
+            Span::styled(
+                "New Backend Worker",
+                Style::default().add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD),
+            ),
+            Span::raw(format!("  Workspace: {}", options.workspace_id)),
+        ])),
+        vertical[0],
+    );
+
+    let focused = Style::default().fg(Color::Cyan);
+    frame.render_widget(
+        Paragraph::new(state.display_name.as_str()).block(
+            Block::default()
+                .borders(Borders::ALL)
+                .title(" Name ")
+                .border_style(if state.field == Field::Name {
+                    focused
+                } else {
+                    Style::default()
+                }),
+        ),
+        vertical[1],
+    );
+
+    let runtime_text = state
+        .current_runtime(options)
+        .map(runtime_label)
+        .unwrap_or_else(|| "No Runtime available".to_string());
+    frame.render_widget(
+        Paragraph::new(runtime_text).block(
+            Block::default()
+                .borders(Borders::ALL)
+                .title(runtime_title(state, options))
+                .border_style(if state.field == Field::Runtime {
+                    focused
+                } else {
+                    Style::default()
+                }),
+        ),
+        vertical[2],
+    );
+
+    let profile_text = state
+        .current_profile(options)
+        .map(|profile| {
+            if profile.description.is_empty() {
+                profile.label.clone()
+            } else {
+                format!("{} — {}", profile.label, profile.description)
+            }
+        })
+        .unwrap_or_else(|| "No profile available".to_string());
+    frame.render_widget(
+        Paragraph::new(profile_text).block(
+            Block::default()
+                .borders(Borders::ALL)
+                .title(profile_title(state, options))
+                .border_style(if state.field == Field::Profile {
+                    focused
+                } else {
+                    Style::default()
+                }),
+        ),
+        vertical[3],
+    );
+
+    let status = if state.status.is_empty() {
+        "Tab/↑/↓: field  ←/→: choice  Enter: create  Esc/Ctrl-C: cancel"
+    } else {
+        state.status.as_str()
+    };
+    frame.render_widget(
+        Paragraph::new(status)
+            .style(if state.status.is_empty() {
+                Style::default().fg(Color::DarkGray)
+            } else {
+                Style::default().fg(Color::Yellow)
+            })
+            .wrap(Wrap { trim: true }),
+        vertical[4],
+    );
+
+    if state.field == Field::Name {
+        let max_cursor = vertical[1].width.saturating_sub(2) as usize;
+        frame.set_cursor_position((
+            vertical[1].x + 1 + state.display_name.chars().count().min(max_cursor) as u16,
+            vertical[1].y + 1,
+        ));
+    }
+}
+
+fn runtime_title(state: &FormState, options: &BackendWorkerLaunchOptions) -> String {
+    if options.runtimes.is_empty() {
+        " Runtime ".to_string()
+    } else {
+        format!(
+            " Runtime ({}/{}) ",
+            state.runtime_index + 1,
+            options.runtimes.len()
+        )
+    }
+}
+
+fn profile_title(state: &FormState, options: &BackendWorkerLaunchOptions) -> String {
+    if options.profiles.is_empty() {
+        " Profile ".to_string()
+    } else {
+        format!(
+            " Profile ({}/{}) ",
+            state.profile_index + 1,
+            options.profiles.len()
+        )
+    }
+}
+
+fn runtime_label(runtime: &BackendWorkerLaunchRuntimeOption) -> String {
+    let availability = if !runtime.worker_creation_available {
+        "unavailable"
+    } else if runtime.working_directory_required {
+        "workdir required"
+    } else {
+        "no workdir"
+    };
+    format!(
+        "{} [{}] — {availability}",
+        runtime.display_name, runtime.runtime_id
+    )
+}
+
+fn runtime_supports_workdirless_creation(runtime: &BackendWorkerLaunchRuntimeOption) -> bool {
+    runtime.worker_creation_available && !runtime.working_directory_required
+}
+
+fn cycle_index(current: usize, len: usize, delta: isize) -> usize {
+    if len == 0 {
+        return 0;
+    }
+    (current as isize + delta).rem_euclid(len as isize) as usize
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+    use client::{BackendDiagnostic, BackendWorkerLaunchOptions};
+
+    fn options() -> BackendWorkerLaunchOptions {
+        BackendWorkerLaunchOptions {
+            workspace_id: "workspace-1".to_string(),
+            runtimes: vec![
+                BackendWorkerLaunchRuntimeOption {
+                    runtime_id: "external".to_string(),
+                    display_name: "External".to_string(),
+                    built_in: false,
+                    worker_creation_available: true,
+                    working_directory_required: true,
+                    status: "online".to_string(),
+                    diagnostics: Vec::new(),
+                },
+                BackendWorkerLaunchRuntimeOption {
+                    runtime_id: "embedded".to_string(),
+                    display_name: "Embedded".to_string(),
+                    built_in: true,
+                    worker_creation_available: true,
+                    working_directory_required: false,
+                    status: "online".to_string(),
+                    diagnostics: Vec::new(),
+                },
+            ],
+            profiles: vec![
+                BackendWorkerLaunchProfileCandidate {
+                    id: "builtin:default".to_string(),
+                    label: "Default".to_string(),
+                    description: String::new(),
+                },
+                BackendWorkerLaunchProfileCandidate {
+                    id: "builtin:coder".to_string(),
+                    label: "Coder".to_string(),
+                    description: "Ticket implementation".to_string(),
+                },
+            ],
+            default_profile: Some("builtin:coder".to_string()),
+            repositories: Vec::new(),
+            working_directories: Vec::new(),
+            diagnostics: Vec::<BackendDiagnostic>::new(),
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn defaults_to_workdirless_runtime_and_backend_default_profile() {
+        let options = options();
+        let state = FormState::new(&options);
+        assert_eq!(
+            state.current_runtime(&options).unwrap().runtime_id,
+            "embedded"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(state.current_profile(&options).unwrap().id, "builtin:coder");
+        assert_eq!(state.display_name, "Worker");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn workdir_required_runtime_cannot_be_submitted() {
+        let options = options();
+        let mut state = FormState::new(&options);
+        state.runtime_index = 0;
+        assert_eq!(state.submit(&options), None);
+        assert!(state.status.contains("requires a workdir"));
+        assert_eq!(state.field, Field::Runtime);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn selection_builds_workdirless_create_request() {
+        let request = request_from_selection(Selection {
+            runtime_id: "embedded".to_string(),
+            display_name: "Coder one".to_string(),
+            profile: "builtin:coder".to_string(),
+        });
+        assert_eq!(request.runtime_id, "embedded");
+        assert_eq!(request.display_name, "Coder one");
+        assert_eq!(request.profile.as_deref(), Some("builtin:coder"));
+        assert!(request.initial_submit.is_empty());
+        assert!(request.working_directory.is_none());
+        assert!(request.ticket_assignment.is_none());
+    }
+}

crates/tui/src/lib.rs

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 mod app;
 mod backend_dashboard;
+mod backend_spawn;
 mod backend_worker_picker;
 mod backend_workspace_picker;
 mod block;
@@ -51,6 +52,8 @@ pub enum LaunchMode {
     /// Restore one client-owned standalone Worker. The current cwd is the default scope;
     /// `include_all` opts into all standalone Workers under the same client data root.
     StandaloneResume { include_all: bool },
+    /// Create one Backend Worker and attach to it.
+    BackendSpawn,
     /// List Backend Workers and attach to the selected Worker.
     Workers {
         runtime_id: Option<String>,
@@ -161,6 +164,10 @@ pub async fn launch(options: LaunchOptions) -> ExitCode {
                 Err(error) => Err(Box::new(error) as Box<dyn std::error::Error>),
             }
         }
+        LaunchMode::BackendSpawn => match target.launch_backend_worker() {
+            Ok(launch) => backend_spawn::run(launch.target).await,
+            Err(e) => Err(Box::new(e) as Box<dyn std::error::Error>),
+        },
         LaunchMode::Workers {
             runtime_id,
             include_stopped,

crates/yoi/src/main.rs

@@ -363,10 +363,7 @@ fn parse_args_slice_with_connection_resolver<R: CliConnectionResolver + ?Sized>(
             &workspace_root,
         )?;
         let mode = if target.kind() == client::TargetKind::Backend {
-            LaunchMode::Workers {
+            LaunchMode::BackendSpawn
-                runtime_id: None,
-                include_stopped: false,
-            }
         } else {
             LaunchMode::Spawn {
                 worker_name: None,
@@ -822,10 +819,7 @@ fn parse_console_options<R: CliConnectionResolver + ?Sized>(
                     .to_string(),
             ));
         }
-        LaunchMode::Workers {
+        LaunchMode::BackendSpawn
-            runtime_id: None,
-            include_stopped: false,
-        }
     };
 
     Ok(Mode::Tui {
@@ -1720,7 +1714,7 @@ Target selection:
   Ticket, Objective, Worker catalog, PID, socket, or subprocess authority.
 
 Connection-aware commands:
-  yoi                         Standalone: new Console. Backend: Worker picker.
+  yoi                         Standalone: new Console. Backend: create and attach to a new Worker.
   yoi resume                  Standalone Worker picker or stopped Backend Worker picker.
   yoi workers                 Backend Workspace Worker picker.
   yoi panel                   Backend Workspace dashboard.
@@ -2115,6 +2109,46 @@ backend = "shared"
         }
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn parse_default_backend_creates_a_worker_before_attach() {
+        let resolver = DefaultBackendCliConnectionResolver {
+            backend_url: "http://default-backend.example",
+        };
+
+        match parse_args_slice_with_connection_resolver(&[], &resolver).unwrap() {
+            Mode::Tui {
+                target,
+                mode: LaunchMode::BackendSpawn,
+                ..
+            } => assert_eq!(target.kind(), TargetKind::Backend),
+            other => panic!("expected BackendSpawn mode, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn parse_bare_backend_creates_a_worker_before_attach() {
+        match parse_args_from([
+            "--backend",
+            "http://127.0.0.1:8787",
+            "--workspace-id",
+            "workspace-a",
+        ])
+        .unwrap()
+        {
+            Mode::Tui {
+                target,
+                mode: LaunchMode::BackendSpawn,
+                ..
+            } => {
+                assert_eq!(target.kind(), TargetKind::Backend);
+                let launch = target.launch_backend_worker().unwrap();
+                assert_eq!(launch.target.base_url, "http://127.0.0.1:8787");
+                assert_eq!(launch.target.workspace_id.as_deref(), Some("workspace-a"));
+            }
+            other => panic!("expected BackendSpawn mode, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn parse_workers_subcommand_uses_backend_runtime_picker() {
         match parse_args_from([