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As a new user, I want elelem to use local inference by default, so that I can start using it immediately without any configuration.

SYNOPSIS

Make the local provider the default when no configuration exists.

DESCRIPTION

Update elelem’s provider selection logic so that:

  1. First-run experience:

    • When no .elelem.yml exists and no environment variables are set
    • Automatically select the local provider
    • Trigger model download if needed (Story 003)
    • Start the normal prompt interface - no wizard or extra questions

  2. Provider priority (when no explicit config):

    1. Local provider (new default)
    2. Ollama (if running and accessible)
    3. OpenAI (if OPENAI_API_KEY set)
    4. Claude (if ANTHROPIC_API_KEY set)

  3. Explicit configuration:

    • Users can still configure any provider in .elelem.yml
    • Explicit config always takes precedence
    • Document how to switch providers

  4. Seamless transition:

    • Existing users with configuration are not affected
    • Only new users (no config) get the new default behavior

SEE ALSO

  • Story 004 (local provider implementation)
  • lib/elelem/agent.rb (provider selection logic)
  • Configuration loading code

Tasks

  • TBD (filled in design mode)

Acceptance Criteria

  • New user with no config starts elelem and can chat immediately
  • Local provider is used by default (not Ollama or cloud providers)
  • Model downloads automatically on first run if not present
  • Existing users with .elelem.yml are not affected
  • Users with API keys in environment can still use cloud providers
  • Clear documentation on how to configure different providers