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How to Build a Coding Agent

A step-by-step workshop that teaches you to build your own AI coding assistant.

New this week

What it does

This workshop walks you through building an AI coding assistant, similar to tools like Cursor or Cline. You start with a simple chatbot that talks to Claude.

Then you add abilities one at a time: reading files, listing folders, running commands, editing files and searching code. The README explains how the assistant loops between your request, the AI and its tools.

The examples are written in the Go programming language.

Who it's for

Programmers curious about how AI coding agents work inside.

Can I use it without coding?

Developers only. You follow along by writing and running code. New to this? Start here.

Can I run it?

Cost
Free, but needs an AI accountThe software is free, but it uses an online AI service (like OpenAI or Anthropic), which usually charges for use.
Computer
An ordinary computer is fine
Privacy
Sends what you give it to an online service
API key
Needed. An API key is a password-like code from an online AI service. What's that?

Try it

  1. Install the Go programming language, or the recommended devenv tool.
  2. Get an API key from Anthropic.
  3. Work through the six versions of the assistant in order.

Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?

Before you install

  • Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
  • No standard license listed. Check the GitHub page before using it for business.
  • Keep your API key private. Never paste it into websites or share it, and set a spending limit with the AI service.
  • What you type or upload is sent to an online service. Avoid sharing private or sensitive information.
  • More on staying safe

Where people are talking about it