Level 2, intermediate. Your first weeks with Claude Code or Codex: how an agent uses tools and files, when to split work across sub-agents, and how to keep it on the rails.
Updated October 4, 2026
This guide is for builders who have moved past simple chat interfaces and want to use terminal-based agents to edit code and run local workflows. You will learn to configure agents with custom tools, manage long-term project context, and delegate complex tasks to specialized sub-agents. By the end, you will be able to build a reliable local environment where AI helps manage your development lifecycle autonomously.
Who this is for: You are trying Claude Code or Codex for the first time and want your agent to use tools, edit files, and delegate to sub-agents well.
Transition from simple prompting to autonomous execution by bridging your AI agent with your local file system and terminal environment.
Read the deep diveLearn how the Model Context Protocol allows your agent to communicate with calendars, databases, and specialized software without writing unique integration code for every tool.
Read the deep diveLearn how to build a persistent memory for coding agents using a structured artifact chain and automated distillation routines.
Read the deep diveTrue agent security requires moving beyond text-based instructions to infrastructure-level isolation and short-lived identity management.
Read the deep diveMove beyond manual prompt engineering by structuring your AI workflows into modular, reusable skills and automated routines.
Read the deep dive