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Deep-dive course

OpenCode Tutorial: The Open-Source Terminal Agent

7 lessons, roughly 76 minutes end to end. Start from why OpenCode exists, learn provider agnosticism and the plan-vs-build choice, then move through self-hosting tradeoffs and real-world decisions -- with diagrams and worked examples at every step.

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Course outline

  1. 1OpenCode and the Case for an Open Coding AgentOpenCode is an open-source terminal agent designed to plan and execute code modifications without vendor lock-in. Unlike closed coding agents, OpenCode works with any LLM provider and leaves you in control of your data, your model choice, and your runtime.Beginner12 min
  2. 2Provider-Agnostic by DesignOpenCode doesn't care which LLM provider you use—Claude, Llama, Mistral, or any other. This lesson covers how provider agnosticism works in practice, what abstraction layers make it possible, and how to add a new provider.Beginner10 min
  3. 3Plan Mode vs. Build ModeOpenCode offers two deliberate modes of operation—plan mode, where the agent reasons aloud before changing anything, and build mode, where it directly modifies files. This lesson explains when to use each and why the distinction matters for safety and transparency.Beginner10 min
  4. 4Configuring Providers, Models, and PermissionsOpenCode is configured through environment variables and config files that specify which LLM provider to use, which model, and what the agent is allowed to do. This lesson covers the complete configuration surface and how to set up a safe boundary.Intermediate12 min
  5. 5Self-Hosting and Data ControlOne of OpenCode's core advantages is that you can run it on your own infrastructure, keeping your code and conversations private. This lesson covers self-hosting options, tradeoffs between managed and DIY, and what data stays local.Intermediate10 min
  6. 6When Openness Is Worth the SetupOpenCode trades convenience for control. This lesson compares open-source agents to closed-source alternatives across cost, privacy, customization, and ease of use—and when each is the right choice.Intermediate10 min
  7. 7A Worked Example: A Full OpenCode TaskWatch an OpenCode task from start to finish, seeing how it plans, acts, tests, and iterates to transform a real feature request into working code.Intermediate12 min

What this course covers

Every lesson includes at least one worked example, and several include original ToolDix diagrams showing provider agnosticism, plan-vs-build modes, data flows in self-hosted setups, and real task traces. Each lesson cites verifiable sources -- the OpenCode GitHub repository, Anthropic's agent guidance, and current provider documentation -- so you can verify claims and go deeper on any topic.