Set up to build AI Agents!

This guide provides a step-by-step process for setting up your coding environment to build custom AI agents. It is the same onboarding flow used by our bootcamp participants, and we've made it publicly available to give more builders a concrete starting point and a preview of the bootcamp experience.

Use the copy buttons below to paste the setup instructions into ChatGPT, Claude, or your preferred AI assistant. The first prompt covers the general building environment for any builder, and the second prompt covers Sherpa-B setup for bootcamp participants who need to connect to the platform.

How to Use This Guide

1. Copy the environment setup prompt and complete those tasks first
2. If you are in the bootcamp, copy the Sherpa-B setup prompt after the general setup is done
3. Paste it into ChatGPT or Claude (or similar AI assistant)
4. Follow the interactive guidance through the orientation tasks in order
5. Ask for clarifications inside ChatGPT/Claude if anything is unclear
6. Ask for help inside ChatGPT/Claude if you run into any errors

Next Steps

NOTE: If you're a bootcamp participant, these workflows are provided through sherpa-b with detailed procedural guidance.

After completing your onboarding, use Claude Code to brainstorm, design, and build your AI agent:

1. Start a new Claude Code session in your project directory
2. Copy and execute the workflow prompts provided in the sections below
3. Follow the interactive guidance to design different aspects of your agentic system
4. Save the design document — once satisfied with a design, ask Claude Code to write a summary document for future reference
5. Implement your design — Claude Code can help you build in Python, JavaScript, n8n, or your preferred language

HINT: Ask Claude Code to save these workflow prompts as reusable skills that you can call with / commands for quick access.

Need Help?

Get support through any of these channels:

• Email: bootcamp@ai.science
• Join: AI Agents Office Hour with Amir
• Book: One-on-one conversation with Amir
• Learn more: AI Agents Bootcamp

About the Author / Instructor

Dr. Amir Feizpour is the founder, CEO, and Chief Scientist at Aggregate Intellect. His work spans the entire lifecycle of human-machine collaboration on knowledge work — from building custom AI agents to researching the future of hybrid human-AI organizations.