OpenCode before installation

Before installing OpenCode, understand what kind of tool it is. OpenCode is not just a chat window. It is an agent workflow around a project: it can inspect files, propose changes, edit, run commands, and report back.

The loop

The safe agent loop is:

1. Ask for a small goal.
2. Let the agent inspect context.
3. Read its plan.
4. Allow one small change.
5. Review the diff and run checks.

A safe first prompt

Use a prompt that slows the agent down:

Look at this project and explain what it is. Do not edit files or run commands yet.

That prompt teaches the most important habit: inspect first, act second.

A safe edit prompt

After you understand the project, ask for one small edit:

Make one small improvement to the homepage. Before editing, tell me which file you plan to change.

If the agent wants to run a command, read it before approving. If you do not understand it, ask what it does.

What to verify

After an edit, ask:

Summarize the diff and tell me how to verify the change.

Expected result: you should know which file changed, why it changed, and which command or browser check proves it works.

Official references

• OpenCode docs↗