Claude Code NEW Sub Agents in 7 Minutes

Summary

Anthropic's new Cloud Code sub-agents feature lets developers create specialized AI agents for various tasks like code reviews, debugging, and testing. These agents can operate independently with customized expertise and context, helping streamline workflows. Developers can configure agents with specific tools and system prompts, allowing for focused collaboration. The video demonstrates setting up agents for tasks like front-end development and web research, offering flexibility to handle diverse projects. With this system, developers can manage both project-specific and global agents, making it easier to delegate tasks and integrate new tools into the development process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anthropic's new sub agents feature allows you to create a team of specialized AI agents for different aspects of your development workflow.
• 😀 Each sub agent operates independently with its own context and expertise, equipped with various tools or system prompts for specific tasks like code reviews, debugging, or testing.
• 😀 The feature lets you delegate specific workflows to dedicated AI agents, ensuring that each agent focuses on a specialized area while keeping the broader project vision in focus.
• 😀 Setting up sub agents is easy within Cloud Code by using the `/agents` command, where you can create agents specific to your project or globally accessible across multiple projects.
• 😀 You can specify the tools and features available to each agent, allowing for tailored access such as code editing, database querying, and integrating with MCP servers.
• 😀 Cloud Code provides the ability to create agents for specialized areas like front-end development, web research, and even database management with precise tool access.
• 😀 Sub agents can be fine-tuned with system prompts to include specific preferences or avoid certain behaviors, such as avoiding emojis or thick fonts.
• 😀 Agents are configured using markdown files, which are portable and can be easily committed to a repository for version control and collaboration.
• 😀 The flexibility of Cloud Code enables the creation of both global and project-specific agents, allowing for greater customization and scalability across projects.
• 😀 The ability to incorporate multiple MCP tools into the agents’ workflows opens up creative use cases, such as accessing Gmail or Canva, expanding the range of tasks agents can automate.
• 😀 The combination of AI-driven agents and real-time research capabilities enables rapid prototyping of applications, such as building a landing page with real-time data like AI news stories, making development more efficient.

Q & A

What are sub agents in Cloud Code, and how do they work?

Sub agents in Cloud Code allow you to create specialized AI agents tailored to different parts of your development workflow. These agents can operate independently with their own context, expertise, and tools, such as code review, debugging, or testing, allowing you to delegate tasks while maintaining a high-level focus on the project.

How do you create a new agent in Cloud Code?

To create a new agent in Cloud Code, you simply type '/agents' within the interface. You can choose whether the agent will be project-specific or globally accessible on your machine. Afterward, you can either manually configure or generate an agent with Claude’s assistance.

What is the significance of customizing an agent’s tools in Cloud Code?

Customizing an agent’s tools allows you to equip it with the specific capabilities needed for your project. For example, a backend agent can be granted access to run SQL commands, while a frontend agent might be given access to web development tools. This customization ensures that each agent is focused on its specialized task.

Can you customize the agent’s system prompt in Cloud Code?

Yes, the system prompt can be customized to define the agent's behavior and preferences. For instance, you can specify which programming styles or frameworks the agent should prioritize or avoid, making the agent more efficient and aligned with your project’s needs.

What is the role of markdown files in managing Cloud Code agents?

Markdown files in Cloud Code are used to store the configuration and context of each agent. These files include information about the agent’s name, location, tools, description, and system prompts. They provide a portable way to manage and adjust agent settings, and can even be committed to your project’s repository.

What is the advantage of using both global and project-specific agents in Cloud Code?

Global agents can be used across multiple projects, offering reusable functionality, while project-specific agents are tailored for particular tasks within a single project. This dual approach helps streamline workflows by providing both general and specialized capabilities.

How does the integration of web research agents enhance the development process?

A web research agent in Cloud Code can automatically search the web and retrieve relevant information for your project. This is especially helpful for gathering the latest updates or documentation, which can then be used as context when building out components or features.

How does Cloud Code handle up-to-date information when building a landing page?

Cloud Code allows you to specify agents that research the latest news or updates, such as the top AI stories. This up-to-date information can be integrated directly into the development process, ensuring that your project, such as a landing page, reflects the most current content available.

Can you specify which MCP tools an agent should use in Cloud Code?

Yes, you can select which MCP tools an agent has access to, enabling you to customize its capabilities. For instance, you can allow an agent to access email servers, databases, or other external APIs to enhance its functionality.

What are some potential use cases for agents with non-coding tasks in Cloud Code?

Cloud Code agents can be configured to handle tasks that are not directly related to coding. For example, they can interact with tools like Gmail, Canva, or project management software, performing tasks such as organizing emails, designing graphics, or managing project timelines, thereby improving overall workflow efficiency.