An agent is the coding assistant Helmor orchestrates during a session. Helmor handles workspace isolation, task context, and review; the agent performs the actual coding work through its provider CLI.
What agents do inside Helmor#
During a session, an agent can:
- Read project files — understand the codebase, imports, and structure.
- Edit files — write new code, refactor, or fix bugs in the workspace.
- Run commands — execute shell commands (build, test, lint) when the environment permits.
- Report progress — stream status, ask clarifying questions, and surface verification results.
All agent activity is visible in the session timeline, so you can follow along in real time.
Supported agents#
Helmor supports CLI-backed coding assistants. Current options include:
| Agent | Provider | Auth required |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Code | Anthropic | Anthropic API key or Claude Pro subscription |
| Codex | OpenAI | OpenAI API key |
Each provider manages its own authentication independently of Helmor. Make sure the agent CLI is installed, on your PATH, and authenticated before starting a session.
Choosing the right agent#
Pick the agent that matches your task:
- Implementation & refactoring — both Claude Code and Codex handle multi-file edits well.
- Debugging — agents with strong reasoning (Claude Code) excel at tracing issues.
- Code review tasks — use whichever agent you trust for stylistic and correctness feedback.
Your responsibility as the operator#
Agent output is a draft, not a finished product. Always:
- Review the diff before committing.
- Run tests and checks.
- Decide what ships — Helmor makes the review loop visible but does not remove the need for engineering judgment.
Related#
- Changes and Review — how to inspect and ship agent work.
- Sidecar and CLI Issues — troubleshoot agent startup failures.