Coding Agents

Coding agents take a work item, work in your repository, and open a pull request. AI Features assist while you work. A coding agent checks out the repository, makes changes, pushes a branch, and opens a draft pull request linked to the item.

Agents run in isolated containers. Git and model credentials stay on the Windshift server. For runner setup, see Coding Agent Runner.

Setting up an agent

Configure an agent as an agent binding in workspace Agent bindings settings. A binding connects:

  • An agent identity: The service user shown as the assignee and pull request author.
  • A repository: Connected to the workspace through Git.
  • An LLM connection: Used by the agent to do the work.

After you create a binding, the agent appears as a workspace member and can receive assignments.

Starting a run

There are two ways to start a run on a work item:

  • Assign the item to the agent: Assigning a work item to a bound agent starts a run.
  • @mention the agent in a comment: Mentioning a bound agent starts a run without changing assignee or status. Mentioning an agent already working on the item does not start another run.

When a run produces changes, the agent pushes a branch and opens a draft pull request. A run without commits does not push an empty branch or open an empty pull request.

Watching a run

  • The work item has an Agent log tab that streams run progress. You can follow the agent work there.
  • Assignment and mention pickers show whether an agent is available. This helps you avoid assigning work to a busy or offline agent.

Shaping an agent

Customize a binding without changing its identity or repository:

  • Custom instructions: Give the agent a persona or extra rules, such as "You are our release manager". Windshift adds these to its standard operating rules.
  • Skills library: Maintain a library of Markdown knowledge packs and attach them to an agent. The agent sees a short skill index and loads a skill only when it is relevant. A large library does not slow runs. Manage skills in workspace settings beside bindings.

Edit custom instructions and skills under Persona & skills on the binding.