What are some good open-source codebases for learning about how AI coding agents work?
Q: What are some good open source codebases for learning about how AI coding agents work?
When selecting open-source projects to study, it's helpful to choose codebases that balance educational value with appropriate complexity. Here are two excellent examples that offer different learning experiences:
1. Visual Studio Code Copilot Chat — Start Here for Simplicity
This codebase is an excellent starting point for several reasons:
Quick to understand: You can read through the entire codebase in about an hour
Not overly simplistic: While simple, it's not trivial — it demonstrates common patterns and architectural decisions
Clean implementation: The code follows good practices without being baroque or over-engineered
High learning ROI: Despite its simplicity, you'll gain significant insights into building coding agents
The Copilot Chat implementation strikes the perfect balance between being accessible and instructive. It's sophisticated enough to teach valuable lessons but simple enough that you won't get lost in unnecessary complexity.
2. Open Hands — For Advanced Learning
Once you're comfortable with simpler codebases, Open Hands offers a more challenging but rewarding study:
Sophisticated architecture: This is a complex product with advanced patterns
Not easy to navigate: Be prepared to invest significant time understanding the codebase
High educational value: The complexity teaches you how autonomous, multi-agent coding tools work
Real-world patterns: You'll see how teams handle difficult architectural decisions in practice
While Open Hands requires more effort to review and understand, the learning payoff is substantial. You'll gain insights into how sophisticated autonomous coding agents are structured.