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What Are Coding Agents?

Coding agents are specialized programs that can communicate with LLM APIs in an intelligent loop and execute tool calls. When you mention @blocks, one of these agents processes your request, understands your codebase, and provides assistance. Each agent has different capabilities, model architectures, and optimal use cases.

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Available Agents

Blocks currently supports six coding agents:

Claude Code

The go-to for many developers

Codex

High-reasoning capabilities for complex tasks and critical reviews

Gemini CLI

Best for simple tasks

OpenCode

Open source supporting Anthropic and OpenAI

Cursor CLI

VS Code-based with parallel agents

Sisyphus

Multi-agent orchestration system

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Agent Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:
FeatureClaude CodeCodexGemini CLIOpenCodeCursor CLISisyphus
ProviderAnthropicOpenAIGoogleAnthropic, OpenAICursorMulti-provider
Latest ModelsClaude 4.5 Sonnet, Claude 4.5 OpusGPT 5.2Gemini 3 ProClaude 4.5, GPT-5Cursor 2.0, GPT-5, Claude 4.5Multi-agent system
Best ForHigh-performance and consistencyHigh complexity workSimple tasksPrivacy, open sourceVS Code integrationComplex multi-agent tasks
StatusStableStableExperimentalExperimentalStableExperimental
Can Set as Default Agent?YesYesNoYesNoNo
Gemini CLI, Cursor CLI, and Sisyphus cannot be set as default agents. Use slash commands to invoke them. OpenCode is experimental but can be set as default.

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Setting Up Agents

To use any agent, you need to configure authentication:
1

Choose Authentication Method

Each agent supports different authentication options:Claude Code:
  • Anthropic API key (Get one)
  • Anthropic subscription (Claude Pro/Team)
  • AWS Bedrock API key (for enterprise)
Codex:
  • OpenAI API key (Get one)
  • OpenAI subscription (ChatGPT Plus/Team)
Gemini CLI:OpenCode:
  • Anthropic API key (Get one)
  • OpenAI API key (Get one)
  • Or 75+ other provider API keys
Cursor CLI:
  • Cursor API key (requires Cursor Pro/Team subscription)
Sisyphus:
  • Anthropic API key (Get one)
  • OpenAI API key (Get one)
  • Both recommended for full capabilities
2

Configure in Dashboard

  1. Go to Blocks Dashboard
  2. Navigate to Dashboard → Agents
  3. Select your agent and authentication method
  4. Enter credentials or connect subscription
3

Set Default Agent

When multiple agents are configured, choose which agent to use by default:
  1. In Dashboard → Agents
  2. Select “Set as default agent” from the preferred agent’s dropdown menu
Learn more: Setting Your Default Agent

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Using Different Agents

Once configured, you have two ways to use specific agents:

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1. Default Agent

Your default agent is used automatically for all requests unless you specify otherwise: 
@blocks can you review this code?
This uses whatever agent you set as default in your preferences.

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2. Slash Commands

Override the default agent for specific requests using slash commands: 
@blocks /claude review this complex architecture
@blocks /codex quickly implement this API endpoint
@blocks /gemini analyze this large codebase
@blocks /opencode implement using GPT-5
@blocks /sisyphus build full-stack feature with docs
@blocks /cursor refactor with parallel agents
Use slash commands to leverage the strengths of different agents for different tasks, even if you have a default set.

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Agent-Specific Details

Each agent has unique capabilities and configuration options. Learn more about each:

Claude Code

Detailed guide to Claude Code capabilities, models, and best practices

Codex

Complete Codex documentation including model selection and tips

Gemini CLI

Experimental Gemini CLI features and setup instructions

OpenCode

Open source agent with Anthropic and OpenAI support, privacy-focused

Cursor CLI

VS Code-based agent with parallel execution capabilities

Sisyphus

Multi-agent orchestration system for complex workflows

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Security

Your API keys and subscription tokens are:
  • Encrypted at rest and in transit
  • Never shared with other users
  • Only used to authenticate the agent on your behalf
  • Workspace-specific (each workspace has its own keys)
You can update your agent credentials at any time from the Dashboard.
Never share your API keys publicly. Each user should use their own API keys, especially in organization workspaces.

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Cost Considerations

When you use Blocks:
  • API calls are made using your API keys or Subscriptions
  • You are billed directly by the AI provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, or Google)
  • Blocks does not charge for API usage
  • Monitor your usage in each provider’s console
Different agents have different pricing:

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Switching Between Agents

You can change your default agent at any time:
  1. Go to Blocks Dashboard → Agents
  2. Change the Default Agent selection
The change takes effect immediately for all new sessions. Existing sessions will still have the previous credentials
Consider setting different default agents for different workspaces based on the type of work done in each.

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Next Steps

Claude Code Guide

Learn about Claude Code’s capabilities and best practices

Codex Guide

Explore Codex’s features and optimal use cases

Gemini CLI Guide

Discover experimental Gemini CLI features

OpenCode Guide

Anthropic and OpenAI support with open source transparency

Cursor CLI Guide

VS Code integration with parallel agent support

Sisyphus Guide

Advanced multi-agent orchestration system

Set Default Agent

Configure your preferred default agent