Day 1 -- OpenCode: The TUI Powerhouse

Today is about getting OpenCode installed, navigating its split-panel TUI, and learning the two-mode workflow that separates thinking from doing. OpenCode is a Go-based terminal agent built for developers who live in the command line. It gives you 75+ model providers behind a visual chat interface with file trees, LSP-backed safety checks, and a plan/build toggle that keeps the agent from editing before you're ready. By the end of today you'll have OpenCode running, a provider configured, and AGENTS.md wired up so the agent knows your project from the first prompt.

What you'll have by the end of today

• OpenCode installed and working on your platform (Linux, macOS, Windows, or Docker)
• At least one model provider connected via /connect
• The TUI mastered: panels, file tree, visual chat, and all essential keybinds
• Plan mode and Build mode used in a real task
• AGENTS.md created with /init and populated with project context
• The desktop app and IDE extension evaluated so you know when to use each surface

Lessons

1. Installation & First Provider -- installing OpenCode on any platform, connecting your first model, and verifying everything works
2. The TUI & Keybinds -- split panels, file tree, visual chat, and the keyboard shortcuts that make OpenCode fast
3. Plan & Build Modes -- the two-mode workflow: plan freely without edits, then switch to build and let the agent make changes
4. AGENTS.md & Project Context -- teaching OpenCode about your project, tech stack, conventions, and rules so you never repeat yourself
5. Desktop App & IDE Extension -- when to leave the terminal: the desktop app, VSCode integration, and choosing the right surface

Next: Day 2 -- Aider: The Git-First Pair Programmer