> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.rippletide.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect an agent

> Link a repository you own with a setup prompt or the CLI.

Connect an existing agent to Rippletide to see its prompts, tools, and live runtime evidence. Once connected, you can define rules for the actions it takes.

## Start with a coding agent (recommended)

1. In **Agents & integrations**, select **Connect → Agent**.
2. Save the generated `.env` block in the root of your agent repository. It contains the agent ID and Connection key; the setup prompt contains no credentials.
3. Give the setup prompt to Codex, Claude Code, or your preferred coding agent.
4. Run your agent and send one message that uses a tool.

The setup prompt installs `rippletide-package`, declares your agent's prompts and tools, and adds the scripts needed to sync the inventory and send runtime evidence.

## Or start with the CLI

```bash theme={null}
npm install -g rippletide-package
rippletide login
cd your-agent-repo
rippletide connect
rippletide status
```

`rippletide connect` prepares the binding, writes the `.env` block, syncs your inventory, and starts the runtime worker. Use `rippletide status` to check your progress.

## Verify the connection

Your agent is ready when Rippletide shows:

* its prompts and tools in [Harness management](/docs/harness-management);
* a heartbeat and a real turn in [Runtime events](/docs/runtime-events).

Connection secret values are never uploaded. Rippletide only records the names of configured secrets.

Need to install the SDK yourself? Follow the [manual setup](/docs/manual-setup).