OpenCode Crash Course: Automate Workflow with Free AI Models

Course Overview

OpenCode Crash Course teaches you to build autonomous coding agents using OpenCode, an open-source AI coding agent that runs entirely on free AI models without requiring paid subscriptions. The course covers installation, creating custom commands, project-aware agent configuration, and connecting OpenCode to GitHub and databases.

Through hands-on lessons, you will develop skills to automate data cleaning, analysis, and dashboard creation, culminating in building shareable plugins and sub-agents for real-world coding workflows.

Key Takeaways

• Run OpenCode free using Zen models or configure paid providers in minutes.
• Master built-in and custom slash commands for repeatable workflows.
• Create and test AGENTS.md files to make OpenCode understand your codebase.
• Understand and implement MCP (Model Context Protocol) to connect OpenCode with GitHub, databases, and Context7.
• Configure permission models to control agent access.
• Build production Skills using YAML front-matter and Markdown, including data cleaning and dashboard creation.
• Design custom sub-agents like a Code Reviewer and differentiate when to use Skills versus sub-agents.

Prerequisites

• No paid AI subscription required; all lessons run on free models.
• No prior experience with AI coding agents, OpenCode, or MCP is necessary.
• A computer with internet access (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Target Learners

• Developers seeking agentic coding in the terminal without paid subscriptions.
• Users of Claude Code, Cursor, or Copilot wanting an open-source, provider-agnostic alternative.
• Data analysts and engineers aiming to automate cleaning, analysis, and reporting workflows with custom-built agents.
• Students, freelancers, and indie builders automating repetitive coding and data tasks.