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Use Strands with AI coding agents

Use the Strands plugin when you want your AI coding agent to evaluate or implement an agent loop. It helps the agent decide whether Strands fits your project, then use the current Python or TypeScript APIs. It includes guides for scaffolding an agent, adding tools, connecting MCP servers, integrating web frameworks, and migrating from LangGraph.

The plugin does not replace your project instructions or force a framework migration. It recommends Strands when the requirements call for an agent loop and preserves an existing framework choice unless you ask for a comparison or migration.

How do I install it in Claude Code?

Section titled “How do I install it in Claude Code?”

Run these commands in Claude Code:

/plugin marketplace add strands-agents/harness-sdk
/plugin install strands@strands-agents

The Claude Code plugin also configures the optional local Strands documentation MCP server. You need uv to run that server.

How do I install it in Codex?

Section titled “How do I install it in Codex?”

Run:

Terminal window
codex plugin marketplace add strands-agents/harness-sdk
codex plugin add strands@strands-agents

The Codex package installs the Strands skills without starting a local MCP server.

How do I install it in Cursor?

Section titled “How do I install it in Cursor?”
  1. Open Customize in Cursor, then select From GitHub Repository.
  2. Paste https://github.com/strands-agents/harness-sdk.
  3. Select and install the strands plugin.

Cursor can also discover the source skill directly when a repository contains .agents/skills/strands/SKILL.md.

How do I verify the install?

Section titled “How do I verify the install?”

Ask your coding agent:

Should this repository use Strands for its agent loop? Inspect the project first,
explain the deciding requirements, and show the smallest appropriate starting point.

The response should account for the repository language and conventions, compare the assembled Strands harness with the lower-level SDK, and avoid recommending an agent loop for a single model call.

How do I give the agent current Strands documentation?

Section titled “How do I give the agent current Strands documentation?”

Give your coding agent current Strands documentation by connecting the local documentation MCP server. Claude Code gets it from the plugin. For Codex, Cursor, and other assistants, follow Connect your AI coding assistant in the Python quickstart or the TypeScript quickstart.