This guide will help you set up the Aden Agent Framework and build your first agent.
- Python 3.11+ (Download) - Python 3.12 or 3.13 recommended
- pip - Package installer for Python (comes with Python)
- git - Version control
- Claude Code (Install) - Optional, for using building skills
The fastest way to get started:
# 1. Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/adenhq/hive.git
cd hive
# 2. Run automated Python setup
./scripts/setup-python.sh
# 3. Verify installation
python -c "import framework; import aden_tools; print('✓ Setup complete')"# Install Claude Code skills (one-time)
./quickstart.sh
# Start Claude Code and build an agent
claude> /building-agentsFollow the interactive prompts to:
- Define your agent's goal
- Design the workflow (nodes and edges)
- Generate the agent package
- Test the agent
# Copy an example agent
cp -r exports/support_ticket_agent exports/my_agent
# Customize the agent
cd exports/my_agent
# Edit agent.json, tools.py, README.md
# Validate the agent
PYTHONPATH=core:exports python -m my_agent validatehive/
├── core/ # Core Framework
│ ├── framework/ # Agent runtime, graph executor
│ │ ├── runner/ # AgentRunner - loads and runs agents
│ │ ├── executor/ # GraphExecutor - executes node graphs
│ │ ├── protocols/ # Standard protocols (hooks, tracing)
│ │ ├── llm/ # LLM provider integrations
│ │ └── memory/ # Memory systems (STM, LTM/RLM)
│ └── pyproject.toml # Package metadata
│
├── tools/ # MCP Tools Package
│ └── src/aden_tools/ # 19 tools for agent capabilities
│ ├── tools/ # Individual tool implementations
│ │ ├── web_search_tool/
│ │ ├── web_scrape_tool/
│ │ └── file_system_toolkits/
│ └── mcp_server.py # HTTP MCP server
│
├── exports/ # Agent Packages
│ ├── support_ticket_agent/
│ ├── market_research_agent/
│ └── ... # Your agents go here
│
├── .claude/ # Claude Code Skills
│ └── skills/
│ ├── building-agents/
│ └── testing-agent/
│
└── docs/ # Documentation
# Validate agent structure
PYTHONPATH=core:exports python -m my_agent validate
# Show agent information
PYTHONPATH=core:exports python -m my_agent info
# Run agent with input
PYTHONPATH=core:exports python -m my_agent run --input '{
"task": "Your input here"
}'
# Run in mock mode (no LLM calls)
PYTHONPATH=core:exports python -m my_agent run --mock --input '{...}'For running agents with real LLMs:
# Add to your shell profile (~/.bashrc, ~/.zshrc, etc.)
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="your-key-here"
export OPENAI_API_KEY="your-key-here" # Optional
export BRAVE_SEARCH_API_KEY="your-key-here" # Optional, for web searchGet your API keys:
- Anthropic: console.anthropic.com
- OpenAI: platform.openai.com
- Brave Search: brave.com/search/api
# Using Claude Code
claude> /testing-agent
# Or manually
PYTHONPATH=core:exports python -m my_agent test
# Run with specific test type
PYTHONPATH=core:exports python -m my_agent test --type constraint
PYTHONPATH=core:exports python -m my_agent test --type success- Detailed Setup: See ENVIRONMENT_SETUP.md
- Developer Guide: See DEVELOPER.md
- Agent Patterns: Explore examples in
/exports - Custom Tools: Learn to integrate MCP servers
- Join Community: Discord
# Reinstall framework package
cd core
pip install -e .# Reinstall tools package
cd tools
pip install -e .# Verify API key is set
echo $ANTHROPIC_API_KEY
# Run in mock mode to test without API
PYTHONPATH=core:exports python -m my_agent run --mock --input '{...}'# Remove and reinstall
pip uninstall -y framework tools
./scripts/setup-python.sh- Documentation: Check the
/docsfolder - Issues: github.com/adenhq/hive/issues
- Discord: discord.com/invite/MXE49hrKDk
- Examples: Explore
/exportsfor working agents