Learning Path
Lesson 0 to 13: Progressive Agent Design with OpenAI Java SDK
Layer Legend
Basic Chat LoopThe Foundation of Every Agent
“The simplest agent is just a while loop calling the model”
Learn MoreTool UseFunction Calling Basics
“Function calling turns a chat model into an agent that can act”
Learn MoreToolsOne Handler Per Tool
“The loop stays the same; new tools register into the dispatch map”
Learn MoreTodoWritePlan Before You Act
“An agent without a plan drifts; list the steps first, then execute”
Learn MoreSubagentsClean Context Per Subtask
“Subagents use independent context, keeping the main conversation clean”
Learn MoreSkillsLoad on Demand
“Inject knowledge via tool_result when needed, not upfront in the system prompt”
Learn MoreCompactThree-Layer Compression
“Context will fill up; three-layer compression enables infinite sessions”
Learn MoreTasksTask Graph + Dependencies
“A file-based task graph with ordering, parallelism, and dependencies”
Learn MoreBackground TasksBackground Threads + Notifications
“Run slow operations in the background; the agent keeps thinking ahead”
Learn MoreAgent TeamsTeammates + Mailboxes
“When one agent can't finish, delegate to persistent teammates via async mailboxes”
Learn MoreTeam ProtocolsShared Communication Rules
“One request-response pattern drives all team negotiation”
Learn MoreAutonomous AgentsScan Board, Claim Tasks
“Teammates scan the board and claim tasks themselves; no need for assignment”
Learn MoreWorktree IsolationIsolate by Directory
“Each works in its own directory; tasks manage goals, worktrees manage directories”
Learn MoreFull Reference AgentCapstone — Everything Combined
“The capstone combines every mechanism from Lessons 1–12 into one agent”
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