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Creating Your First PR

This guide explains how to prepare and open a good first pull request for Agenta.

1. Try The Product First​

Before you change the code, use Agenta first. Create a cloud account and try the product. That gives you the product context you need to make better choices.

2. Pick A Good Issue​

Start with an issue that matches your skills. If you are not sure where to begin, join our Slack community and ask. We can help you find work that fits your experience.

If you want to propose new work, file an issue first unless the change is very small and obvious.

3. Set Up Agenta Locally​

Set up Agenta on your machine before you start coding. Follow the local installation guide, then use the development mode guide to run the project for local work.

4. Understand The Change Before You Make It​

It is fine to use AI tools to help with the work. You still need to understand the code, the plan, and the edge cases. A pull request is easier to review when the author can explain what changed, why it changed, and how it was tested.

Do not treat the repository like a black box. Read the related code, inspect the existing patterns, and make sure the change fits the project. A pull request that only asks an agent to fix something, without clear understanding from the author, is not a good contribution.

5. Build The Fix Or Feature​

Keep the change focused. Use the existing code style and architecture. If the issue is a bug, explain the root cause and fix that cause instead of only patching the symptom.

6. Test Your Work​

Run the relevant checks for the area you changed. Write down what you tested locally and what still needs QA. If the change needs tests, add or update them.

Read these guides before you open the PR:

7. Record A Demo For UI Changes​

If your pull request changes the UI or UX, include a short video, GIF, or screen recording. Reviewers should be able to see the behavior without reproducing it from scratch.

If the change is not visual, mark the demo section as not applicable.

8. Open The Pull Request​

Use the pull request template. Fill in the summary, testing details, QA follow-up, and demo section. Be specific. Reviewers should be able to understand the change quickly.

Before you request review, make sure:

  • the summary explains what changed and why
  • the relevant tests pass locally
  • the relevant formatting and linting checks pass locally
  • the PR includes a demo for UI changes
  • the PR notes what still needs QA

9. Sign The CLA​

After you open a pull request, a bot will ask you to sign the Contributor License Agreement. Follow that prompt so we can review and accept the contribution.

10. Stay Responsive​

If a pull request stays inactive for more than a week, we may close it. You can reopen it later if you want to continue.

If you get feedback, respond with focused updates and keep the conversation moving.