OpenCode: OpenCode First Use

Last updated: 2026-08-31

After installation and configuration, let's start using OpenCode for the first time.

1. What You Will Learn

• Starting OpenCode and entering TUI
• First conversation experience
• AI code analysis
• AI code modification
• Undoing operations

2. Start OpenCode

Navigate to your project directory and run:

cd my-project
opencode

You'll see the TUI interface with an input box at the bottom and conversation area above.

3. First Conversation

In the input box, type:

Summarize this project's structure

OpenCode will read project files and provide a structural overview.

4. Reference Files for Analysis

Use @ to reference project files:

How is authentication implemented in this project? Check @src/auth/index.ts

Features:

• Fuzzy search for file paths
• Auto-reads file content
• No manual code copying needed

5. Let AI Modify Code

Give a modification instruction:

Replace all var declarations in src/utils/format.ts with const or let

OpenCode will:

1. Read the file content
2. Identify all var declarations
3. Determine whether to use const or let based on context
4. Directly modify the file

6. Execute Commands

Use the ! prefix to execute Shell commands:

!npm test

Results are automatically added to the conversation context for AI follow-up.

7. Undo Operations

If AI modifications are not as expected:

/undo

This will:

• Undo the last message
• Roll back code changes

Redo:

/redo

Important: Undo relies on Git. Ensure your project uses Git version control.

8. Switch Models

If the current model isn't performing well:

/model

Select another model from the list.

9. Session Management

New session: /new View sessions: /sessions Continue last session: opencode --continue

10. Exit OpenCode

/exit

Or use shortcut Ctrl + X → Q.

❓ FAQ

📖 Summary

• Run opencode in your project directory to start
• Use @ for file references, ! for commands
• /undo to undo, /redo to redo
• /model to switch models, /new for new sessions
• Ensure Git commits before important operations

📝 Exercises

1. Basic: Start OpenCode and have it analyze your current project structure.

2. Intermediate: Have OpenCode modify a file, then undo the change with /undo.

3. Advanced: Use non-interactive mode opencode run for code analysis and redirect output to a file.

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