# Use a cloud coding agent

Give a coding agent a cloud development environment with Cloud Harness. Use this path when the agent needs a repository, development tools, and an environment that you can manage.

> [!note] Requirements
>
> You will need the following to get started:
>
> - Access to Cloud Harness and the requirements in its quickstart
> - Access to the repository used by the coding task
> - Credentials and tools required by the selected agent

### 1. Choose the agent workflow

Read [AI agents on Northflank](https://northflank.com/docs/v1/application/ai-agents/agents-on-northflank) to choose a workflow. For code execution controlled by your application, use [Sandboxes](run-code-in-sandboxes).

Identify the repository, development tools, and network access that the coding task requires. Keep the agent's access within that task's scope.

### 2. Create the Cloud Harness

Use the [Cloud Harness quickstart](https://northflank.com/docs/v1/application/cloud-harness/quickstart) to create the environment. Complete its repository, credential, and startup configuration.

Wait for the environment to become ready. Make sure that it contains the intended repository and tools before starting the coding task.

### 3. Connect and work with the agent

Use the connection instructions in the quickstart. Start with a bounded task and inspect the resulting files and command output.

If the agent must work with Northflank resources, review [Agent Skills](https://northflank.com/docs/v1/application/ai-agents/agent-skills). Grant only the Northflank access required by the task.

### 4. Manage the environment

Use [Configure and manage Cloud Harnesses](https://northflank.com/docs/v1/application/cloud-harness/configure-and-manage-cloud-harnesses) for environment changes and lifecycle controls.

Preserve the work that you need before removing an environment. The setup is complete when the agent can work with the intended repository and you can inspect its results.