> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://novu-c5de82d9-docs-homepage-redesign.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create an agent

> Create a new custom code agent in the Novu dashboard, connect your first provider, and configure the bridge URL used by the agent runtime.

Create an agent in the Novu dashboard before you scaffold a bridge app or write handler code. This page walks through creating the agent record and connecting your first provider.

## Create an agent in the dashboard

In the Novu dashboard, create a new agent and enter its basic details.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to the Agents page">
    In the Novu dashboard, open the [Agents page](https://dashboard.novu.co/agents).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Agents">
    In the sidebar, click **Agents**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create agent">
    Enter a name and description, then click **Create agent**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter agent details">
    Enter the following information:

    * **Agent name**: Display name for your agent. Slack and Microsoft Teams show this name when users mention the agent.
    * **Identifier**: Unique slug used in code. Auto-generated from the name; cannot be changed after creation.
    * **Description**: Summary of the agent's purpose.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up agent">
    Click **Set up agent**. Novu opens the guided setup page, where you connect providers and copy the scaffold command for your bridge app.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<video autoPlay loop muted playsInline src="https://mintcdn.com/novu-c5de82d9-docs-homepage-redesign/_Er4ZWa6vVDiKb7d/images/agents/custom-code-agent/setup-your-agent/create-a-new-agent.mp4?fit=max&auto=format&n=_Er4ZWa6vVDiKb7d&q=85&s=59d50aa1783374057ebb8235d822a830" data-path="images/agents/custom-code-agent/setup-your-agent/create-a-new-agent.mp4" />

## Connect a provider

On the guided setup page in the Novu dashboard, link your agent to a messaging provider.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select a provider">
    In the **Select provider** list, choose a provider (for example, **Slack**).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow provider-specific steps" />
</Steps>

For a full Slack walkthrough including app creation and install, see [Quickstart](/agents/custom-code-agent/quickstart).

## Related

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card icon="terminal" href="/agents/custom-code-agent/setup-your-agent/scaffold-your-project" title="Scaffold your project">
    Generate a bridge application with the Novu CLI.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="layout-dashboard" href="/agents/custom-code-agent/setup-your-agent/overview" title="Set up overview">
    View dashboard settings, bridge URL, providers, and handler code.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="zap" href="/agents/custom-code-agent/quickstart" title="Quickstart">
    Create an agent, connect Slack, and get a reply in-thread.
  </Card>
</Columns>