> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://botpress-ak-docs-20-document-updating-variables-from-outsid.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction to the ADK

<Panel>
  <ResponseExample>
    ```ts Basic agent theme={null}
    import { Conversation } from "@botpress/runtime";

    export default new Conversation({
      channel: "*",
      handler: async ({ execute, message }) => {
        await execute({
          instructions: "You are a helpful assistant.",
        });
      },
    });
    ```

    ```ts Agent with knowledge theme={null}
    import { Conversation } from "@botpress/runtime";
    import { WebsiteKB } from "../knowledge/docs";

    export default new Conversation({
      channel: "*",
      handler: async ({ execute, message }) => {
        await execute({
          instructions: "You are a helpful assistant.",
          knowledge: [WebsiteKB]
        });
      },
    });
    ```
  </ResponseExample>
</Panel>

The Agent Development Kit (ADK) is a **CLI tool and development framework for building AI agents** on Botpress.

It provides a streamlined development experience with TypeScript support, hot reloading, and type-safe APIs for creating conversational AI applications.

## Get started

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Quickstart" icon="download" href="/adk/quickstart" cta="Install the CLI" horizontal>
    Build your first agent in minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Project structure" horizontal icon="folder" href="/adk/project-structure">
    Learn how an ADK project is organized
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What is the ADK?

The ADK is a framework that allows developers to build Botpress agents from code. It provides:

* **Project scaffolding**: Quickly initialize new agent projects with templates
* **Type-safe development**: Automatic TypeScript type generation for integrations, interfaces, and more
* **Development workflow**: Hot reloading development server with live updates
* **Build and deploy**: Compile and deploy agents to Botpress Cloud
* **Integration management**: Add, update, and manage integrations from the Botpress Hub

## When to use the ADK

The ADK is ideal for:

* Developers who prefer code-based workflows
* Teams using version control and CI/CD pipelines
* Projects requiring custom logic and integrations
* Developers who need TypeScript type safety

<Tip>
  For most users, we recommend Botpress Studio. The ADK is best suited for developers who need more control or integration with development workflows.
</Tip>