AgentForge Prerequisites Guide

February 21, 2026 ยท View on GitHub

Before you begin using AgentForge, ensure your system meets the necessary requirements and configurations.

Python Version Requirement

  • Python 3.11

  • Verify your Python version:

    python3 --version

API Keys and Environment Variables

AgentForge supports both cloud-based and local Large Language Models (LLMs).

Cloud-Based LLMs

To use cloud-based models like OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google, you need to obtain API keys.

Supported Cloud-Based LLMs:

  • OpenAI
  • Anthropic
  • Google

Obtaining API Keys:

Setting Environment Variables:

Set your environment variables to store your API keys securely.

  • OpenAI: OPENAI_API_KEY
  • Anthropic: ANTHROPIC_API_KEY
  • Google: GOOGLE_API_KEY
On Unix/macOS:
export OPENAI_API_KEY='your-openai-api-key'
On Windows (Command Prompt):
set OPENAI_API_KEY='your-openai-api-key'
On Windows (PowerShell):
$env:OPENAI_API_KEY='your-openai-api-key'

Environment Variables

Codex OAuth Requirement

OpenAI Codex models use an interactive OAuth login and do not use OPENAI_API_KEY.

Run:

python -m agentforge.init_codex_oauth

Use this once per environment (or rerun when tokens expire).

Local LLMs

AgentForge supports local models via Ollama and LMStudio.

Ollama

  • Installation: Follow the instructions on the Ollama website to install.
  • Configuration: No additional API keys are required.

LMStudio

  • Installation: Download and install from the LMStudio website.
  • Configuration: No additional API keys are required.

Platform-Specific Dependencies

Windows Users: Microsoft C++ Build Tools

If you plan to use ChromaDB (the default database), you need the Microsoft C++ Build Tools.

Installation Steps:

  1. Download the Microsoft C++ Build Tools.
  2. Run the installer and select "Desktop development with C++". Cpp_Setup
  3. Complete the installation process. Cpp_Completion
  4. Done! Close the Visual Studio installer.

Additional Notes

  • ChromaDB:

    • Used for storing embeddings and agent memories.
    • Optional if you prefer to use a different database or no database at all.
    • Initial setup may take several minutes as it downloads necessary models.

  • Environment Variables Security:

    • Do not share your API keys publicly.
    • Consider using tools like dotenv to manage environment variables securely.

Next Steps: