# How to Contribute to Agent-Reach: A Complete Developer Guide

> Learn how to contribute to Agent-Reach. Fork the repo, implement, test, and submit a PR following our developer guide.

- Repository: [Pnant/Agent-Reach](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach)
- Tags: how-to-guide
- Published: 2026-06-18

---

**To contribute to Agent-Reach, fork the repository, create a feature branch, implement changes following the Channel contract in [`agent_reach/channels/base.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/channels/base.py), run the full test suite with `pytest`, and submit a Pull Request adhering to the guidelines in [`CONTRIBUTING.md`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md).**

Agent-Reach is an open-source platform-channel architecture that enables agents to interact with various command-line backends through a unified interface. Learning how to contribute to Agent-Reach involves understanding its modular channel system, abstract base classes, and standardized testing protocols. This guide provides the exact file paths, method signatures, and workflow commands required to successfully submit features, bug fixes, or new platform integrations.

## Prerequisites and Repository Setup

Begin by forking the [Panniantong/Agent-Reach](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach) repository to your GitHub account. Clone your fork locally and navigate to the project directory.

```bash
git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/Agent-Reach.git
cd Agent-Reach

```

Install the package in **editable mode** with development dependencies. This configuration allows you to test changes immediately without reinstalling and includes testing, linting, and type-checking tools.

```bash
pip install -e ".[dev]"

```

Optionally install pre-commit hooks to automatically enforce code quality standards before each commit.

```bash
pre-commit install

```

## Understanding the Agent-Reach Architecture

Before modifying code, familiarize yourself with the core components that handle request routing and platform abstraction.

| Component | Role | Source Location |
|-----------|------|-----------------|
| **CLI Entry Point** | Parses user commands and arguments | [`agent_reach/cli.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/cli.py) |
| **Core Router** | Dispatches read/search requests to appropriate channels based on URL patterns | [`agent_reach/core.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/core.py) |
| **Channel Contract** | Abstract base class defining the interface for all platform adapters | [`agent_reach/channels/base.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/channels/base.py) (lines 45-60 contain the `ordered_backends` helper) |
| **Doctor** | Diagnostic tool verifying backend health for each channel | [`agent_reach/doctor.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/doctor.py) |
| **Test Suite** | Validates channel contracts, CLI behavior, and routing logic | [`tests/test_channels.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/tests/test_channels.py), [`tests/test_cli.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/tests/test_cli.py) |

The **Channel contract** in [`agent_reach/channels/base.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/channels/base.py) is the critical abstraction for contributors. All platform adapters must inherit from the `Channel` class and implement three key elements: the `can_handle(url)` method for URL recognition, the `check(config)` method for health verification, and the `backends` attribute listing candidate command-line tools in priority order.

## How to Add a New Channel to Agent-Reach

Adding support for a new platform (channel) requires implementing the abstract contract and registering the component across the system.

1. **Create the channel file** under `agent_reach/channels/`
2. **Subclass `Channel`** and implement `can_handle(url)` to recognize platform URLs
3. **Define `backends`** as an ordered list of command-line tool names
4. **Override `check(self, config=None)`** to probe backend availability (the base implementation returns a simple "ok" status)
5. **Add unit tests** in [`tests/test_channels.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/tests/test_channels.py) to verify URL matching and backend detection
6. **Update the doctor** in [`agent_reach/doctor.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/doctor.py) to include health checks for your new channel
7. **Document the integration** in the `docs/` folder and optionally add skill files in `agent_reach/skill/`

Here is the minimal implementation skeleton for a new channel:

```python

# agent_reach/channels/example.py

from .base import Channel

class ExampleChannel(Channel):
    name = "example"
    description = "Example platform demonstrating channel creation"
    backends = ["example-cli", "example-fallback"]
    tier = 1  # indicates free key or simple config requirement

    def can_handle(self, url: str) -> bool:
        return "example.com" in url

    def check(self, config=None):
        # Probe the primary backend; extend for real health checks

        status, msg = super().check(config)
        return status, msg

```

## Development Workflow and Testing

Follow this workflow to ensure your contribution meets the project's quality standards.

**Create a feature branch** using a descriptive name that reflects the change scope.

```bash
git checkout -b add-new-channel-example

```

**Implement your changes** following the patterns established in existing channel files. Maintain consistency with the `Channel` abstract base class defined in [`agent_reach/channels/base.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/channels/base.py).

**Run the full test suite** to verify existing functionality remains intact and new features work correctly.

```bash
pytest

```

**Execute linting and type checking** to catch style issues and type errors before submission.

```bash
ruff check agent_reach tests
ruff format agent_reach tests
mypy agent_reach

```

**Commit and push** your changes with a clear, conventional commit message.

```bash
git add .
git commit -m "feat(channels): add Example platform support"
git push origin add-new-channel-example

```

**Open a Pull Request** on GitHub against the main repository. Ensure your PR includes tests, documentation updates, and follows the formatting guidelines specified in [`CONTRIBUTING.md`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md).

## Summary

- Fork and clone the [Panniantong/Agent-Reach](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach) repository before beginning development
- All platform adapters must inherit from `Channel` in [`agent_reach/channels/base.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/channels/base.py) and implement the `can_handle` and `check` methods
- New channels require corresponding unit tests in [`tests/test_channels.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/tests/test_channels.py) and registration in [`agent_reach/doctor.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/doctor.py)
- Run `pytest`, `ruff check`, and `mypy` to validate code quality before submitting
- Follow the detailed contribution guidelines in [`CONTRIBUTING.md`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md) for branch naming, commit message formats, and documentation requirements

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the Channel contract in Agent-Reach?

The **Channel contract** is an abstract base class defined in [`agent_reach/channels/base.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/channels/base.py) that standardizes how platform adapters integrate with the system. It requires implementing `can_handle(url)` for URL recognition, `check(config)` for backend health verification, and defining an `ordered_backends` list that specifies which command-line tools to attempt for that platform.

### How do I test my changes locally before submitting a Pull Request?

Install the package in editable mode with `pip install -e ".[dev]"` to access development dependencies, then execute `pytest` to run the full test suite. Additionally, run `ruff check agent_reach tests` for linting and `mypy agent_reach` for static type analysis to ensure your code adheres to the project's quality standards.

### Where should I add unit tests for a new platform channel?

Add unit tests in [`tests/test_channels.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/tests/test_channels.py) to verify that your channel correctly handles URLs and detects backends. If your changes affect command-line behavior, also update [`tests/test_cli.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/tests/test_cli.py). The test suite validates that all channels properly implement the abstract methods defined in [`agent_reach/channels/base.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/channels/base.py).

### How do I register a new channel with the diagnostic system?

After creating your channel class in `agent_reach/channels/`, modify [`agent_reach/doctor.py`](https://github.com/Panniantong/Agent-Reach/blob/main/agent_reach/doctor.py) to include your new channel in the diagnostic routine. This registration enables the `doctor` command to verify your channel's backend health status alongside existing platform adapters.