How to start using Droid AI coding agent today

TL;DR

Droid is presented as a superior coding agent with broader model support, cheaper tokens, and richer UI options. The video shows installing Droid via a terminal command, selecting models including an open source option, and using different safety modes for planning and implementation. It also compares Droid to Cloud Code and Codex and highlights setup tips for production workflows.

Transcript

What if there was an AI agent like cloth code but with better UI? All of the best models and significantly cheaper. That agent is Droid created by Factory AI. This has to be the most underrated coding agent I've ever used. Real quick, I'm hiring a video editor. So, if you want to work with me, make sure to apply. The link is below the video. All ri... Read More

Key Insights

• Droid can be installed globally from a simple terminal command, enabling immediate use across folders and IDEs.
• Droid exposes a wide range of models including an open source option, with GLM 4.6 highlighted as fast and affordable.
• The tool offers multiple safety modes such as auto off, spec, auto low, auto medium, and auto high to control risk and iteration scope.
• Shift tab is a core UI feature that switches between modes, allowing more granular control than competitors.
• Droid performs proactive web searches to fetch up-to-date docs during planning, reducing misalignment with latest APIs.
• Context management and token efficiency are emphasized, with features to compress history and save tokens in long sessions.
• The video argues Droid can outperform Cloud Code in some scenarios due to its broader model support and richer prompts.
• Using Droid within Vechtal is recommended to access the latest models and preset prompts, enhancing productivity and model coverage.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Droid and how does it differ from Claude Code and Codex?

Droid is an AI coding agent that supports a wide range of models including open source options and OpenAI variants. It emphasizes richer mode controls and planning features, such as spec and auto high, enabling more deliberate and reversible actions. The video argues this results in a more capable environment for building AI driven production workflows compared to Claude Code and Codex.

Q: How do you install Droid and start using it in a project?

To install Droid, you visit the Factory AI website, choose the terminal IDE version, select your OS, copy the install command, and run it in the global terminal. After installation, you open your IDE, type Droid in the command palette, and begin a new project folder where Droid will operate. This setup enables immediate usage across your coding environment.

Q: What models does Droid offer and which is highlighted as open source?

Droid lists multiple models including Codex, OpenAI variants, Sonet, Enthropic, and an open source option called Droid Core with GLM 4.6. The video highlights GLM 4.6 as a fast and affordable open source model that beats some competitors on benchmarks, making it a preferred choice for cost efficiency.

Q: What are the different modes in Droid and how do they affect usage?

Droid provides several modes such as auto off, spec, auto low, auto medium, and auto high. Auto off requires approvals for actions, spec focuses on planning, auto low allows read only or safe edits, auto medium allows reversible changes, and auto high enables more permissive, riskier execution. These modes let users tailor risk and speed to the task.

Q: How does Droid handle planning and web searches during coding tasks?

During planning, Droid can perform multiple web searches to fetch the latest documentation and verify references before proposing architecture. This proactive web search approach helps ensure that the generated code and designs align with current APIs and best practices, reducing the need for later corrections.

Q: What is the token and pricing discussion mentioned in the video?

The video notes that Droid provides free tokens, such as 20 million in the example, and emphasizes token efficiency through context management and history compression. This helps users allocate tokens more effectively across complex projects, potentially lowering overall costs compared to other tools with fixed pricing or higher per-command costs.

Q: What production workflow tips are suggested for using AI agents like Droid?

The speaker recommends using Droid with a robust production workflow by combining it with a flexible IDE setup, leveraging versioned architecture files, and employing frequent planning iterations with high reasoning effort when needed. The goal is to build an AI powered stack that can deploy and operate AI driven systems while maintaining safety and controllability.

Q: Why might someone prefer Droid over other code agents according to the video?

The video argues that Droid offers broader model support, richer UI and mode options, proactive documentation verification, and strong token management. This combination enables faster iteration, safer automation, and greater adaptability to changing AI models, making it attractive for developers who want a more capable and future‑proof coding assistant.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Droid setup is demonstrated from website access to terminal installation, including system selection and a global install command that enables Droid across projects.

• The video emphasizes Droid's model diversity, including open source GLM 4.6 and various OpenAI and Haiku variants, and notes cost considerations and token usage.

• Compared with Cloud Code and Codex, Droid offers more modes and planning features, enabling a more controlled and iterative development process for AI-assisted coding.