docs/agents/custom-code-agent/setup-your-agent/create-an-agent.mdx
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.
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="/images/agents/custom-code-agent/setup-your-agent/create-a-new-agent.mp4" />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"> </Step> </Steps>For a full Slack walkthrough including app creation and install, see Quickstart.