How to Build an AI Agent from Scratch (It's Just a While Loop)
Build an AI agent from scratch in TypeScript with only a model API and a loop. Covers tool calling, parallel tool calls, and a bug no framework can fix.

The article explains how to build an AI agent from scratch using TypeScript, focusing on implementing a loop-based approach with a model API, and highlights key features like tool calling and parallel tool calls.
What happened
The article describes the process of building an AI agent from scratch using a model API and a loop, emphasizing the implementation of tool calling and parallel tool calls, and highlights a bug that no framework can resolve.
Why it matters
This approach is significant for AI developers and software engineers looking to understand the foundational mechanics of AI agents without relying on existing frameworks, offering insights into potential limitations and solutions.
- An AI agent can be built using a loop and a model API.
- Tool calling and parallel tool calls are essential features to implement.
- A specific bug exists that no framework can resolve, highlighting the need for custom solutions.
- TypeScript is a suitable language for this implementation.
The bigger picture
The practical impact is that developers can gain a deeper understanding of AI agent mechanics, potentially leading to more customized and efficient solutions.
The article provides a clear guide on building an AI agent from scratch, emphasizing the importance of a loop-based approach and highlighting the challenges and bugs that arise in such implementations.
Technical details
- Implementation using TypeScript
- Model API integration
- Tool calling and parallel tool calls
- Bug in the loop-based approach that frameworks cannot resolve
FAQ
What is the main focus of the article?
The article focuses on building an AI agent from scratch using TypeScript, with a model API and a loop.
What are the key features discussed?
The article discusses tool calling, parallel tool calls, and a specific bug that no framework can fix.
What programming language is used for the implementation?
TypeScript is used for the implementation.
What is the significance of the bug mentioned?
The bug highlights a limitation in existing frameworks, emphasizing the need for custom solutions in AI agent development.
This summary and analysis were generated with AI from the original article and may contain errors. Read the original for the full story.
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Originally published by Dev.to AI on Oct 4, 2026.
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