Convex Agents: Easily Create AI Agents That Can Automate Anything! Opensource n8n Alternative!

Key Concepts:

• AI Agents
• Convex (Open-source reactive database)
• AI Agent Components (Convex building blocks)
• Threads and Messages
• RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)
• Agent Playground (UI for testing agents)
• Database (Document relation database)
• Mutations (TypeScript functions for database updates)
• Queries (TypeScript functions for read-only operations)
• Websockets (Real-time data updates)

1. Introduction to Convex AI Agent Components

• The video introduces Convex as a simplified way to build AI agents.
• Convex is an open-source reactive database where queries are written in Typescript and run directly in the database.
• Convex has introduced AI agent components, which are open-source building blocks for creating AI applications.
• These components handle threads and messages, enabling agents to cooperate in static or dynamic workflows.
• Convex agents can use RAG techniques, stream text and objects in real time, and run multi-agent workflows.
• Convex provides an agent playground, a UI for testing and building agents, browsing threads, and exploring conversations in real time.

2. Prerequisites and Setup

• Prerequisites:
  • Git (for cloning the repository)
  • Node.js
  • Convex account (free to sign up)
  • VS Code (code editor)
• Steps:
  1. Create a project in the Convex dashboard. This project will serve as the serverless backend and reactive database for the AI agent.
  2. Ensure a Convex project is running using frameworks like React or Next.js.
  3. Use npm create convex@latest to create a new project or clone a demo example like the RAG agent template.
  4. Navigate to the cloned repository using cd <repository-name>.
  5. Install Convex using mpx create convex.
  6. Choose a client (e.g., React) and authentication method (e.g., Okit, Clerk, Convex O, or none).
  7. Install dependencies using npm install.
  8. Run the development server using npm run dev.
  9. Authenticate with the Convex account and select the created project.

3. Convex Architecture: Database, Mutations, and Queries

• Convex has a clean setup with three components: database, mutations, and queries.
• Database: A document relation database that stores content with autogenerated IDs for linking.
• Mutations: TypeScript functions that update the database inside a transaction (all changes happen or none).
• Queries: TypeScript functions that are read-only. The front end subscribes to them, and Convex automatically pushes updates through websockets in real time.

4. Creating a Mutation for the Chatbot

• Create a new file named chat.ts inside the convex folder.
• This file will contain the backend function for the chat application.
• Example mutation: sendMessage with arguments user and body.
• The mutation uses insert to add a new document to the message table.
• Update the app.tsx file to use the created mutation.
• User inputs are streamed live to the database.

5. Upgrading the Simple Chat App to a Modern AI Chatbot

• The presenter upgraded the Convex simple chat app into a modern AI chatbot.
• The chatbot can assist with React development by providing code examples.
• A TypeScript file named AI was created with the Convex modular build.
• The file fetches responses using an API stored in the .env file (OpenAI API key).
• Convex provides documentation on retrieving APIs, using external tools, handling conversational context, and persistent memory.
• The presenter plugged and played different components into the app.
• The AI agent can provide information on various topics, and the responses are streamed back to the user.
• Message data and conversation IDs are listed in the Convex dashboard.

6. Testing the AI Agent in the Playground

• The AI agent can be tested in the Convex playground, which can be locally hosted or cloud-hosted.
• Launch the playground by pasting in the deployment URL.

7. Conclusion

• Convex's agent components provide an easy way to build AI agents.
• The open-source nature of Convex allows for easy customization and experimentation.
• The video encourages viewers to explore Convex and its capabilities.
• Links to resources and tools used in the video are provided in the description.