Master OpenAI Swarm with our step-by-step tutorial, detailed feature walkthrough, and expert tips.
Note: OpenAI recommends using the OpenAI Agents SDK for new supported agent projects. For educational purposes only: install Python
10+ and clone from https://github.com/openai/swarm. Install OpenAI dependencies and configure an OpenAI API key in environment variables. Review the repository README and any migration guidance before starting new work. Explore historical examples for learning coordination loops, customer service routing, and shopping assistance patterns. Transition to OpenAI Agents SDK documentation at https://openai.github.io/openai
python/ for production development.
💡 Quick Start: Follow these 3 steps in order to get up and running with OpenAI Swarm quickly.
Explore the key features that make OpenAI Swarm powerful for multi-agent builders workflows.
Uses an Agent class pattern combining instructions with executable functions, making agent behavior easy to inspect and teach.
Uses explicit handoff functions for agent-to-agent task transfer, creating a readable coordination pattern for examples and prototypes.
Demonstrates explicit state management through intentionally stateless design, helping learners see what production frameworks must add.
Implements simple dictionary-based context passing that teaches fundamental inter-agent communication patterns.
Provides educational examples covering customer service, shopping assistance, and support-style coordination scenarios.
Shows relatively direct OpenAI Chat Completions API usage, helping developers understand the underlying calls behind agent behavior.
Now that you know how to use OpenAI Swarm, it's time to put this knowledge into practice.
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Tutorial updated March 2026