---
title: Quick examples
summary: Common Holon tasks you can try after completing the Getting Started guide.
order: 15
---
# Quick Examples
Common Holon tasks you can try after completing the [Getting Started guide](/getting-started/first-agent.md).
## 1. One-Shot Question
Ask a question without creating a persistent agent:
```bash
holon run "Explain how Rust ownership works in three sentences"
```
Use `--json` for machine-readable output:
```bash
holon run --json "List files in the current directory"
```
## 2. Create an Agent
Create a named agent that persists across sessions:
```bash
holon agent create reviewer
```
Create an agent from a built-in template:
```bash
holon agent create reviewer --template holon-reviewer
```
Then interact with it:
```bash
holon run --agent reviewer "Review the changes in src/runtime/turn.rs"
```
## 3. Switch Models
Change the global default model:
```bash
holon config set model.default "deepseek-anthropic/deepseek-v4-pro"
```
Set a per-agent model override:
```bash
holon agent model set "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6" reviewer
```
Check which model an agent uses:
```bash
holon agent model get reviewer
```
## 4. Run as a Background Daemon
Start the daemon:
```bash
holon daemon start
```
Check daemon status:
```bash
holon daemon status
```
View daemon logs:
```bash
holon daemon logs
```
Stop the daemon:
```bash
holon daemon stop
```
Start with a specific access mode:
```bash
holon daemon start --access tunnel
```
## 5. Use the Terminal UI (TUI)
Launch the interactive terminal UI locally:
```bash
holon tui
```
Connect to a remote daemon via TUI:
```bash
holon tui --connect http://your-server:8787 --token "your-token"
```
Or read the token from a file:
```bash
holon tui --connect http://your-server:8787 --token-file ~/.holon/remote.token
```
Use a stored token profile:
```bash
holon tui --connect http://your-server:8787 --token-profile my-profile
```
If the terminal renders incorrectly, disable the alternate screen:
```bash
holon tui --no-alt-screen
```
In the TUI, type `/` to open the slash command menu. Use `/model` to
switch models, `/agent` to manage agents, and `/help` to see all commands.
See the [TUI guide](/guides/tui/) for the full slash command reference.
## 6. Start the HTTP Server
Expose the control plane as an HTTP API:
```bash
holon serve --port 8787
```
With access control:
```bash
holon serve --port 8787 --token "your-secret-token"
```
## 7. Set Up API Credentials
Store an API key securely (preferred method):
```bash
holon config credentials set --kind api_key --stdin deepseek
# Paste your API key and press Enter, then Ctrl+D
```
Or use an environment variable:
```bash
export DEEPSEEK_API_KEY="sk-..."
holon run "Hello"
```
Verify credentials are working:
```bash
holon config doctor
```
## 8. Inspect Configuration
View all current configuration:
```bash
holon config list
```
See all available configuration keys with defaults:
```bash
holon config schema
```
List configured providers:
```bash
holon config providers list
```
List available models:
```bash
holon config models list
```
## 9. Run a Multi-Turn Task
Limit the maximum number of turns:
```bash
holon run --max-turns 5 "Write a Rust function that reverses a string, with tests"
```
Run in a specific workspace:
```bash
holon run --workspace-root /path/to/project "Analyze this codebase"
```
## 10. Create an Agent with a Custom Workspace
```bash
holon agent create my-builder
holon run --agent my-builder --workspace-root /path/to/project "Build the project"
```
## See Also
- [Getting Started](/getting-started/first-agent.md) — Full step-by-step tutorial
- [Configuration Reference](/reference/configuration.md) — All config keys and credential management
- [CLI Reference](/reference/cli.md) — Complete command-line reference
- [Troubleshooting](/guides/troubleshooting.md) — Common issues and solutions
- [Integration Guide](/guides/integration.md) — HTTP control plane integration