> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.paradime.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Getting started with the DinoAI background agent
export const Arcade = ({src, title}) =>
;
DinoAI Agent runs autonomously in the background — executing dbt™ models, querying your warehouse, and opening PRs without you having to be in the IDE. Before your first run, you need to connect three things.
**New to Paradime? Start by setting up your workspace before using DinoAI.**
> ⚠️ **Note:** A CodeIDE connection is required during workspace onboarding — even if you plan to use the agent only. This requirement will be removed in a future update.
Follow our step-by-step guide to get started: [Setting up your Paradime workspace →](https://docs.paradime.io/app-help/guides/paradime-101/getting-started-with-your-paradime-workspace/creating-a-workspace)
**Before you start, make sure you have the following:**
* Admin access to your Paradime workspace
* GitHub organisation owner access (or someone on your team who does)
* Data warehouse credentials for DinoAI — we recommend a dedicated service account with scoped permissions
Watch the setup tour below, or follow the step-by-step docs.
### 1. Connect Slack
If Slack is already connected, disconnect and reconnect to pick up the new background agent permissions.
DinoAI communicates through Slack — progress updates, results, and errors all land in your connected workspace.
*Workspace Settings > Integrations > Paradime Slack App > Connect*
You'll be redirected to Slack to authorise the app. Sign in and approve the required permissions. Learn more [here](/integrations/slack).
***
### 2. Install the GitHub app
DinoAI needs GitHub access to push branches and open PRs against your connected repo. Learn more [here](/products/bolt/ci-cd/turbo-ci/github).
*Workspace Settings > Integrations > GitHub > Connect*
1. Authenticate with GitHub when redirected.
2. Select the repositories to connect — include the repo tied to your Paradime workspace.
3. Click **Install and authorize**.
You must be a **GitHub organisation owner** to install the app. If you're not, click **Authorize & Request** — this sends an automated approval request to your org owner.
***
### 3. Set up the agent environment
This is the warehouse connection DinoAI uses at runtime when executing models or running queries on your behalf.
*Account Settings > Connections > DinoAI Background Agent Environment*
Select your warehouse and follow the configuration guide for your platform:
**We recommend creating a dedicated service user with its own permissions for the background agent, with read-only access to your production database.**
***
**You are ready!**
Once all three are connected, DinoAI can run fully in the background. Head to Agent Mode to kick off your first task.
**Customise how DinoAI operates with `.dinorules`**
Want DinoAI to follow your team's conventions, coding standards, or workflow preferences? Add a `.dinorules` file to the root of your repository and merge it into your default branch — DinoAI will pick it up automatically at the start of every session.
\
[**Learn how to configure `.dinorules` →**](https://docs.paradime.io/app-help/documentation/dino-ai/dino-rules#example-.dinorules-file-configuration)
### Start your first DinoAI session
Setup done. **Time to wake DinoAI up 🦖**. Go to Slack and add the Paradime bot to the channel where you want DinoAI to operate.
To add an DinoAI to a Slack channel, either use the command `/invite @paradime` within that channel or click the channel name, go to the **Integrations** tab, select **Add an App**, and add Paradime.
Always use `@paradime` when sending messages to the DinoAI agent in Slack. Without it, the agent won't see or respond to your message.
Then send your first message to check it's listening:
> @paradime Hey Dino, are you there?
If everything is connected, DinoAI will respond and confirm it's ready to take on tasks.
From there, give it a real first task — something like:
> *"Dino, document all models in the marts folder that are missing descriptions."*
> *"Dino, create a new model that joins orders and customers on customer\_id."*
> *"Dino, run a quick check on our staging models and flag anything that looks off."*
DinoAI will pick it up, work in the background, and report back in the channel when it's done.
## Related topics
- [Getting started with the DinoAI background agent](/guides/paradime-101/getting-started-with-the-dinoai-background-agent/index.md)
- [DinoAI Background Agent environment](/products/settings/connections/dinoai-background-agent-environment/index.md)
- [DinoAI Background Agent Environment Variables](/products/settings/environment-variables/dinoai-background-agent-environment-variables.md)
- [Environment Variables](/products/settings/environment-variables/index.md)
- [Snowflake DinoAI Agent Key-Pair Setup](/guides/paradime-101/getting-started-with-the-dinoai-background-agent/snowflake-dinoai-agent-key-pair-setup.md)