How to Use Sourcegraph Amp in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Sourcegraph's agentic coding tool that plans and executes large, multi-file code changes autonomously, with deep codebase search built in.
Amp is Sourcegraph's agentic coding assistant, built on top of Sourcegraph's code-search engine to give the agent deep context across large, multi-repo codebases.
Core Capabilities
Codebase-Aware Planning Uses Sourcegraph's search index to understand a repository's structure before making changes, reducing the "agent edits the wrong file" failure mode common in less context-aware tools.
Multi-File Autonomous Edits Plans and executes changes spanning many files in a single task — refactors, dependency upgrades, and cross-cutting feature additions — rather than one file at a time.
Thread-Based Sessions Work happens in shareable "threads" that log the agent's reasoning and actions, so teammates can review what Amp did and why, similar to reviewing a PR description.
IDE and CLI Access Available as a VS Code/JetBrains extension and a standalone CLI, fitting into existing developer workflows rather than requiring a new editor.
Positioning
Targets larger, messier enterprise codebases where context window and search quality matter more than in small greenfield projects — Sourcegraph's traditional customer base.
Pricing
Usage-based pricing billed per token/action; free trial credits available.
What You'll Need
- A Sourcegraph Amp account (starting from Pay-as-you-go)
- A modern web browser or the Sourcegraph Amp app
- Payment method for paid features
Getting Started
Create Your Account
Visit https://ampcode.com and sign up for a usage-based account. You'll need an email address to register.
Start Your First Conversation
Once logged in, you'll see the main chat interface. Type a question or task in the input box and press Enter. Sourcegraph Amp supports coding-agent, codebase-search, multi-file-edits, enterprise-scale — start with a simple text prompt to get familiar.
Pro Tips
- Be specific: The more context you provide, the better the response. Instead of "write an email," try "write a professional follow-up email to a client who hasn't responded in two weeks."
- Iterate: If you don't get what you need, ask for clarification or refinement: "Make it shorter" or "Use a more formal tone."
- Use examples: Show Sourcegraph Amp what format you want by including an example in your prompt.
- Save useful conversations: Most platforms let you name and revisit conversations — organize by project or topic.
Common Use Cases
Programming & Code
AI assistants focused on writing, debugging, and explaining code across programming languages.
Browse Programming & Code chatbots →Troubleshooting
- Responses seem generic or unhelpful
- Add more context to your prompt. Specify the audience, tone, length, and format you need. Try starting over with a clearer description of your goal.
- The tool isn't responding or is slow
- AI chatbots can experience high traffic. Refresh the page and try again. Check the service's status page if issues persist.
- Output is too long or too short
- Explicitly specify the length: "in 100 words," "as a brief summary," or "in detail with examples."
Get Weekly Chatbot Tips
Not sure which AI tool is right for you? Our newsletter covers reviews, tutorials, and comparisons weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Sourcegraph Amp free to use?
- Sourcegraph Amp requires a paid subscription, starting from Pay-as-you-go.
- Do I need an account to use Sourcegraph Amp?
- Yes, you need to create an account to use Sourcegraph Amp.
- What can I use Sourcegraph Amp for?
- Sourcegraph's agentic coding tool that plans and executes large, multi-file code changes autonomously, with deep codebase search built in.
Related Guides
Know a tool we're missing? Submit it free →