GitHub – shlokkhemani/openpoke: Open source implementation of Poke

OpenPoke: A Lightweight, Open-Source Multi-Agent Assistant You Can Run Locally

What this post covers:
This post introduces OpenPoke and why it matters for teams experimenting with agent orchestration.
It explains core capabilities, quick setup ideas, and practical scenarios for enterprise-adjacent workflows.
Why this matters to you:

• You want a simple, reproducible multi-agent stack you can run locally.
• You need examples of agent patterns like email triage and persistent assistants.
• You prefer code-first projects with an open license and minimal dependencies.

Begin with a moment:
Imagine an assistant that filters your inbox, nudges you on important threads, and runs in a folder on your laptop.
Would you trust it more if you could inspect every component and run it yourself?
OpenPoke shows that this is possible with a focused, open approach.

What OpenPoke is
OpenPoke is a simplified, open-source reimagining of a multi-agent assistant designed to be useful and easy to spin up locally.
It keeps the core uses that matter: email triage, reminders, and persistent agents that maintain state across sessions.

Why it’s useful
Do you want a playground for agent orchestration without cloud lock-in?
OpenPoke gives you that playground while keeping integrations clear and auditable.

Setup at a glance
Clone the repository, create a shared environment file, and add your service keys.
Run the backend server and the frontend app so the web UI can proxy API calls to your local server.
Connect your email provider to enable drafting, replying, and important-email monitoring.

Real-world analogy
Think of OpenPoke as a bench-top lab for agents.
You assemble modules, run experiments, and inspect behavior under a microscope.

My short test
I cloned the repo and connected an email account for a quick trial.
The persistent agent kept context between sessions and flagged important threads as intended.
That made experimenting faster than wiring up a cloud sandbox.

Where to explore
If you want to try it yourself, the project is available on GitHub: https://github.com/shlokkhemani/openpoke.
The project uses a permissive open license and is built for local development and learning.

Forward view
If your goal is to learn how agents coordinate and persist state, start with a small, transparent stack.
OpenPoke is a practical way to move from curiosity to repeatable experiments that inform production designs.