Getting Started from Scratch
Building a new AI application? Follow these steps in order:1
Create your Next.js project
Start with a fresh Next.js 14+ project:
2
Set up Civic Auth login
Use our AI-assisted prompt to quickly integrate Civic Auth into your Next.js app:
Next.js + Civic Auth Setup
AI-assisted setup - Automatically configure authentication in your Next.js project
3
Configure Nexus for your organization
Once authentication is working, set up Nexus to provide tools to your application:a) Visit nexus.civic.com and create your organization
b) Connect the services you want your AI to access (GitHub, Slack, Dropbox, etc.)
c) Get your Client ID from auth.civic.com
d) Link your Civic Auth Client ID in Nexus settings to enable authenticated tool access

Create your Nexus organization

Connect your tools

Get your Civic Auth Client ID

Link Client ID in Nexus
4
Integrate an AI SDK
Now you’re ready to add AI capabilities! Choose an SDK below and follow its recipe to connect your authenticated users to Nexus tools.
Already have a Next.js app with Civic Auth? Skip to Step 3 to configure Nexus, then choose your SDK integration below.
Choose Your Integration
Once you’ve completed the setup steps above, choose the SDK that matches your stack:Vercel AI SDK
Best for Next.js apps - Streaming support, built for React Server Components
OpenAI SDK (Agents)
Simplest setup - Automatic tool handling with hostedMcpTool()
Anthropic SDK
Native MCP support - Built directly into Messages API
OpenAI SDK
Full control - Manual function calling approach
Python (Pydantic)
Python applications - Type-safe integration with Pydantic
Need help choosing?
- Building a Next.js app? → Vercel AI SDK
- Want the simplest setup? → OpenAI SDK (Agents)
- Using Claude directly? → Anthropic SDK
- Python developer? → Python (Pydantic)
What You’ll Get
All integrations provide:- ✅ Authenticated access to user’s connected tools
- ✅ Automatic tool discovery - No manual configuration
- ✅ Secure token handling - OAuth tokens managed by Civic
- ✅ Real-time access - Tools reflect current user permissions
Need Help?
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