opencode
AI coding agent built for the terminal with native TUI and LSP support
What is opencode? Complete Overview
opencode is an advanced AI coding agent designed specifically for terminal users. It provides a seamless coding experience by integrating directly into your terminal environment with a responsive, native, and themeable terminal UI (TUI). The tool is LSP-enabled, automatically loading the right Language Server Protocols for the LLM being used. It supports a wide range of LLM providers, including local models, and allows users to start multiple agents in parallel on the same project. opencode is ideal for developers who prefer working in the terminal and want AI-powered coding assistance without leaving their workflow.
What Can opencode Do? Key Features
Native TUI
opencode offers a responsive, native, and themeable terminal UI that blends seamlessly into your terminal environment. The TUI is designed for efficiency and can be customized to match your preferred terminal theme, such as the popular tokyonight theme.
LSP Enabled
The tool automatically loads the right Language Server Protocols (LSPs) for the LLM being used, ensuring accurate code completion, syntax highlighting, and error detection. This feature enhances the coding experience by providing intelligent suggestions and real-time feedback.
Multi-session Support
Developers can start multiple agents in parallel on the same project, allowing for different contexts or tasks to be handled simultaneously. This is particularly useful for complex projects requiring multiple perspectives or debugging sessions.
Shareable Links
Any session can be shared via a link, making it easy to collaborate with team members or seek help from the community. This feature is invaluable for debugging, code reviews, and knowledge sharing.
Wide Model Support
opencode supports over 75+ LLM providers through Models.dev, including local models. Users can also log in with their Anthropic account to use Claude Pro or Max models, providing flexibility in choosing the best AI for their needs.
Best opencode Use Cases & Applications
Collaborative Debugging
A team of developers working on a complex bug can use opencode's multi-session feature to explore different solutions simultaneously. They can share session links to quickly get feedback from teammates, significantly reducing debugging time.
Educational Pair Programming
Instructors can use opencode to demonstrate coding concepts in real-time, with the AI providing additional explanations. Students can follow along in their terminals and ask questions by sharing their session links with the instructor.
Local Model Development
Developers working with local LLMs can leverage opencode's native terminal integration to test and refine their models without switching between different environments, maintaining a streamlined workflow.
How to Use opencode: Step-by-Step Guide
Install opencode using your preferred package manager. Options include npm (npm install -g opencode-ai), bun (bun install -g opencode-ai), homebrew (brew install sst/tap/opencode), or paru (paru -S opencode-bin).
Launch opencode in your terminal. The tool will automatically detect your environment and configure the necessary settings.
Configure your preferred LLM provider. You can use the curated list of models provided by opencode or connect to external providers through Models.dev. For Claude Pro users, log in with your Anthropic account.
Start coding with AI assistance. The LSP-enabled interface will provide real-time suggestions and error detection. You can start multiple sessions if needed.
Share your sessions via shareable links for collaboration or debugging purposes.
opencode Pros and Cons: Honest Review
Pros
Considerations
Is opencode Worth It? FAQ & Reviews
opencode works with most modern terminal emulators that support TUI applications, including iTerm2, Alacritty, and the default terminals on Linux, macOS, and Windows (WSL).
Yes, opencode supports local models through the Models.dev integration, allowing you to use your custom-trained or locally hosted LLMs.
Absolutely. opencode's TUI is themeable and can be customized to match your terminal's look and feel. Several popular themes are available, and you can create your own.
opencode automatically detects the programming language you're working with and loads the appropriate Language Server Protocol to provide intelligent code completion, error detection, and other language-specific features.
The free version offers basic functionality with limited model access, while the pro version unlocks premium models (like Claude Pro), multi-session support, and priority assistance.