Open-source coding agents compared
The coding agents in our catalog whose source you can read, side by side: the license, where each one runs, and which models it can use. Claude Code is at the end as the closed reference point most people compare against.
Open source here means an OSI license on the agent, as stated in its LICENSE file. An open agent does not make the model open: unless you point it at a local model, your prompts and code go to the model provider you configure. The Models column mentions local models only where the project documents them.
At a glance
Stars and last push come from GitHub; every other column restates the tool's own docs.
| Tool | Where it runs | Models | License | Install | Stars | Last push |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aider | Terminal, inside your git repo | Most cloud LLMs and local models | Apache-2.0 | Install with pip and aider-install | 49,554 | |
| Gemini CLI | Terminal, headless mode for scripts, a GitHub Action | Gemini, through Code Assist Standard or Enterprise, the Gemini API or Vertex AI | Apache-2.0 | Install globally with npm | 107,372 | |
| OpenAI Codex CLI | Terminal, plus codex exec for scripts and CI | OpenAI models, through a ChatGPT plan or an API key | Apache-2.0 | Install with the standalone installer (macOS, Linux) | 129,272 | |
| OpenCode | Terminal (TUI), desktop app, local web interface | Many providers, connected with /connect; optional OpenCode Go subscription | MIT | Install OpenCode 2 with npm | 213,573 | |
| Qwen Code | Terminal; VS Code, Zed and JetBrains; desktop app; experimental web UI | Qwen, OpenAI, Anthropic and Gemini APIs; local models through Ollama or vLLM | Apache-2.0 | Install with npm (Node.js 22+) | 28,487 | |
| Kilo Code | VS Code, JetBrains, terminal, web | 500+ models, switchable mid-task, at the provider's rate | MIT | Install the CLI with npm | 27,607 | |
| Cline | VS Code, JetBrains (plugin not open source), terminal, desktop app | Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, OpenRouter, Bedrock, Ollama, LM Studio, any OpenAI-compatible API | Apache-2.0 | Install the CLI with npm | 70,339 | |
| goose | Desktop app for macOS, Linux and Windows; CLI; API | 15+ providers including Ollama; Claude, ChatGPT or Gemini subscriptions through ACP | Apache-2.0 | Install the CLI with the install script | 55,293 | |
| OpenHands | Self-hosted Agent Canvas on a laptop, Docker, VMs or OpenHands Cloud | Runs the OpenHands agent or drives Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, OpenCode and other ACP agents | MIT | Install Agent Canvas with npm | 90,928 | |
| Crush | Terminal on macOS, Linux, Windows, Android and BSDs | Many providers, OpenAI- or Anthropic-compatible APIs, Ollama, LM Studio | FSL-1.1-MIT | Install with npm | 28,644 | |
| Claude Code | Terminal, VS Code, JetBrains, desktop app, web | Claude, with a Claude subscription or Anthropic Console account | Proprietary | Install with the native installer (macOS, Linux, WSL) | 150,924 |
Terminal first
-
Pair programs with an LLM in your terminal, editing files in your git repo and committing each change
Pick it if you want every change recorded as a git commit and your choice of model provider, including local models.
- 49.6k stars
- 39.5 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- v0.86.0 on
- Apache-2.0
Install with pip and aider-install
python -m pip install aider-install aider-installUse it when, skip it if, stats for Aider
Why you'd want it
Aider builds a map of your whole codebase so it can work in larger projects, and it commits its changes to git with descriptive messages so you can diff and undo them with normal git tools. It connects to most cloud LLMs and to local models, can lint and test after every edit and fix what fails, and also takes requests from comments you add in your editor. Images, web pages and voice input can be added to the chat.
Best for
- Git-centric terminal workflows
- Bring-your-own-model setups, including local models
- Editing existing codebases
Use it when
You want an agent that records every change as a git commit and lets you choose the model provider, including local models.
Skip it if
You want an IDE-native agent with visual diffs, or you do not want to manage your own model API keys.
Stats
- Stars
- 49,554
- Last push
- Release
- v0.86.0,
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- macOS, Linux, Windows
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 39.5
- Tier
- Standard, not ranked
-
Brings Gemini models into the terminal to query and edit codebases, run shell commands and search the web
Pick it if your organization has a Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise license, or pays for Gemini API or Vertex AI access.
- 107k stars
- 197 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- v0.64.0 on
- Apache-2.0
Install globally with npm
npm install -g @google/gemini-cliUse it when, skip it if, stats for Gemini CLI
Why you'd want it
Gemini CLI is a terminal agent with built-in file, shell, web fetch and Google Search grounding tools, and it adds MCP servers configured in ~/.gemini/settings.json. It reads project context from GEMINI.md, can checkpoint and resume sessions, and has a headless mode with JSON and streaming JSON output for scripts. A separate GitHub Action uses it for PR reviews and issue triage.
Best for
- Teams with a Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise license
- Google Cloud and Vertex AI users
- Scripted runs that need JSON output
Use it when
Your organization has a Gemini Code Assist Standard or Enterprise license, or you pay for Gemini API or Vertex AI access, and you want a terminal agent on Gemini models.
Skip it if
You planned to use it for free with a personal Google account or through Google AI Pro or Ultra: Gemini CLI stopped serving those users on June 18, 2026 and Google points them to Antigravity CLI.
Stats
- Stars
- 107,372
- Last push
- Release
- v0.64.0,
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- macOS, Linux, Windows, VS Code
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 197
- Tier
- Standard, not ranked
-
Runs OpenAI's coding agent locally to inspect your repo, edit files and run commands from the terminal
Pick it if you have a ChatGPT plan or an OpenAI API key and want control over sandboxing and approvals on each run.
- 129k stars
- 235 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- rust-v0.162.1 on
- Apache-2.0
Install with the standalone installer (macOS, Linux)
curl -fsSL https://chatgpt.com/codex/install.sh | shUse it when, skip it if, stats for OpenAI Codex CLI
Why you'd want it
Codex CLI works against your local repository with the tools already installed on your machine, and you choose the model, reasoning effort, permissions and sandbox for each run. You can use it interactively or call
codex execfrom scripts and CI, run a review against uncommitted changes, a commit or a base branch, add MCP servers withcodex mcp, and hand work off to Codex cloud. You sign in with a ChatGPT plan or use an API key.Best for
- ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, Edu or Enterprise users
- Scripted runs in CI with codex exec
- Reviewing changes before a commit
Use it when
You want a terminal coding agent on OpenAI models with control over sandboxing and approvals, and you have a ChatGPT plan or OpenAI API key.
Skip it if
You have neither a ChatGPT plan nor an OpenAI API key, or you would rather work in an editor, where OpenAI points you to its IDE extension or the Codex app.
Stats
- Stars
- 129,272
- Last push
- Release
- rust-v0.162.1,
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- macOS, Linux, Windows, VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 235
- Tier
- Standard, not ranked
-
Runs an open-source coding agent in your terminal, desktop app or browser with the LLM provider you choose
Pick it if you want an MIT-licensed agent with a TUI, a desktop app and a local web interface that works with many model providers.
- 214k stars
- 401 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- v1.19.0 on
- MIT
Install OpenCode 2 with npm
npm install -g @opencode/cliUse it when, skip it if, stats for OpenCode
Why you'd want it
OpenCode has two built-in agents you switch between with Tab: build, with full access for development work, and plan, which is read-only, denies file edits by default and asks before running bash commands. It supports many LLM providers out of the box, connected from the TUI with /connect, and extends through MCP servers, plugins, agent skills and custom commands. The team also sells OpenCode Go, a subscription for open-source models, but you can use your own provider keys instead.
Best for
- Terminal users who want provider choice
- Separating read-only planning from editing
- Using the same agent from a TUI, desktop app or web UI
Use it when
You want an MIT-licensed coding agent that works with many model providers and offers a TUI, a desktop app and a local web interface.
Skip it if
You install CLI tools through Windows package managers, which OpenCode 2 does not support; also note OpenCode 1 and 2 cannot be installed side by side under the default command.
Stats
- Stars
- 213,573
- Last push
- Release
- v1.19.0,
- License
- MIT
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- macOS, Linux, Windows, Web, Docker
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 401
- Tier
- Standard, not ranked
-
Runs a coding agent in your terminal that works with Qwen, OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini or local models
Pick it if you want a terminal agent not tied to one model vendor, or Qwen models in particular. The free Qwen OAuth tier ended on 2026-04-15.
- 28.5k stars
- 59.8 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- sdk-typescript-v0.1.19 on
- Apache-2.0
Install with npm (Node.js 22+)
npm install -g @qwen-code/qwen-code@latestUse it when, skip it if, stats for Qwen Code
Why you'd want it
Qwen Code was originally based on Gemini CLI v0.8.2 and has been developed independently since v0.1. It supports OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini and Qwen APIs, other third-party providers and local models through Ollama or vLLM, and you can switch provider at runtime. Beyond the terminal it has VS Code, Zed and JetBrains integrations, a desktop app, an experimental web UI, a headless
qwen -pmode and TypeScript, Python and Java SDKs.Best for
- Running Qwen models in an agent
- Mixing hosted and local models
- Scripted runs in headless mode
Use it when
You want a terminal coding agent that is not tied to one model vendor, or you specifically want to use Qwen models.
Skip it if
You were counting on the free Qwen OAuth tier, which the docs say was discontinued on 2026-04-15; you now need an API key, an Alibaba Cloud plan or a local model. Its docs say optional usage statistics can be collected, so check the setting.
Stats
- Stars
- 28,487
- Last push
- Release
- sdk-typescript-v0.1.19,
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- macOS, Linux, Windows, VS Code, JetBrains, Zed, Web
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 59.8
- Tier
- Standard, not ranked
In your editor
- Rank 15
Writes and edits code from natural language in VS Code, JetBrains or the terminal, using a model you pick
Pick it if you want the same agent in VS Code, JetBrains and the terminal and want to switch models per task.
- score 46
- 27.6k stars
- 47.3 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- jetbrains/v7.1.9 on
- MIT
Install the CLI with npm
npm install -g @kilocode/cliUse it when, skip it if, stats for Kilo Code
Why you'd want it
Kilo Code ships Code, Plan, Ask and Debug agents, supports custom agents, and lets you switch between 500+ models mid-task at the provider's rate, per its README. It also offers inline autocomplete, terminal and browser control, and a marketplace for agents, skills, MCP servers and plugins. The CLI is a fork of OpenCode and has a kilo run --auto mode for CI pipelines.
Best for
- Teams split across VS Code and JetBrains
- Switching models mid-task
- Unattended agent runs in CI
Use it when
You want the same coding agent in VS Code, JetBrains and the terminal, and want to choose or switch the model per task.
Skip it if
The README's VS Code setup has you create a Kilo account to reach its model catalog, so skip it if you want no vendor account in the loop. If you already run OpenCode, the Kilo CLI adds little since it is a fork of it.
Stats
- Stars
- 27,607
- Last push
- Release
- jetbrains/v7.1.9,
- License
- MIT
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- VS Code, JetBrains, macOS, Linux, Windows, Web
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 47.3
- New and rising score
- 46 of 100
-
Runs an approval-based coding agent in VS Code, JetBrains, the terminal or a desktop app with any model
Pick it if you want an agent in VS Code or JetBrains that shows each edit as a diff and asks before each change.
- 70.3k stars
- 84.7 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- desktop-v0.0.46 on
- Apache-2.0
Install the CLI with npm
npm i -g clineUse it when, skip it if, stats for Cline
Why you'd want it
Cline edits files across a project, runs terminal commands and reacts to their output, and in VS Code and JetBrains each edit appears as a diff with checkpoints so you can undo its work. Plan mode explores the codebase and proposes a strategy before Act mode carries it out, and every edit and command needs your approval unless you turn on auto-approve. It works with Anthropic, OpenAI, Gemini, OpenRouter, Bedrock, Ollama, LM Studio and any OpenAI-compatible API, and extends through MCP servers, SDK plugins and .clinerules files.
Best for
- VS Code and JetBrains users
- Developers who want to approve each action
- Bring-your-own-model or local-model setups
Use it when
You want an agent inside your editor that asks before each change, and you want to pick the model provider yourself.
Skip it if
You need every client to be open source (the JetBrains plugin is not), or you want an agent that runs without per-step approvals by default.
Stats
- Stars
- 70,339
- Last push
- Release
- desktop-v0.0.46,
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- VS Code, JetBrains, macOS, Windows
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 84.7
- Tier
- Standard, not ranked
Desktop app or your own server
-
Runs a general-purpose AI agent on your machine as a desktop app, CLI or embeddable API
Pick it if you want a local agent for code and other work, not tied to one vendor, that you extend with MCP servers.
- 55.3k stars
- 70.7 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- v1.54.0 on
- Apache-2.0
Install the CLI with the install script
curl -fsSL https://github.com/aaif-goose/goose/releases/download/stable/download_cli.sh | bashUse it when, skip it if, stats for goose
Why you'd want it
goose is a local agent for code as well as research, writing, automation and data analysis, available as a desktop app for macOS, Linux and Windows, a CLI and an API. It works with 15+ providers including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Ollama, OpenRouter, Azure and Bedrock, and can use existing Claude, ChatGPT or Gemini subscriptions through ACP. It connects to 70+ extensions over MCP, and you can build custom distributions with preconfigured providers, extensions and branding.
Best for
- Agents for tasks beyond coding
- Desktop app users who also want a CLI
- Teams building an internal agent distribution
Use it when
You want an open-source local agent that is not tied to one model vendor and that you extend with MCP servers.
Skip it if
You want a coding agent built into your IDE; goose runs as its own desktop app or CLI.
Stats
- Stars
- 55,293
- Last push
- Release
- v1.54.0,
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- macOS, Linux, Windows
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 70.7
- Tier
- Standard, not ranked
-
Runs OpenHands, Claude Code, Codex and other ACP agents from a self-hosted control center
Pick it if you want agents to keep working on a server or in Docker sandboxes and to start them from Slack or GitHub.
- 90.9k stars
- 96.1 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- v1.27.1 on
- MIT
Install Agent Canvas with npm
npm install -g @openhands/agent-canvas agent-canvasUse it when, skip it if, stats for OpenHands
Why you'd want it
The OpenHands repo now ships Agent Canvas, a self-hosted UI that runs the open-source OpenHands agent and can also drive Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, OpenCode or any ACP-compatible agent. Agents run on Agent Server backends on your laptop, in Docker containers, on VMs or in OpenHands Cloud, and you switch between backends from one frontend. Automations run on a schedule or on webhook events and connect to Slack, GitHub, Linear and Notion.
Best for
- Teams running always-on agents on their own servers
- Running several agents in isolated Docker containers
- Scheduled and webhook-driven agent automations
Use it when
You want coding agents on a server or in Docker sandboxes so they keep working when your laptop is closed, and you want to trigger them from Slack or GitHub.
Skip it if
You just want one agent in your terminal or editor; the npm install runs the agent server directly on your machine with full filesystem access unless you use the Docker option, and it needs Node.js 24 and uv.
Stats
- Stars
- 90,928
- Last push
- Release
- v1.27.1,
- License
- MIT
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- macOS, Linux, Windows, Docker
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 96.1
- Tier
- Standard, not ranked
Source-available, not OSI open source
Crush publishes its source under FSL-1.1-MIT, which bars competing commercial use until each version converts to MIT two years after release.
- Rank 20
Runs a terminal coding agent from Charm that works with your choice of LLM and uses LSPs for context
Pick it if you want a terminal agent that uses your language servers and any model provider, and the FSL-1.1-MIT terms work for you.
- score 42
- 28.6k stars
- 56 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- v0.98.1 on
- FSL-1.1-MIT
Install with npm
npm install -g @charmland/crushUse it when, skip it if, stats for Crush
Why you'd want it
Crush lets you pick from many LLM providers, or add your own through OpenAI- or Anthropic-compatible APIs and local runtimes such as Ollama and LM Studio, and switch models mid-session without losing context. It keeps multiple sessions per project, pulls extra context from language servers, and extends through MCP servers over http, stdio and sse, plus agent skills and hooks. It runs in terminals on macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, FreeBSD, OpenBSD and NetBSD.
Best for
- Terminal users on any OS, including the BSDs
- Switching models mid-session
- LSP-aware context for the agent
Use it when
You want a terminal agent that is not tied to one model vendor and can use the language servers you already run.
Skip it if
You need an OSI open-source license: Crush uses FSL-1.1-MIT, which bars competing commercial use until a version converts to MIT after two years.
Stats
- Stars
- 28,644
- Last push
- Release
- v0.98.1,
- License
- FSL-1.1-MIT
- Pricing
- Free
- Works with
- macOS, Linux, Windows
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 56
- New and rising score
- 42 of 100
The closed reference point
-
Reads your codebase, edits files, runs commands and handles git work from the terminal, IDE, desktop or web
Not open source: Claude Code is proprietary, and most of its surfaces need a Claude subscription or an Anthropic Console account.
- 151k stars
- 252 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- v2.1.300 on
- Proprietary
Install with the native installer (macOS, Linux, WSL)
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bashUse it when, skip it if, stats for Claude Code
Why you'd want it
Claude Code runs in the terminal, VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, a desktop app and the browser, and every surface shares the same CLAUDE.md files, settings and MCP servers. It plans multi-file changes, runs tests, stages commits and opens pull requests, and it can read an existing AGENTS.md. Subagents, skills, hooks and a non-interactive
claude -pmode let you script it in CI, and the Agent SDK exposes the same tools for building your own agents.Best for
- Developers who want one agent across terminal and IDE
- Teams automating PR review and issue triage in CI
- Builders working with Claude models
Use it when
You want an agent that works across a whole repo, runs your tools and handles git, and you have a Claude subscription or Anthropic Console account.
Skip it if
You need an open-source agent or have no Claude subscription or Anthropic Console account; Claude Code is proprietary and most surfaces require one of them.
Stats
- Stars
- 150,924
- Last push
- Release
- v2.1.300,
- License
- Proprietary
- Pricing
- Paid
- Works with
- VS Code, Cursor, JetBrains, macOS, Linux, Windows, Web
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 252
- Tier
- Standard, not ranked
Newer options worth a look
New and rising tools from the catalog that this guide does not compare yet, by new and rising score. Younger and less proven than the picks above: read each one's skip-it-if first.
- Rank 6
Runs several CLI coding agents side by side, each in its own git worktree, in one desktop app
- score 61
- 92.7k stars
- 437 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- v1.4.226 on
- MIT
Download the app, or install with Homebrew on macOS
brew install --cask stablyai/orca/orcaUse it when, skip it if, stats for Orca
Why you'd want it
Orca is a desktop app for running Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, Pi and other terminal agents in parallel, each in an isolated git worktree, so you can fan one prompt across several agents, compare the results and merge the one you want. It combines terminal splits, VS Code's editor, an embedded Chromium with a Design Mode that sends an element's HTML, CSS and a screenshot into a prompt, GitHub and Linear task views, SSH worktrees on remote machines and inline comments on AI diffs. A CLI lets agents drive Orca themselves, and iOS and Android companion apps notify you when an agent finishes and let you send follow-ups.
Best for
- Comparing several agents on one task
- Managing many worktrees in one place
- Steering agents from a phone
Use it when
You run several CLI coding agents at once and want one window for their worktrees, terminals, diffs and reviews instead of juggling terminal tabs.
Skip it if
You prefer a terminal-only setup or use one agent at a time. It collects anonymous usage data unless you opt out, its Computer Use feature lets agents operate desktop apps, and it ships releases almost daily with a large open issue and pull request backlog.
Stats
- Stars
- 92,678
- Last push
- Release
- v1.4.226,
- License
- MIT
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, macOS, Windows, Linux
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 437
- New and rising score
- 61 of 100
- Rank 7
Keeps coding agent terminals running in a background server and marks each pane as working, blocked or idle
- score 59
- 44.1k stars
- 219 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- v0.9.5 on
- Apache-2.0
Install with Homebrew
brew install herdrUse it when, skip it if, stats for herdr
Why you'd want it
herdr is a terminal workspace for coding agents, a single Rust binary that runs inside the terminal you already use. Terminals keep running in a background server when you close the client or lose an SSH connection, and after a restart it restores the saved layout and can resume supported agent sessions. Every pane is marked working, blocked or idle, local and saved SSH machines share one window, and agents can drive herdr through its CLI and socket API to spawn panes, prompt each other and wait until another agent is blocked. It runs Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, OpenCode and other agents without wrapping them, with tmux-style prefix keys and mouse control.
Best for
- Running many terminal agents side by side
- Detaching from long agent runs
- Agents on remote machines over SSH
Use it when
You run several CLI coding agents at once, often over SSH, and want to detach, come back and see which one needs an answer.
Skip it if
You already have a tmux setup you like and run one agent at a time. Agents can use herdr's socket API to spawn panes and prompt other agents, and after a server or machine restart the original processes are gone, only the layout and supported sessions come back.
Stats
- Stars
- 44,074
- Last push
- Release
- v0.9.5,
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, macOS, Linux, Windows
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 219
- New and rising score
- 59 of 100
- Rank 14
Runs coding agents in a least-privilege sandbox with per-tool filesystem, network and credential rules
- score 47
- 4.5k stars
- 17.5 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- v0.80.0 on
- Apache-2.0
Install with Homebrew
brew install nonoUse it when, skip it if, stats for nono
Why you'd want it
nono wraps an agent such as Claude Code, Codex or Pi in a sandbox with no daemon, container or VM, and shows the exact filesystem, network and credential access before applying it. Profiles for common agents are pulled from the nono registry and can be extended into an editable JSON profile. Tools the agent calls, such as git, gh, curl or kubectl, can run in their own command sandboxes with separate filesystem and network policy, and credentials reach them through a proxy that can filter by HTTP method and path.
Best for
- Sandboxing Claude Code, Codex or Pi locally
- Scoping credentials to one tool
- Sharing reviewed agent profiles with a team
Use it when
You want to run a coding agent on your own machine with explicit filesystem, network and credential limits, without setting up containers or VMs.
Skip it if
You want VM or container isolation; the README says nono runs with no daemon, container or VM. APIs may still change before 1.0, and Windows is supported through WSL2. It runs agent commands and brokers credentials, so review a profile's grants before pulling it from the registry.
Stats
- Stars
- 4,504
- Last push
- Release
- v0.80.0,
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- Claude Code, Codex, macOS, Linux, Windows
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 17.5
- New and rising score
- 47 of 100
- Rank 27
Blocks destructive git and file commands and reads of secret files before a coding agent's tool call runs
- score 37
- 1.6k stars
- 5.6 stars/day since creation
- pushed
- v2.6.12 on
- MIT
Install into your coding CLIs with npx
npx -y cc-safety-net@latest install npx -y cc-safety-net@latest doctorUse it when, skip it if, stats for CC Safety Net
Why you'd want it
CC Safety Net installs as a pre-execution hook in coding CLIs including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini CLI, OpenCode and Copilot CLI, and parses what each command does, so wrapping it in bash -c or python -c or reordering flags does not hide it. It blocks commands such as git reset --hard, git push --force and rm -rf on dangerous targets, and access to SSH keys, .env files, ~/.aws and coding CLI credentials. Presets are tuned in a local GUI, official rulebooks add blocks for Terraform, AWS, gcloud and Azure, and committing .cc-safety-net/ shares the policy through git.
Best for
- Stopping agent force pushes and hard resets
- Keeping agents away from .env files and SSH keys
- Teams running several coding CLIs
Use it when
You let a coding agent run shell commands and want a check that refuses destructive git and file operations before they execute.
Skip it if
You need containment: the README says it is not a sandbox and does not contain processes, set filesystem permissions or watch network egress. It is maintained mostly by one developer and needs Node.js 18 or higher.
Stats
- Stars
- 1,632
- Last push
- Release
- v2.6.12,
- License
- MIT
- Pricing
- Open source
- Works with
- Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini CLI, macOS, Linux, Windows
- Stars per day, since repo creation
- 5.6
- New and rising score
- 37 of 100
How we chose
Picked from the 95 tools in our catalog, each verified against its own repository and docs; 11 made this guide. Within each group, new and rising tools come first, sorted by the new and rising score (star velocity, recent pushes and releases, repo age and an editorial weight), then the standards, the well-known tools, by name. It is not a benchmark. The number beside a tool is its rank in the full new and rising ledger, not within this guide; standards are not ranked. Install commands are copied from each project's docs; every tool page links to the page they came from. GitHub signals (stars, last push, latest release) were fetched on 2026-10-15. How the new and rising score works.
Crush is listed separately because its license is source-available rather than OSI open source. Hermes Agent is left out because its entry describes a self-hosted agent you reach from the terminal or chat apps rather than a coding tool; it is in Claude Code alternatives, along with Cursor and GitHub Copilot, which are proprietary.
For agents: this guide as markdown at /guides/open-source-coding-agents-compared.md, and every guide in /tools.json.