openclaude
runs anywhere. uses anything
Open-source CLI AI coding assistant that works with any AI model provider, OpenAI, Gemini, local Ollama, or others, giving you Claude-like code help without vendor lock-in.
OpenClaude is an open-source command-line AI coding assistant that works like Anthropic's Claude Code tool but lets you plug in any AI model provider you prefer — OpenAI, Google Gemini, local models running on your own machine via Ollama, GitHub Models, and many others. The name plays on "Claude Code" but the core value is provider flexibility rather than being tied to Anthropic's service.
This is aimed at developers who want an AI assistant that helps them write, edit, and navigate code directly in the terminal, without being locked into paying for one specific AI service. If you already have credits with OpenAI, or want to run a local model for free without sending your code to any cloud service, OpenClaude lets you do that with the same familiar interface.
The tool handles the full coding-assistant workflow: reading and writing files, running shell commands, searching codebases, browsing the web for information, and carrying out multi-step tasks where it needs to use several tools in sequence. You can even configure different AI models for different types of tasks — using a cheaper, faster model for exploration and a more capable one for complex planning — to optimize for cost.
Setting up requires installing it via npm (a package manager developers use to install JavaScript tools) and configuring your chosen AI provider's API key. There's also a VS Code extension for integration with the popular code editor. Beginner-friendly setup guides are included for Windows, Mac, and Linux. For developers comfortable in the terminal, it installs in seconds.
Where it fits
- Write and edit code in the terminal with AI assistance without paying for a specific service.
- Run local AI models via Ollama to keep your code private and avoid cloud uploads.
- Use cheaper models for quick exploration and more capable ones for complex tasks to reduce costs.
- Integrate AI coding help into your existing terminal workflow or VS Code editor.