Practical overview
When it fits
Use Zero when you want repository-aware coding assistance from a terminal and need to choose the model provider or control permissions for file changes, shell commands, network access and workspace boundaries.
Who it is for
- Developers who want an AI agent to work directly with a local code repository.
- Teams or individuals seeking scriptable coding tasks for CI workflows.
- Developers who want to choose among hosted providers, compatible endpoints or local-model services.
Documented uses
- Inspect a repository and request code changes.
- Run project commands as part of a coding task.
- Automate coding interactions through text, JSON or stream-JSON input and output.
- Resume or search locally stored work sessions.
Requirements & limits
The project documents npm installation, install scripts for Linux/macOS and Windows, and source builds. Source builds require Go 1.26.6 or later. The repository lists an MIT license.
- API-provider workflows require the relevant provider key; local-model workflows require a running supported local service.
- Zero’s permission and sandbox policy governs file writes, shell commands, network access and out-of-workspace writes.
- Linux source builds need additional helper binaries for native sandboxing.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Install Zero from source
Build and start Zero from its Go source code.
Before you start
- Go 1.26.6 or later
- A terminal
Steps
Clone the Zero repository and change into its directory.
Run the command below to start from source, or build the executable with the command below.
go run ./cmd/zerogo build -o zero ./cmd/zero
Expected outcome
Zero starts from source or is built as a local executable.
Guide limitations
- Linux native sandboxing requires building the sandbox helper separately.
- The source README notes that macOS does not need an extra helper binary.
Choose a provider and model on first run
Configure Zero to use an API provider or a running local-model service.
Before you start
- A terminal
- For API providers, the matching API key
- For local models, a running Ollama, LM Studio or Atomic Chat service
Steps
Run
zeroto open the setup wizard.Choose a provider and model.
For an API provider, enter its key in the wizard or set the corresponding environment variable before setup.
For local models, use
zero setuporzero providers detectto configure the running service.
Expected outcome
Zero is configured with a selected model provider.
Guide limitations
- Atomic Chat requires a loaded model and its local OpenAI-compatible API to be enabled.
- Provider-specific setup and endpoint details vary.
Compare options for AI coding assistance
These projects document a common task and share a project role. This is a source-based comparison, not an execution benchmark or a guarantee of interchangeability.
| Project | Documented purpose | Platform | Access and requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero | Inspect a repository and request code changes. | CLI, Linux, macOS, Self-hosted | The project documents npm installation, install scripts for Linux/macOS and Windows, and source builds. Source builds require Go 1.26.6 or later. The repository lists an MIT license. |
| Llmcode | Inspect a project's directory structure with `/tree`. | CLI | The documented setup requires an API key and supports an API base URL and model setting. The project is open source under Apache-2.0. |
| Klaat Code | Open a project directory for terminal-based coding assistance. | CLI, Server | The README provides a global npm installation command and documents browser sign-in with a KlaatAI account. It also identifies the repository as open source under Apache 2.0. |
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 11 October 2026
- Original website title
- Twigpine/zero · Official homepage title · retained in its source language