Hazzel

Hazzel is a terminal coding agent that displays every change as a diff before writing to disk.

Hazzel is a terminal coding agent built in approximately ten thousand lines of Python code for transparent inspection. It requires users to bring their own API keys or use local models via Ollama with zero configuration. Every file write and shell command is displayed as a diff for approval before execution. It includes automated checkpointing for selective undos that preserve subsequent user edits. The tool integrates with git, supports Model Context Protocol servers, tracks token costs locally, and runs single-turn prompts in pipelines.

Hazzel at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: CLI, Terminal, self-hosted, open source
Pricing: Free plan; BYOK (bring your own key)
Released: September 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: github.com/mukundzha/hazzel

Key features

Displays diff previews before every file write
Provides automatic checkpointing and selective undo
Supports local models via Ollama
Integrates with git commands and reviews
Connects to Model Context Protocol servers
Tracks token usage and costs locally
Runs single-turn prompts for CI pipelines

Use it for

Executing terminal coding tasks with diff approvals
Reverting specific agent changes while keeping edits
Running local models keyless with Ollama
Managing git commits and reviews from the terminal
Extending capabilities via MCP servers and skills

Companions

Tools that articles about Hazzel recommend using with it, each with its job.

Context7 — Provides up-to-date documentation for AI agents and code editors.
Ollama — Run local models at zero marginal cost, with code kept on your machine.
OpenRouter — Access over 500 models and 80 providers through one unified API.
Daytona — Runs sessions in isolated sandboxes synced to git branches.
Composio — Equips AI agents with tools, managed user auth, and sandboxes across 1,500+ apps
Oh My OpenCode Slim — Lightweight multi-agent orchestration and background tasks.

Alternatives to Hazzel

jevgrep — Reduces coding agent costs by providing targeted, relevant repository context.
OpenCode — Works with 75+ model providers, local models, and existing subscriptions
OpenClaude — Connects one terminal interface to over 200 different AI models.
Command Code — Repairs open model tool calls and learns developer patterns automatically.
Zero — Operates entirely on the local machine with configurable permission-gated actions.
Mirror — Runs parallel tasks in separate repository worktrees from your terminal.
Weft — It enables safe parallel coding agent work without file locks.
guides.show — Explains code diffs in order of importance through portable, encrypted links
Hunk — Renders agent reasoning beside code and streams multi-file changes top to bottom.
Unspin — Shows live progress, step names, and ETAs for coding agent shell commands instead of a spinner.
Hlock — Pins entire AI agent setups into a portable file to share and run anywhere.
Kolega Labs — It runs locally, supports multiple providers, and journals every phase for audits.

All Hazzel alternatives