Zero

Zero is a terminal coding agent that operates locally, reads repositories, executes shell commands, and handles file modifications via user-defined models.

Zero is a terminal-based coding agent written in Go that processes code repositories, runs commands, and modifies files directly on a local disk. It allows the integration of over 25 model providers or local models through an OpenAI-compatible or Anthropic-compatible interface. The agent enforces security through permission-gated side effects and OS-level sandboxing, ensuring users maintain control over workspace access, network calls, and file writes. Sessions are stored locally as durable, forkable, and searchable history, allowing for session resumption and rewind capabilities. The software functions through a TUI or in headless mode for CI/CD pipelines, supporting MCP servers for bidirectional connectivity. It targets developers requiring a self-hosted, open-source automation tool that does not transmit telemetry data.

Zero at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS, Linux, Windows
Pricing: Free, open source; users pay model providers or nothing for local models
Released: May 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: zero.gitlawb.com

Key features

Integration with 25+ model providers and local models
Permission-gated execution with OS-level sandboxing
Durable local session management for history and rewinding
Headless operation for CI/CD pipeline automation
Support for Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers
Specialist subagent creation for focused sub-sessions
Git worktree isolation for testing risky migrations
Scheduled agent jobs for recurring repository tasks

Use it for

Automated code repository analysis and file editing
Execution of recurring triage and dependency tasks via cron
Integration of AI agents into CI/CD pipelines and scripts
Testing risky code changes within disposable git worktrees

Companions

Tools that articles about Zero 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 Zero

OpenCode — Works with 75+ model providers, local models, and existing subscriptions
Command Code — Repairs open model tool calls and learns developer patterns automatically.
jevgrep — Reduces coding agent costs by providing targeted, relevant repository context.
Snippet Service — It runs locally, keeps sessions on disk, and provides a companion app for remote steering.
OpenClaude — Connects one terminal interface to over 200 different AI models.
Entire CLI — Mirrors Git repositories globally to increase cloning speeds for AI agents.
Cline — Open source, any model, with approval on every step
Git AI — It moves work to the server and handles concurrent tasks without standard Git bottlenecks.
ZCode — Integrates GLM-5.3 with multi-agent workflows and remote chat control.
GoCodeo — Generates production-ready code, explains code, and creates tests in seconds.
Hermes IDE — Run different coding agents side by side in one interface with centralized reviews.
Hazzel — Brings inspectable safety mechanisms, local model support, and zero subscriptions.

All Zero alternatives