zero
The coding agent that answers to you, your model, your machine, your rules.
Zero is a locally-owned terminal-based AI coding agent that gives developers full control over model selection, permissions, and execution context. Built in Go, it supports 25+ AI providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, Ollama, and more) and provides both an interactive TUI and a scriptable headless mode for CI/CD integration. The agent can read repositories, edit files, execute shell commands, manage browser automation, and maintain durable local sessions with granular sandbox policies. Zero is extensible through MCP servers, skills, plugins, and specialist sub-agents, making it a versatile foundation for custom AI-powered development workflows.
Key Features
Use Cases
- 01Automated code refactoring and test fixing with explicit permission controls in local development
- 02CI/CD integration for automated code reviews, migrations, or spec-based builds using headless exec mode
- 03Multi-repository updates by granting additional write directories beyond the default workspace
- 04Iterative debugging with session forking to explore alternative solutions without polluting main history
- 05Custom development workflows by combining MCP tools, project-specific AGENTS.md instructions, and plugins
- 06Cost-effective AI coding using local models via Ollama or LM Studio with the same interface as cloud providers
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zero — FAQ
What is Zero AI agent?+
Zero is a terminal-based AI coding agent that runs locally on your machine, allowing you to choose any supported AI model provider while maintaining full control over file access, shell commands, and permissions. It supports both interactive sessions through a TUI and headless execution for automation.
How do I install Zero?+
Install via npm with 'npm install -g @gitlawb/zero', use the curl/PowerShell install scripts for your platform, or build from source with Go 1.26.6+. After installation, run 'zero' to launch the setup wizard and configure your preferred AI provider.
Which AI providers and models does Zero support?+
Zero works with OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, Groq, OpenRouter, DeepSeek, Mistral, xAI, Qwen, Kimi, GitHub Models, Ollama, LM Studio, and any OpenAI- or Anthropic-compatible endpoint—over 25 providers total.
Do I need API keys to use Zero?+
API keys are required for cloud providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.), set via environment variables like OPENAI_API_KEY or entered during setup. Local models through Ollama or LM Studio require no API keys.
Is Zero free to use?+
Zero itself is open-source and free under the MIT License. Usage costs depend on your chosen AI provider—local models (Ollama, LM Studio) are free, while cloud providers charge per their pricing.
Which AI clients or editors can integrate with Zero?+
Zero runs as a standalone terminal application but can expose its tools over MCP stdio, making it compatible with MCP-enabled clients. It can also be scripted into any workflow via its headless exec mode with JSON I/O.
How do I install zero?+
Open the source repository on GitHub and follow its README. zero is a agent — MCP Agents Market links you directly to the official repo.
Is zero free?+
zero is an open-source project hosted on GitHub. Check the repository for its license and any usage requirements.