Darkcode

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hostedWindows

What Darkcode is

Darkcode is a terminal-based AI coding agent for projects already open in a working directory. The CLI reads and writes project files directly, runs shell commands that the user approves, and says it does not upload the project or require a codebase-indexing step. Plan mode supplies read-only planning tools; Build mode can enable writing, editing, and shell execution. Responses stream in the terminal, while session history is stored server-side so work can resume after the terminal closes. Darkcode is distributed as a single self-contained binary with no separate runtime, and authentication uses a browser-based Clerk OAuth flow. Kimi K2.6 is the default hosted model, with Claude, GPT, DeepSeek, and Gemini available through credits. Users can add their own model key with `/keys`, and that usage is never metered. The free open-source CLI costs nothing. Hosted AI usage is metered as credits through Polar. Self-hosted deployments support Ollama, whose inference is handled by the Darkcode server.

Who it suits

Darkcode suits developers who prefer terminal workflows and direct access to an existing project directory. It also fits users who want planning and build modes, self-hosting options, or their own model key.

What it does well

Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
Reads and writes files in the working directory
Plan mode provides read-only tools
Self-contained binary needs no runtime
Bring-your-own model key is never metered

What to know first

Hosted AI usage requires credits
Session history is stored server-side
Ollama support is limited to self-hosted deployments
Shell commands require user approval

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
CLI	Free and open source CLI	Free
Free CLI	CLI is free and open source · hosted models use credits · bring-your-own key is never metered	Free

As darkcode.sh lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

Darkcode provides a free terminal agent with direct project-file access and separate planning and build controls. Hosted models use credits, while self-hosting and personal keys offer different usage paths.

Facts from Darkcode's own pages

Coding agent: Yes · darkcode.sh, 22 Sept 2026
Authentication: The CLI uses a browser-based Clerk OAuth flow for authentication. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Billing: Hosted AI usage is metered as credits through Polar, and the repository describes attaching credits to a one-time purchase product. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Bring your own key: The site says users can add their own model key with `/keys` and that its use is never metered. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026
Codebase indexing: No · darkcode.sh, 22 Sept 2026
Distribution: Darkcode is distributed as a single self-contained binary with no runtime to install. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · darkcode.sh, 22 Sept 2026
Installation: Darkcode ships as a single self-contained binary, and the homepage provides a shell install command. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026
Limit: Ollama inference is resolved by the Darkcode server, so on the hosted darkcode.sh API it points to that server rather than the user's machine. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Models: The site names Kimi K2.6 as the default hosted model and lists Claude, GPT, DeepSeek, and Gemini as additional models available on credits. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026
Modes: Plan mode provides read-only planning tools, while Build mode can enable writing, editing, and shell execution. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026
Plan and Build modes: Plan mode uses read-only tools, while Build mode can enable writing, editing, and shell execution. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026
Platforms: The maker’s repository documents installation for macOS and Linux with a shell command and Windows through PowerShell. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Product: Darkcode is a terminal-based AI coding agent that works inside an existing project. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026
Project access: It reads and writes files in the working directory, runs shell commands you approve, and says it never uploads your project to do so. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026
Project files: The CLI reads and writes files in the working directory directly, and the site says it does not upload the project to do so. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026
Self-hosting: The repository describes self-hosted deployments and says Ollama support is available only for those deployments. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Sessions: Darkcode streams responses and stores session history server-side so sessions can resume after the terminal closes. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026
Shell commands: The CLI can run shell commands that the user approves. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026
Terminal access: Yes · darkcode.sh, 22 Sept 2026
What it does: Darkcode is a terminal-based AI coding agent that works inside the project already open, with no upload or indexing step. · darkcode.sh, 12 Oct 2026

Where Darkcode stands on Freedom251

AI Coding Assistants#65 of 102