faq
Common questions.
The short answers. Read the docs for the long ones, or open an issue if your question isn't here.
what is it
What is Anthracode?
A hybrid AI coding agent that runs in your terminal — Claude Code's memory and task model with any-provider freedom, pushed further: reversible compaction, full-history recall, real terminal sessions. Free to run with your own keys. No cloud account required.
different from
How is it different from Claude Code or OpenCode?
Claude Code is tied to Anthropic models; Codex to ChatGPT. OpenCode is model-free but stateless between sessions. Anthracode works with any provider AND keeps a 4-tier memory (session · espace · account · skill), makes compaction reversible with full-history recall, and adds a real process manager plus a skills hub.
license
Is it really free?
Yes — the full TUI agent is free with your own API keys, no subscription, nothing gated locally. Prepaid request packs are coming for those who'd rather use the managed gateway than their own keys: a fixed number of requests that expire and never auto-renew.
BYOM
Which model providers are supported?
Anthropic, OpenAI, and any OpenAI-compatible endpoint (local LLMs via Ollama, vLLM, LM Studio, OpenRouter, Together, Groq, etc). Bring your own key — Anthracode never proxies your prompts.
switching
How do I switch models mid-session?
Type /model in the TUI, pick from the list. Or set ANTHRACODE_MODEL=<id> in your shell. Per-invocation override always wins.
cost
Does Anthracode charge per token?
No. With your own keys you pay your model provider directly and Anthracode adds zero markup. The optional managed gateway is the only paid path, and it's prepaid packs — never a per-token bill.
how it works
What are the 4 memory tiers?
Session (this conversation), espace (this project folder), account (across all your projects), and skill (scoped to a single skill plugin). Each is a plain markdown file you can read, diff, or git-version.
privacy
Where is memory stored?
Locally, in .anthracode/memory/ inside your project for espace/session, and in ~/.anthracode/ for account/skill. Nothing leaves your machine unless you enable cloud sync.
Windows
Does it work on Windows natively?
Yes. Native Win32 binary. Runs in PowerShell and Windows Terminal without WSL, Docker, or any Linux subsystem. Paths use the native separator.
macOS
Does it work on macOS?
Yes — macOS is now supported on both Apple Silicon (M-series) and Intel. Install with npm i -g anthracode-ai or the curl one-liner; the correct darwin binary is fetched automatically.
Linux
Which Linux distros are supported?
Anything with glibc ≥ 2.31 or musl — tested on Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, Fedora, Alpine. x64 is built today; arm64 follows.
offline
Can I run it offline?
The agent itself runs offline. You'll need network for the model API (unless you point it at a local LLM) and for skills marketplace installs.
telemetry
Is telemetry on by default?
No. Telemetry is opt-in and only collects anonymous crash counts and command names if enabled. Toggle it in your account settings.
data
Does Anthracode read my code?
Only the files you reference in a prompt, and only sent to the model provider you configured. Anthracode itself has no server in the path when you use your own keys.