Opcode — Cursor alternative

Opcode is a desktop application that provides a graphical interface for managing Claude Code sessions, creating custom AI agents, and tracking API usage. Built with Tauri 2, it bridges the gap between the command-line Claude Code tool and a visual experience for AI-assisted development. Solo developers gain a central command center for organizing projects, designing purpose-built agents, and monitoring costs without switching between terminal windows. The project was formerly known as Claudia before rebranding to Opcode.

Strengths

• Visual project browser shows all Claude Code projects from ~/.claude/projects/ with session history, search functionality, and metadata at a glance.
• Custom agent creation allows developers to build specialized agents with custom system prompts, model selection, and configurable permissions for file read/write and network access.
• Background agent execution runs tasks in separate processes for non-blocking operations, with detailed logs and performance metrics tracking.
• Real-time cost tracking monitors Claude API usage with token analytics broken down by model, project, and time period, plus visual charts and export capabilities.
• Session checkpoint system creates versioning at any point with visual timeline navigation, instant restore, and ability to fork sessions into new branches.
• Model Context Protocol (MCP) manager provides UI-based server registry with connection testing, easy configuration, and Claude Desktop import support.

Weaknesses

• Requires Claude Code CLI installed separately as a dependency before Opcode can function.
• Limited to Claude models only through the underlying Claude Code infrastructure, though plans mention future open model support.
• Not affiliated with or officially endorsed by Anthropic, creating potential maintenance risks if Claude Code CLI changes.
• Build requirements include Rust, Bun, and platform-specific dependencies, which may complicate setup for non-technical users.

Best for

Developers who prefer visual project management over terminal-only workflows and need granular control over agent behavior, cost monitoring, and session versioning when working with Claude Code.

Pricing plans

• Free — $0 — Opcode is open-source under AGPL License. Users only pay for Claude API usage through their own Anthropic account. No subscription fees, seat limits, or rate limits imposed by Opcode itself.

Tech details

• Type: Desktop GUI application
• IDEs: Works as companion to Claude Code CLI, which integrates with terminal and IDE environments
• Key features: Visual project browser, custom agent library, background execution, cost tracking with analytics, session versioning with checkpoint timeline, built-in CLAUDE.md editor with live preview, MCP server management, usage dashboard with export
• Privacy / hosting: All data stored locally on user's machine with no telemetry or data collection. Agents run in isolated processes with configurable permission controls. Fully self-hosted through open-source codebase.
• Models / context window: Access to available Claude models through Claude Code CLI. Context windows determined by underlying Claude API limits. Unknown specific context sizes supported.

When to choose this over Cursor

• You already use Claude Code CLI and want visual project management without switching contexts between terminal and editor.
• You need custom agent creation with specialized system prompts and permission controls for different tasks beyond standard coding assistance.
• Cost monitoring and token analytics are critical, requiring detailed breakdowns by model, project, and time period with export capabilities.

When Cursor may be a better fit

• You prefer an all-in-one editor with AI integrated directly into the code editing experience rather than a separate companion application.
• You need multi-model support beyond Claude, as Opcode currently focuses exclusively on Claude Code infrastructure.
• You want zero-setup installation without managing dependencies like Rust, Bun, and Claude Code CLI separately.

Conclusion

Opcode transforms Claude Code from a command-line tool into a visual command center with project management, custom agents, and usage analytics. The checkpoint system and agent library offer workflow flexibility that pure terminal usage cannot match. For developers invested in Claude Code who value visual organization and granular cost control, Opcode represents one of the strongest Cursor alternatives focused exclusively on Claude's ecosystem. The open-source AGPL license ensures full transparency and community-driven development.

Sources

• Official site: https://opcode.sh/
• Docs: https://opcode.sh/docs/
• GitHub repository: https://github.com/winfunc/opcode
• Pricing: Free (AGPL open-source license)

FAQ

Q: Does Opcode work without Claude Code CLI installed?
No. Opcode requires the Claude Code CLI as a dependency and must be installed from Claude's official site. Opcode acts as a graphical wrapper around the CLI tool.

Q: Can I use models other than Claude with Opcode?
Currently, Opcode is limited to Claude models through the Claude Code infrastructure. Future plans include an Opcode-native coding agent using open models for fully local on-premises deployments.

Q: How does Opcode handle my API keys and data?
All data stays local on your machine with no telemetry or tracking. API keys are managed through Claude Code CLI configuration, and Opcode never transmits your data to external servers.

Q: What are the system requirements for running Opcode?
Minimum 4GB RAM (8GB recommended), at least 1GB free storage, and operating systems including Windows 10/11, macOS 11+, or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+). For building from source, you need Rust, Bun, and platform-specific dependencies.

Q: Can I create agents that run independently in the background?
Yes. Opcode supports background agent execution in separate processes for non-blocking operations, with execution history tracking and detailed performance logs.

Q: How does cost tracking work in Opcode?
Opcode monitors Claude API usage in real-time with token analytics broken down by model, project, and time period. It provides visual charts showing usage trends and allows data export for accounting purposes.

Q: What is the session checkpoint feature?
The checkpoint system creates versioning at any point in a coding session with a visual timeline. You can instantly restore to any checkpoint, fork sessions to create new branches, and view diffs showing exactly what changed between checkpoints.

Q: Is Opcode officially supported by Anthropic?
No. This project is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Anthropic. It is an independent developer project using Claude.