Use cases/Reviewed 14 Nov 2026
Run a coding agent in the terminal
I want an agent that edits my repo from the command line
You want a capable agent in the terminal or a desktop companion — not a full new IDE — and you care about model choice, cost, and how well it works in an existing git repo.
Want a side-by-side? Use this, not that: terminal coding agents
Shortlist
- 1. Claude CodeFirst pick
Strong default if you already pay for Claude Pro/Max/Ultra, or are willing to. Officially not included on the Free plan.
- 2. OpenAI CodexAlso consider
Best if you already pay for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, or Business — Codex is included, and the CLI is open source.
- 3. Gemini CLIAlso consider
Best if you are already in the Gemini ecosystem. Note Google’s documented shift of agentic coding toward Antigravity.
- 4. OpenCodeAlso consider
A freshly released open-source agent (v2.3.0, 13 Nov 2026) if you want to self-serve with your own models.
- 5. GooseAlso consider
Best when you want a local-first, MCP-capable open-source agent from Block, with no seat fee.
- 6. AiderUsually skip
Historically excellent for git-native pair programming, but the latest tagged release we found was v0.86.0 on 9 Aug 2025. Prefer a more recently shipped agent unless you already know Aider well.