Crush CLI: FASTEST AI Coder + Opensource! BYE Gemini CLI & ClaudeCode! (FREE QWEN 3 CODER)

WorldofAIAbout 4 min readAug 10, 2025Watch original
THE SUMMARYAI-generated

Crush CLI: A Revamped AI Coding Agent

Key Concepts:

  • Crush CLI: A high-performance, Go-based AI coding agent for the terminal.
  • LSP (Language Server Protocol): Provides real-time code intelligence from project files.
  • MCPs (Most Common Patterns): Used for extensibility and capabilities.
  • Session-based context management: Ability to maintain multiple work sessions and context per project.
  • YOLO mode: Enables autonomous building of application components.
  • Charm libraries: Used to build Crush CLI, contributing to its playful aesthetic.
  • Multi-model support: Ability to switch between different large language models (LLMs) mid-session.

1. Introduction to Crush CLI

  • Crush CLI is a revamped version of Open Code, designed as a faster and more efficient AI coding agent for the terminal.
  • It's built with Charm libraries and written entirely in Go, making it exceptionally fast and responsive.
  • The tool offers an appealing user interface (TUI) and is positioned as the fastest reliable AI CLI coding agent currently available.

2. Key Features and Functionality

  • Speed and Performance: Built for speed, leveraging the Go programming language.
  • Multi-Model Support:
    • Allows users to select from a wide range of LLMs, including OpenAI and Anthropic compatible APIs.
    • Enables switching between different models mid-session for specific generation tasks.
  • Session-Based Context Management:
    • Maintains multiple work sessions and context per project.
    • Allows simultaneous operation of different sessions.
  • LSP Enhanced:
    • Provides deep, real-time code intelligence from project files, unlike tools like Cloud Code that rely solely on AI reasoning.
    • This feature was a key differentiator for Open Code over Cloud Code.
  • Extensibility:
    • Offers extensibility through MCPs, toolsets, and plugins.
    • Works across different operating systems.

3. Installation Process

  • Crush CLI can be installed using various package managers, including npm, Homebrew, and Go.
  • On Windows, Scoop is used for installation.
  • The installation process involves copying and pasting commands into the command prompt.
  • The basic steps are:
    1. Install Charm using Scoop.
    2. Install Crush CLI using Scoop.
    3. Run the crush command to start the CLI.

4. Initial Setup and Model Selection

  • Upon starting Crush CLI, users can select their preferred LLM provider.
  • Options include OpenAI's GPT models and free models from Open Router, such as the Coin 3 Coder model.
  • Users can initialize Crush CLI within a project to familiarize it with the codebase, creating a crush.md file for general context.

5. Using Crush CLI: Examples and Demonstrations

  • Command List: Pressing Ctrl+P displays a comprehensive list of available commands, including session switching, model switching, and YOLO mode.
  • Session Switching: Users can switch between different subtasks within a project, such as front-end and back-end development.
  • Note-Taking App Example:
    • The presenter demonstrates creating a note-taking app with Crush CLI.
    • The CLI generates code files and allows users to view diff edits directly in the terminal.
    • The generated app includes features like adding and saving notes, with a simple UI.
  • Image Editor App Example (YOLO Mode):
    • The presenter enables YOLO mode to autonomously build an image editor app.
    • The generated app includes features like uploading images, changing canvas size, brushing, erasing, and drawing.
    • The Coin 3 Coder model, deployed by Crush CLI, is credited for the successful generation of the app.
  • Chat Management: Ctrl+G allows focusing on a particular chat.
  • Session Management: Ctrl+S allows managing different sessions.
  • Image/File Attachment: Ctrl+F allows attaching images or files as reference.
  • Editor Access: Ctrl+0 opens the code editor (e.g., VS Code) for editing generated files.

6. Advantages of Crush CLI

  • Speed and Responsiveness: Written in Go, providing exceptional speed compared to other agents.
  • Session-Based Context Management: Rivals Claude's sub-agent capabilities.
  • Real-Time Intelligence: Deep real-time code intelligence with LSP.

7. Conclusion

  • Crush CLI is a promising AI coding agent with notable speed, session management, and real-time intelligence.
  • Continuous development and improvement could make it a primary CLI agent for developers.
  • The presenter encourages viewers to explore Crush CLI and its features.

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