opencode vs mini-swe-agent
AI coding agents for software development compared
opencode is a TypeScript coding agent with terminal and beta desktop interfaces, plus separate build and read-only plan agents. mini-swe-agent is a Python CLI and library that uses bash for actions, with a compact scaffold suited to adapting and researching agent workflows.
opencode: Work with an Open Source AI Coding Agent
OpenCode is an open source AI coding agent for developers who want AI assistance in their coding workflow. It offers build and read-only plan agents, a terminal UI, and desktop apps in beta.
mini-swe-agent: Automate Software Engineering Tasks with an AI Agent
mini-swe-agent is a compact Python agent that uses a language model and bash to tackle software engineering tasks, including GitHub issues. Its simple control flow suits developers who want a hackable CLI or a baseline for agent research.
| opencode | mini-swe-agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | TypeScript | Python |
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Stars | 212k | 8.2k |
| Forks | 28.1k | 1.1k |
| Last analyzed | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- opencode provides distinct full-access build and read-only plan agents; mini-swe-agent uses bash to carry out task actions.
- opencode is written in TypeScript, while mini-swe-agent is written in Python and also offers Python bindings.
- opencode offers a terminal UI and beta desktop apps for macOS, Windows, and Linux; mini-swe-agent focuses on a CLI and supports multiple local and sandboxed execution environments.
- mini-swe-agent records steps in an inspectable linear message history and includes batch inference for SWE-bench and a trajectory browser; opencode describes a general subagent for complex searches and multistep tasks.
- Both projects use the MIT license and are not archived. Their stated repository sizes differ: opencode has 212k stars and 28.1k forks, while mini-swe-agent has 8.2k stars and 1.1k forks.
Choose opencode if you…
- want separate build and read-only plan agents for coding and code exploration.
- prefer a terminal UI with a beta desktop app option.
- want installation routes such as npm, Homebrew, Scoop, or an install script.
Choose mini-swe-agent if you…
- want a compact, hackable Python agent scaffold for software engineering tasks.
- need Python bindings, model integrations, or batch inference for SWE-bench.
- want to inspect a linear task history or run actions in supported sandboxed environments.
Compare the numbers side by side, or add more projects
This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.