opencode vs grok-build
AI coding agents for terminal workflows compared
opencode and grok-build are open source AI coding agents for working with software projects. opencode offers separate build and read-only plan agents, while grok-build combines code editing with shell commands, web search, and headless workflows for scripts and CI.
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.
grok-build: Run an AI Coding Agent in Your Terminal
Grok Build is a Rust-based terminal coding agent that can inspect and edit a codebase, run shell commands, and handle longer tasks. It supports interactive use, scripting, and editor integration through ACP.
| opencode | grok-build | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | TypeScript | Rust |
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| Stars | 212k | 27.3k |
| Forks | 28.1k | 5.1k |
| Last analyzed | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 |
Key differences
- opencode is written in TypeScript and licensed under MIT; grok-build is written in Rust and licensed under Apache-2.0.
- opencode separates full-access development work from read-only code exploration and planning; grok-build provides an agent runtime for inspecting and editing code, running commands, and searching the web.
- opencode offers a terminal UI and a desktop app in beta for macOS, Windows, and Linux; grok-build offers an interactive full-screen terminal UI and headless operation, with Windows builds described as best-effort and untested.
- grok-build supports CI and scripts and can connect to editors through the Agent Client Protocol; opencode describes terminal and beta desktop use.
- opencode lists installation routes including npm, Homebrew, and Scoop; building grok-build from source requires Rust and DotSlash, with `protoc` also needed for protocol code generation.
- opencode documents permission prompts for bash commands in its plan agent; grok-build opens a browser for authentication on first launch.
Choose opencode if you…
- want separate full-access build and read-only planning agents.
- prefer installation routes such as npm, Homebrew, or Scoop.
- want to try a desktop app for macOS, Windows, or Linux, and are comfortable with its beta status.
Choose grok-build if you…
- need to run agent workflows in scripts or CI.
- want to connect an agent to editors through ACP.
- need an interactive terminal agent that can edit files, run shell commands, and search the web.
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.