What it does
Astrid is an early operating-system project. Today it runs as a program on Mac and Linux that hosts small software pieces called capsules, each kept in its own sandbox.
Each capsule only gets the file, network and other access it has been granted. Its makers argue that AI agents should be limited by the system itself, not just by instructions in a prompt.
It does not come with an AI model or agent built in; developers use it to assemble their own agent systems and tools.
Who it's for
Developers building AI agent systems who care about strict security limits.
Can I use it without coding?
Developers only. Used from the command line and by writing capsules in code. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- FreeNothing to pay or sign up for.
- Runs on
- Mac, Linux
- Computer
- An ordinary computer is fine
- Privacy
- Runs on your own device: your data stays with you
- API key
- Not needed
Try it
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (Apache-2.0): Permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
- More on staying safe