Plain-AyI
← All projects
Coding assistants

Pi

A small, customizable AI coding helper that works in your terminal and can be shaped to fit your workflow.

Widely used

What it does

Pi is an AI agent that runs in the terminal, the text-based window programmers use to type commands. You start it in a project folder, connect an AI provider, and give it a task to work on.

Its makers describe it as minimal and extensible. It leaves out some features on purpose, such as sub-agents and plan mode. Instead, you can add your own extensions, skills, prompt templates and themes, or install packages that others share.

The project also includes building blocks for developers. These include a single way to talk to many AI providers (such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Google), an agent engine, and a terminal interface library. The README notes that Pi has no built-in permission system, so it can act with your full user access unless you run it in a sandbox or container.

Who it's for

Programmers who want an AI coding assistant in the terminal that they can customize heavily. Developers can also use its libraries to build their own AI apps.

Can I use it without coding?

With some setup. You install it with a one-line command and use it from the terminal, which takes some comfort with command-line tools. New to this? Start here.

Can I run it?

Cost
Free, but needs an AI accountThe software is free, but it uses an online AI service (like OpenAI or Anthropic), which usually charges for use.
Runs on
Mac, Windows, Linux
Computer
An ordinary computer is fine
Privacy
Sends what you give it to an online service
API key
Needed. An API key is a password-like code from an online AI service. What's that?

Try it

  1. Install Pi using the installer from the project's website for Mac, Linux or Windows.
  2. Open a terminal in the project folder you want Pi to work on and start Pi.
  3. Use the login command inside Pi to connect your AI subscription or API key, then give it a task.

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.
  • Plain-AyI is an independent guide and doesn't host or review the software it lists. Please check each project's official page before installing.
  • License (MIT): Very permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
  • Keep your API key private. Never paste it into websites or share it, and set a spending limit with the AI service.
  • What you type or upload is sent to an online service. Avoid sharing private or sensitive information.
  • More on staying safe

Where people are talking about it