Plain-AyI
← All projects
Coding assistants

Trae Agent

A command-line AI agent from ByteDance that carries out programming tasks from plain-English instructions.

Research-backedNew this week

What it does

Trae Agent is an AI assistant for software work that runs in a terminal (a text-based window for typing commands). You describe a task, such as fixing a bug or adding tests, and it edits files and runs commands to get it done.

It works with many AI providers, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, OpenRouter, Doubao and Azure, as well as local models through Ollama. It can also work inside Docker containers (sealed-off software environments).

Its makers say it is built to be easy to study and change, which makes it useful for research on AI agents. It records every step it takes so you can review what happened. The README says it is still being actively developed.

Who it's for

Programmers and researchers who want an open, adjustable AI coding agent.

Can I use it without coding?

Developers only. You install it from source code and use it in a terminal, so it suits people comfortable with programming 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.
Computer
An ordinary computer is fine
Privacy
Your choice: run it on your device or use 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 the uv Python tool, then download the project and set it up as the README describes.
  2. Copy the example settings file and add the API key for your chosen AI provider.
  3. Give it a task in plain English from your terminal.

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 (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.
  • More on staying safe

Where people are talking about it