OpenCode: The Open-Source Coding CLI That Works Everywhere
If Cursor is the graphical answer to AI-assisted coding in Hong Kong, OpenCode is the terminal answer. It's open source, runs anywhere, and works with whatever LLM you point it at. For developers who live in the terminal, this is the tool.
What Is OpenCode?
OpenCode (opencode.ai) is an open-source coding CLI — think of it as Claude Code or Copilot CLI, but not locked to any AI provider. You install it, configure an API endpoint, and you get an AI pair programmer in your terminal.
It can read your codebase, suggest edits, run commands, and iterate on code — all from the command line. As of March 2026, it includes MiniMax M2.5 for free — a top-tier coding model — and works with any OpenAI-compatible API, so you can also connect Qwen, DeepSeek, or other providers.
Why HK Developers Care
Two words: no restrictions. OpenCode is open source (you can inspect every line of code) and connects to APIs you choose. There's no geographic block because there's no centralized service to block.
For Hong Kong developers who've been burned by ChatGPT going dark or Claude blocking their IP mid-session, running an open-source tool against an open-source model is freedom.
Setup Guide
Install: Use npm, homebrew, or download the binary directly from the project's releases page. Installation takes about 30 seconds.
Default model: As of March 2026, OpenCode offers MiniMax M2.5 for free out of the box — one of the top coding models on SWE-bench. No API key needed to get started.
Configure with other providers: Set your environment variables to point at any OpenAI-compatible API — Qwen via Alibaba's DashScope, DeepSeek, or others.
Configure with a local model: Running Ollama locally? Point OpenCode at localhost:11434. Now you have an AI coding assistant that runs entirely on your machine. No internet, no API calls, no data leaving your laptop.
What It Does Well
File operations. Ask it to create, edit, or refactor files. It shows you diffs before applying changes.
Multi-file awareness. It can read your project structure and understand how files relate to each other.
Command execution. It runs shell commands and interprets the output. Useful for debugging — "run the tests and fix whatever fails."
Iterative development. Describe what you want, review the output, ask for changes. The conversation persists so it maintains context.
When to Use OpenCode vs. Cursor
Use OpenCode when:
- -You prefer the terminal over a GUI
- -You want full transparency (open source)
- -You're on a remote server via SSH
- -You want zero dependency on any commercial tool
- -You're running a local model and want offline coding
Use Cursor when:
- -You want visual diffs and inline editing
- -You work with large codebases that benefit from IDE features
- -You want the polish of a commercial product
- -You use VS Code extensions heavily
Many HK devs use both. A common workflow as of March 2026: use OpenCode for the actual coding — writing features, debugging, iterating in the terminal — then switch to Cursor to review diffs and inspect changes before pushing to Git. Cursor's visual diff view makes it easy to catch what the AI changed; OpenCode's terminal flow keeps you in the zone while building.
The Bigger Point
Tools like OpenCode represent a shift that's particularly relevant in Hong Kong: the unbundling of AI from proprietary services. When the AI is open source and the tool is open source, nobody can cut you off. Your coding assistant works whether US companies decide to support Hong Kong or not.
That's not just a workaround. That's a better architecture.
Sources
- -OpenCode — Official Site
- -OpenCode — GitHub
- -OpenCode: Open-Source Claude Code Alternative — freeCodeCamp
- -OpenCode Documentation
Terminal-first developer in Hong Kong? We want to hear what tools you're using. Subscribe to the Hong Kong AI Podcast or reach out at contact@hongkongaipodcast.com.
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