VOID - The open source AI code editor

Void is redefining what a code editor can do. By combining the robust foundation of VS Code with advanced AI capabilities, it offers a privacy-first, open-source alternative to tools like Cursor and GitHub Copilot. Founded in 2024 by brothers Andrew and Mathew Pareles, Void is backed by Y Combinator and built with a global community of contributors. Whether you’re writing code, debugging, or exploring your codebase, Void’s AI features make development faster, smarter, and more secure.

Highlights

• Privacy-First: Run AI models locally or connect directly to providers, keeping your data secure.
• Open-Source Power: Forked from VS Code, with full compatibility for themes, keybindings, and extensions.
• AI Everywhere: Features like code completion, inline editing, and file-aware AI assistance boost productivity.
• Community-Driven: Weekly Discord meetups and GitHub contributions keep Void evolving rapidly.

Key Features

Void packs a punch with tools that make coding intuitive and efficient:

• AI-Powered Autocomplete: Press Tab for smart code suggestions tailored to your project.
• Inline Editing: Use Ctrl+K to modify selected code with AI-driven edits.
• Contextual AI Assistance: Ask questions via Ctrl+L, and Void references your entire codebase for accurate answers.
• Multi-Model Support: Works with local LLMs via Ollama or cloud models like Claude, GPT, and Gemini.
• Fast Apply: Quickly apply AI-suggested changes to large files using search-and-replace logic.
• Agent Mode: AI can read/write files, run terminal commands, and search your codebase autonomously.

Benefits

Void offers a range of advantages for developers:

• Full Privacy Control: Host models locally to keep sensitive code off third-party servers.
• Cost-Free: No subscriptions, just download or build from GitHub for free.
• Seamless Migration: Import VS Code themes, keybindings, and settings in one click.
• Community Innovation: Regular updates and experimental features like Gather mode and third-party integrations.
• Cross-Platform: Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, with SSH and WSL compatibility.

Use Cases

Void’s flexibility makes it a fit for various development scenarios:

• Solo Developers: Use AI autocomplete and inline editing to speed up personal projects.
• Startups: Automate repetitive coding tasks and keep proprietary code private with local LLMs.
• Enterprise Teams: Leverage Agent mode for complex codebase management and secure workflows.
• Open-Source Contributors: Join Void’s community to build and test new AI features collaboratively.
• Students: Learn coding with AI assistance without worrying about privacy or costs.

Vibes

Void feels like a coder’s playground. It’s powerful yet approachable, blending the familiarity of VS Code with the excitement of AI-driven features. The open-source ethos creates a collaborative, transparent vibe, while the privacy focus gives peace of mind. Whether you’re tweaking prompts or exploring Agent mode, Void makes perfect for tinkerers and developers who want to shape the future of AI coding.

Why Choose Void?

Void is more than just a code editor—it’s a movement toward open, private, and community-driven AI development. Its fork of VS Code ensures a familiar experience, while its AI features rival premium tools like Cursor, all for free. With support for local LLMs, a growing feature set, and an active community, Void empowers developers to code smarter while keeping their data secure. For those who value privacy and innovation, Void is a must-try.