1Code: The Ultimate UI for Claude Agents – Open Source

Introduction

Claude is an AI model that can write code, answer questions, and even execute scripts. However, its native interface (Claude Code) is command‑line based and can be limiting for developers who prefer a visual IDE experience. 1Code bridges that gap by bringing a modern, cursor‑style desktop UI that runs Claude locally and safely inside your project’s Git environment.

Why 1Code?

• Local-first – No cloud sync is required; all code and agent steps remain on your machine.
• Worktree isolation – Each chat session runs in its own Git worktree, preventing accidental commits to the main branch.
• Background execution – Launch multiple agents in parallel; keep the UI responsive.
• Built‑in Git client – Visual staging, commits, branch management, and PR previews.
• Integrated terminal – Full terminal access inside the app.
• Plan mode – Claude builds a clear, step‑by‑step plan that you can review before execution.
• Cross-platform – Works on macOS, Linux, and Windows with native installers.

Feature Comparison: 1Code vs Claude Code

1Code brings a richer UI while remaining as feature‑complete as Claude Code. The main advantage is the Git isolation and multi-agent background execution.

Installation Guide

1. Prerequisites
2. Bun (JavaScript runtime) – install
3. Python (for optional scripts)

4. Xcode Command Line Tools (macOS) or equivalent on Linux/Windows.

5. Clone the Repository

   git clone https://github.com/21st-dev/1code.git
   cd 1code
   

6. Install Dependencies

   bun install
   

7. Download the Claude CLI binary (required for agent functionality)

   bun run claude:download
   

8. Build the App

   bun run build
   

9. Package for Your Platform

   # macOS
   bun run package:mac
   
   # Windows
   bun run package:win
   
   # Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)
   bun run package:linux
   

10. Run the App (Development Mode)

    bun run dev
    

Tip: You can also subscribe to https://1code.dev for pre-built releases, background agent support, and direct updates.

Getting Started with 1Code

1. Open the App – you’ll see a clean workspace with a terminal pane on the left and a chat pane on the right.
2. Create a New Project Folder – The app will automatically detect local Git remotes if the folder is a repository.
3. Start a New Chat – Click the “+” button. A new worktree will be spun up for the conversation.
4. Run Commands – Use the built‑in command bar to run Bash commands, open files, or invoke Claude with prompts.
5. Plan Mode – The plan canvas shows Claude’s step‑by‑step plan in Markdown. Review and click Approve to let it edit files or run commands.
6. Commit Changes – Once the agent finishes, use the integrated Git client to stage, commit, and push.

Community & Contribution

• Discord – join the discussion at https://discord.com/invite/1code.
• Contribution – Fork the repo, make your improvements, and submit a pull request. The project welcomes contributions to the UI, worktree logic, or optional plugins.
• Issue Tracker – Report bugs or suggest features on GitHub Issues.

Conclusion

1Code brings the power of Claude Agents to a modern, user‑friendly desktop experience. With Git isolation, background execution, a built‑in editor, and plan‑mode reviews, developers can harness Claude’s full potential while keeping code safe and organized. Whether you’re running simple scripts or complex code‑generation workflows, 1Code makes collaboration with AI a smooth, visual process.

Happy coding with 1Code – your new AI‑powered IDE!