Code

Code (fork of T3 Code) is a local-first desktop application that unifies AI agent workflows by providing a centralized workspace for coding with multiple AI providers. It integrates parallel agent threads, terminals, browser previews, diffs, and version control operations—eliminating the need to juggle multiple windows. Users connect their existing AI subscriptions (Claude Code, Codex, Gemini, OpenCode, Cursor, etc.) and work across isolated Git worktrees while keeping all session history and projects local on their machine.

Build StackReact 19, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, React Query, Vite, Bun, xterm.js, Electron

Challenges

  • Balancing drawer-based terminal UI with chat threading and context switching without losing terminal or conversation state.

  • Rendering large code diffs with syntax highlighting, wrapping controls, and file-level staging without hurting scroll performance.

  • Making token usage, costs, and rate limits readable during active coding sessions without crowding the interface.

  • Resizing xterm.js panes across split layouts while preserving addon behavior, focus, and hot-reload stability.

Solutions

  • Used a centralized Zustand store for per-thread terminal lifecycle, layout presets, focus state, and activity tracking.

  • Simplified diffs into staged/unstaged scopes with inline file staging and a floating Stage All action.

  • Condensed session status into tabbed rate-limit summaries, a compact context meter, and grid-based field layouts.

  • Refined the environment picker with compact worktree grids, animated chevrons, and collapsible rate-limit sections.