Kalcode

Kalcode is an open-source AI coding assistant CLI for developers who want code generation, debugging, refactoring, and repository analysis directly in the terminal.

It supports both Node.js and Bun runtimes, includes a Claude-style TUI, and can run with:

• your own NVIDIA API key, or
• the hosted proxy endpoint (https://kalcode.vercel.app) with zero client setup.

If you searched for terms like ai coding assistant, terminal ai agent, code generation cli, or debugging cli tool, Kalcode is built for that workflow.

Why Developers Use Kalcode

• Terminal-first AI coding workflow (no heavy IDE dependency)
• Fast one-shot commands for code generation, debugging, and refactoring
• Interactive REPL with slash commands and permission controls
• Works with both npm (npx) and Bun (bunx)
• Open-source and scriptable for local development workflows

Core Use Cases

• Generate production-ready code from plain-English prompts
• Refactor existing code with targeted edits
• Debug command failures and runtime errors from the terminal
• Review repositories and summarize architecture
• Automate repetitive coding tasks during local development

Kalcode vs Typical Alternatives

• vs IDE-only copilots: terminal-native and script-friendly workflows
• vs generic chat CLIs: built-in coding tools (read/edit/write/run/grep/glob)
• vs heavyweight local setups: can run with hosted proxy for zero-key startup
• vs single-runtime tools: works with both Node.js and Bun

Installation

npm (recommended)

Run directly:

npx @thejeetsingh/kalcode

Install globally:

npm install -g @thejeetsingh/kalcode
kalcode

Bun

bunx @thejeetsingh/kalcode

Quick Start

kalcode "review the repository and suggest improvements"

More examples:

kalcode "create an express route with zod validation and tests"
kalcode "debug this TypeScript error and propose a fix"
kalcode "refactor this module to reduce duplication"

By default, Kalcode can use the hosted proxy.
If you want to use your own provider key locally:

kalcode --set-key

Configuration

Environment Variables

• NVIDIA_NIM_KEY: NVIDIA NIM API key (server-side for proxy deployments, optional on clients if proxy is used)
• KALCODE_PROXY_URL: Optional override for custom proxy URL
• KALCODE_INSECURE_TLS=1: Local debugging only; never use in production

Deployment (Vercel Serverless Proxy)

This repository provides:

• POST /v1/chat/completions -> /api/v1/chat/completions
• GET /health -> /api/health

Steps

1. Import the kalcode directory as a Vercel project.
2. Ensure project settings match:
   • Framework Preset: Other
   • Build Command: npm run build
   • Output Directory: dist
3. Add environment variable:
   • NVIDIA_NIM_KEY=your_real_key
4. Deploy and verify:

curl https://kalcode.vercel.app/health

Expected response:

{"ok":true}

CLI Options

• -h, --help Show help
• -v, --version Show version
• -m, --model <id> Use a specific model
• --set-key Save NVIDIA NIM API key to local config
• --compact Toggle compact output
• --auto-accept Skip permission prompts
• --ask Read-only mode

FAQ

Is Kalcode an npm package or a hosted app?

Kalcode is an npm package (@thejeetsingh/kalcode) you can run via npx, install globally, or run with Bun.

What is Kalcode good for?

Code generation, refactoring, debugging, and codebase analysis from the terminal.

Does Kalcode require a local API key?

Not always. It can run through the hosted proxy, or you can set your own NVIDIA_NIM_KEY.

REPL Slash Commands

• / Show command menu
• /help Show help
• /model Show or switch model
• /clear Clear conversation and context
• /retry Retry last message
• /compact Toggle compact output
• /ask Toggle read-only mode
• /auto Toggle auto-accept permissions
• /skills List available skills
• /add <file> Add file to context
• /drop <file> Remove file from context
• /files List context files
• /diff Show uncommitted changes
• /status Show git status
• /log Show recent commits
• /undo Undo last commit
• /commit [message] Commit all changes
• /init Create KALCODE.md
• /exit, /quit, /q Quit

Development

Install dependencies:

npm install

Build:

npm run build

Run locally:

npm run start

SEO and Discoverability Notes (for npm users)

If you found Kalcode through npm search, common terms include: ai coding assistant, terminal ai, coding agent cli, code generation cli, debugging assistant, refactoring tool, developer productivity cli.

Using these phrases in your own internal docs can make it easier for teams to find the right package quickly.

Publishing

npm login
npm run build
npm publish --access public