Free models out of the box
Ghost comes pre-wired to free providers, so users can start chatting without entering a subscription, credit card, or API key.
Ghost
Ghost is a terminal-based AI assistant for chatting, code generation, and CLI tasks. Includes free models, supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and is open source.
Overview
Ghost is a terminal-based AI assistant built to help users chat, generate code, and run tasks without leaving the command line. It ships pre-configured with free model providers, so it is usable immediately after installation and does not require an API key to begin.
The product is positioned as a fast, themeable command-line tool rather than a hosted service. It is distributed as a single binary, works on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and is open source under the MIT license.
Features
Single-binary install
The app is delivered as a single native Go binary, which keeps startup simple and avoids runtime dependencies.
Fast cold start
Ghost uses a local cache for its provider and model list, with a built-in fallback list, so it can launch quickly after installation.
Themeable TUI
The interface is a terminal UI with theme support; Dracula ships by default and can be switched at any time.
Cross-platform support
Ghost supports Linux, macOS, and Windows on amd64 and arm64, making it usable across common developer machines.
Bring-your-own-key providers
Users can add their own keys to access providers such as Nvidia NIM, Gemini, Groq, Cerebras, Copilot, and OpenRouter through the Catwalk registry.
Use Cases
Interactive terminal assistance
Open Ghost in a shell session to ask coding questions, draft snippets, or generate commands without switching to a browser-based chat app.
Code generation inside the CLI
Use Ghost while editing or reviewing code to generate starting points and iterate on implementation directly from the command line.
Terminal task workflows
Launch Ghost for operational work where command execution and session continuity matter, then resume a prior session as needed.
No-key onboarding
Switch to a free model immediately after install when you want to try the tool without setting up accounts or keys.
Optional keyed providers
Connect your own provider keys when your preferred model is not one of the bundled free options and you want access to additional services.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free models are available immediately, with no API key required to start.
- The tool is cross-platform and published for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- The interface is themeable, with a default Dracula theme.
- Ghost is open source and MIT licensed.
- It supports both free providers and optional bring-your-own-key providers.
Cons
- The source does not provide a pricing page or plan structure.
- Advanced provider access depends on connecting your own keys for services such as Gemini, Groq, Cerebras, Copilot, OpenRouter, or Nvidia NIM.
FAQ
How do I install Ghost?
Ghost is installed as a single binary. The docs describe three installation paths: a macOS/Linux one-liner that downloads the latest release, manual downloads from the Releases page for Windows, macOS, and Linux, or building from source with Go 1.26 or newer.
What platforms does Ghost support?
Yes. The introduction and installation docs say Ghost works on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and the homepage notes support for amd64 and arm64.
Do I need an API key to use Ghost?
No. The homepage and docs both state that free providers are available immediately and that no API key is required to start chatting.
What can I do with Ghost in the terminal?
Ghost is a terminal-based AI assistant for chatting, generating code, and running tasks. The docs also mention command execution, session resume, provider selection, and theme switching.
How much does Ghost cost?
The source does not show a pricing page with plans. The homepage instead presents Ghost as free, open source, and powered by free models.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer Tool
- Product type
- Terminal AI assistant
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Windows
- License
- MIT
- Primary workflow
- Chat, generate code, and run tasks in the terminal
- Website
- ghost-cli.eu.cc
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