nanocode
January 12, 2026 · View on GitHub
Minimal Claude Code alternative. Single Python file, zero dependencies, ~250 lines.
Built using Claude Code, then used to build itself.

Features
- Full agentic loop with tool use
- Tools:
read,write,edit,glob,grep,bash - Conversation history
- Colored terminal output
Usage
export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="your-key"
python nanocode.py
OpenRouter
Use OpenRouter to access any model:
export OPENROUTER_API_KEY="your-key"
python nanocode.py
To use a different model:
export OPENROUTER_API_KEY="your-key"
export MODEL="openai/gpt-5.2"
python nanocode.py
Commands
/c- Clear conversation/qorexit- Quit
Tools
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
read | Read file with line numbers, offset/limit |
write | Write content to file |
edit | Replace string in file (must be unique) |
glob | Find files by pattern, sorted by mtime |
grep | Search files for regex |
bash | Run shell command |
Example
────────────────────────────────────────
❯ what files are here?
────────────────────────────────────────
⏺ Glob(**/*.py)
⎿ nanocode.py
⏺ There's one Python file: nanocode.py
License
MIT