Grok CLI : Open Alternative to Claude Code and Gemini CLI

Grok CLI is an open-source, conversational command-line AI tool that understands natural language commands to perform various development tasks.

You tell the AI what you need, and it can help you with file operations, running shell commands, and even understanding your project’s structure, similar to Claude Code or Gemini CLI.

# Install Globally
npm install -g @vibe-kit/grok-cli

Features

• Conversational AI: Interact with your terminal using natural language, powered by Grok-3.
• Smart File Operations: The AI can automatically use tools to view, create, and edit files for you.
• Bash Integration: Execute shell commands through conversation.
• Automatic Tool Selection: The AI intelligently selects the right tool for your request.
• Interactive UI: A user-friendly terminal interface built with Ink.
• Global Installation: You can install and use it anywhere with a simple npm command.

How To Use It

1. To get started, make sure you first have Node.js 16 or higher installed. Then install Grok CLI globally:

npm install -g @vibe-kit/grok-cli

2. You’ll need a Grok API key from X.AI.

3. Add your API key to Grok CLI:

export GROK_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

Or create a user settings file at ~/.grok/user-settings.json:

{
  "apiKey": "your_api_key_here"
}

4. Start the CLI by typing grok in your terminal. For project-specific work, navigate to your project directory first, or specify it directly:

grok -d /path/to/your/project

5. For Custom Instructions, create a .grok folder in your project root and add a GROK.md file with specific instructions.

mkdir .grok
echo "Always use TypeScript for new files. Follow existing code patterns." > .grok/GROK.md

6. Describe what you need instead of typing commands. The AI interprets your requests and executes the appropriate actions automatically.

• “Show me the package.json contents”
• “Create a new component called UserProfile”
• “Find all TODO comments in the codebase”
• “Run the linter and fix any issues”

Pros

• Free and Open Source: No subscription fees or usage limits, with full source code access.
• Natural Language Interface: Skip command syntax memorization. Just describe what you want.
• Context Awareness: Remembers your project structure and previous conversation history.
• Multiple API Key Options: Flexible configuration methods to fit different workflows.
• Project-Specific Instructions: Customize AI behavior per project with simple markdown files.
• Tool Intelligence: Automatically selects appropriate tools (file operations, shell commands) based on requests.

Cons

• Requires Grok API Key: Need an account with X.AI, which may require waitlist or payment depending on availability.
• Node.js Dependency: Must have Node.js runtime installed, adding system requirements.
• Terminal-Only Interface: No graphical interface option for users who prefer visual tools.
• Limited to Grok Models: Tied to X.AI’s Grok ecosystem, can’t easily switch to other AI providers.

Related Resources

• X.AI Platform: Get your Grok API key and manage account settings
• Superagent GitHub: Explore other open-source AI tools from the same development team
• NPM Package: Official package page with version history and stats
• Node.js Installation Guide: Download and install Node.js if you don’t have it
• Gemini CLI: An open-source AI agent that brings the power of Gemini directly into your terminal.
• Qwen Code: Open-source Command-line AI Agent forked from Gemini CLI.

FAQs

Q: Is Grok CLI completely free to use?
A: Yes, the tool itself is free and open-source. However, you’ll need a Grok API key, which may have usage limits depending on X.AI’s pricing model.

Q: Can I use Grok CLI without an internet connection?
A: No. It requires a live connection to the Grok API for AI processing. Basic CLI functions like file viewing still work offline.

Q: How does it handle sensitive code?
A: All data sent to Grok’s API is subject to X.AI’s privacy policies. For sensitive projects, consider self-hosting the API or using a private endpoint.

Q: How does this compare to GitHub Copilot or other coding assistants?
A: Grok CLI focuses on terminal-based project management rather than code completion within editors. It’s more like having a knowledgeable assistant who can navigate your entire project, run commands, and manage files, while Copilot excels at suggesting code as you type in your editor.