MiMo Code is a free, open source AI coding assistant that works directly from your terminal. It can read and write code, run commands, manage Git, and remember details about your projects between sessions. It also supports multiple AI providers, so you aren't locked into a single model or service.

An AI Coding Assistant Built for the Command Line

Most AI coding tools either live in a browser or bolt themselves onto an editor. MiMo Code takes a different approach. It runs in your terminal and works directly with the files in your project. MiMo Code is developed by Xiaomi and is based on the open source OpenCode project. It can make changes across multiple files, explain unfamiliar code, and help track down bugs.

It can also execute commands and work with Git, making it considerably more capable than simply having an AI chatbot sitting next to your code.

Important: Extract It First

If you're using the downloadable Windows version, there's one thing worth mentioning before you do anything else: Extract the ZIP file first.

Don't try to run MiMo Code directly from inside the ZIP archive.MiMo Code runs from the directory where you extract it, so we recommend creating a dedicated folder for it and extracting everything there.

For example:

C:\MiMoCode

When we tried running it directly from the ZIP, MiMo Code attempted to extract files into the Windows\System32 directory. This is a bit the fault of how windows works and the choice of the author not to have amenu for an install direcotry. However, its a BAD idea to install things into and Windows system folder. That's not where you want an AI coding tool unpacking itself.

Create a folder, extract the entire archive into it, and run MiMo Code from there.

Point MiMo Code at Your Project

MiMo Code works with the project in your current directory, so you'll normally want to open a terminal and change to the folder containing the code you want to work on.

For example:

cd C:\MyProjects\MyApp

Then launch MiMo Code.

This is important because MiMo Code isn't just answering questions about snippets you paste into a chat window. It can examine and work with the files that make up the project.

That also means you should pay attention to what directory you're in before giving an AI agent permission to start modifying files or running commands.

Connect MiMo Code to Claude, ChatGPT, or Another AI

MiMo Code isn't limited to Xiaomi's own models.

The first time you launch it, MiMo Code walks you through choosing an AI provider. Depending on what you already use, you have several options. If you clicked by that part just enter \login at the prompt to get your options.

If you use ChatGPT Plus or Pro, MiMo Code supports Codex through your OpenAI login. Choose the Codex option and follow the OAuth login process.

If you already use Claude Code, MiMo Code can import your existing Claude Code authentication, saving you from configuring everything again.

You can also select a supported provider and enter an API key or configure your own OpenAI-compatible API.

That flexibility is one of the things we like about MiMo Code. The terminal interface and project tools aren't tied to one particular AI company.

Remembers Your Projects

One of MiMo Code's more interesting features is persistent memory.

Instead of treating every session like you've never met before, it can retain information about the project, previous tasks, and work you've already completed.

That's particularly useful when you're working on something for days or weeks. You shouldn't have to explain the same project structure and goals every time you launch your coding assistant.

MiMo Code stores its memory and other runtime information locally and uses checkpoints to help reconstruct project context between sessions.

More Than a Coding Chatbot

MiMo Code can do considerably more than generate a function when you ask for one.

It includes different agents for different jobs. The default Build agent can work on your project, while Plan provides a read-only mode for analyzing what needs to be done before changing anything. There's also a Compose agent designed for larger, multi-step work.

You can switch between them using the Tab key.

We especially like having a planning mode. Letting an AI inspect a project and explain what it intends to change before you turn it loose on the files is often a very good idea.

Features We Like

• Runs directly from the terminal
• Remembers project information between sessions
• Supports multiple AI providers
• Can read and modify files throughout a project
• Can run commands and work with Git
• Includes separate Build, Plan, and Compose agents

Pros

• Free and open source
• Persistent project memory
• Works with multiple AI services
• Windows, macOS, and Linux support

Cons

• Terminal interface won't appeal to everyone
• AI agents capable of modifying files and running commands require some trust and supervision
• Initial setup is more involved than using a web-based AI chatbot

Geek Verdict

MiMo Code is aimed squarely at people who are comfortable working from a terminal and want AI to become part of that workflow.

Persistent memory is probably its most interesting trick. Being able to come back to a project without starting the conversation from scratch makes a coding assistant much more useful for real projects.

We also like that Xiaomi hasn't tied the program exclusively to its own AI just to sell tokens. You can use MiMo's models, connect Codex with your ChatGPT account, import Claude Code authentication, or configure another supported provider.

If you're comfortable with the command line and want an AI coding assistant that can actually work with an entire project rather than just spit out code snippets, MiMo Code is well worth a look.