Plandex

Plandex is an open source, terminal-based AI coding agent designed for large projects and real world tasks with a 2M token effective context window. It operates through command-line interface with multiple operational modes including chat and tell modes. Solo developers benefit from its autonomous task execution and sandbox environment for testing changes before applying them to project files.

Strengths

• 2M token effective context window with default model pack, loading only what's needed for each step
• Reliable in large projects and files, easily generating, reviewing, revising, and applying changes spanning dozens of files
• Fast project map generation and syntax validation with tree-sitter supporting 30+ languages
• Context caching across OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google models, reducing costs and latency
• Configurable autonomy from full auto mode to fine-grained control depending on the task
• Built-in version control and branching capabilities with sandbox environment for testing changes

Weaknesses

• Windows requires WSL environment, no native Windows CMD or PowerShell support
• Terminal-only interface may not appeal to developers preferring GUI-based tools
• More complex setup compared to simple CLI chat applications
• Requires command-line proficiency for effective usage

Best for

Developers working on large-scale projects who prefer terminal-based workflows and need extensive context handling.

Pricing plans

• Plandex Cloud — $20 monthly credit included — Integrated model, no API key required
• Credit-based system — Minimum $10 purchase — Credits never expire, auto-recharge available
• Self-hosted — Free — Requires own API keys for models

Tech details

• Type: Terminal-based AI coding agent
• IDEs: Command-line interface, works with any editor through file system
• Key features: 2M token context, multi-file editing, automated debugging, project mapping, syntax validation
• Privacy / hosting: Self-hosted option available, cloud version available
• Models / context window: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google models with 2M effective token context

When to choose this over Windsurf

• You prefer terminal-based development workflows over GUI interfaces
• Working with large projects requiring extensive context handling across dozens of files
• Need autonomous task execution with configurable control levels

When Windsurf may be a better fit

• You prefer integrated IDE experience over terminal-based workflows
• Working on smaller projects that don't require extensive context windows
• Need native Windows support without WSL dependency

Conclusion

Plandex serves as an open source AI coding assistant supporting 2 million token contexts, specifically designed for large and complex projects. Its terminal-based approach and extensive context handling make it particularly valuable for developers managing substantial codebases. The tool represents a solid Windsurf alternatives for teams preferring command-line workflows and requiring maximum context retention across large project files.

Sources

• Official site
• Docs
• Pricing