CodeBuff

CodeBuff is an AI coding agent designed to help developers write, modify, and manage code across multiple programming languages and frameworks. It leverages multiple AI models to provide enhanced code generation capabilities and comprehensive project support.

What is CodeBuff?

CodeBuff is a command-line AI coding assistant that can write frontend and backend code in every major programming language and framework. It goes beyond simple code completion by offering full project management capabilities, including feature development, test writing, script creation, and codebase analysis.

Key Features

Multi-Model Architecture

CodeBuff uses a sophisticated multi-model approach for optimal results:

• Claude Sonnet for most coding tasks
• Gemini Flash for quick tasks and file discovery
• Gemini 2.5 Pro for complex thinking (in --max mode)
• Speculative decoding model from Relace AI for fast file rewrites
• o3-mini as a file editing fallback
• GPT-4o-mini for trivial tasks

Comprehensive Code Support

• Write features, tests, and scripts
• Run CLI commands and configure builds
• Review code and answer questions about codebases
• Support for all major programming languages and frameworks

Project Management

• Starter templates for common frameworks
• Community showcase projects
• Automatic project initialization
• Build configuration assistance

Advanced Customization

• Knowledge.md files for custom context and prompt engineering
• Automatic loading of knowledge files for codebase-specific instructions
• Custom ignore patterns via .codebuffignore
• Flexible file inclusion/exclusion rules

Installation

Install CodeBuff globally using npm:

npm install -g codebuff

Requirements

• Node.js version 18 or higher
• npm or yarn package manager

Troubleshooting Installation

If you encounter issues:

1. Verify Node version: node --version
2. For permission issues:
   • Mac/Linux: sudo npm install -g codebuff
   • Windows: Run command prompt as administrator
3. Consider reinstalling Node using nvm or fnm

Basic Usage

Start CodeBuff in your project directory:

codebuff

Creating New Projects

Initialize a new project with starter templates:

codebuff --create nextjs project-name
codebuff --create minecraft-simple

Custom Instructions

Create knowledge.md files to provide CodeBuff with context about your codebase:

• Files ending in knowledge.md are automatically loaded
• Use these files for custom prompt engineering
• CodeBuff will update existing knowledge files autonomously

File Management

CodeBuff respects .gitignore by default and supports .codebuffignore for additional exclusions:

# .codebuffignore
# Additional files to ignore
temp/
*.log

# Negate gitignore rules
!important-ignored-file.js

Pricing and Performance

CodeBuff prioritizes performance over cost, using multiple LLM calls with extensive codebase examples for better results. While this approach is more expensive than some alternatives, it provides superior code quality and comprehensive analysis capabilities.

Comparison with Alternatives

vs. Claude Code

• Faster execution and response times
• Cheaper per operation
• Better at analyzing large codebases
• More comprehensive multi-model approach

vs. Traditional Code Assistants

• Full project management capabilities
• Multi-model architecture for specialized tasks
• Advanced customization through knowledge files
• Terminal command execution

Privacy and Security

• CodeBuff doesn't store your codebase
• Server acts as a thin client to OpenAI and Anthropic
• Chat portions stored for debugging purposes
• Privacy Mode planned for complete data isolation
• Docker environment available for additional security

Getting Started

1. Try a starter template: Use codebuff --create nextjs my-app for a quick start
2. Explore community projects: Check out the showcase for examples
3. Set up knowledge files: Create knowledge.md files for your project context
4. Configure ignore patterns: Set up .codebuffignore for your needs

Support and Community

• Documentation: codebuff.com/docs
• Discord Community: Join Discord
• Email Support: support@codebuff.com
• Troubleshooting Guide: Available in the official documentation

CodeBuff represents a new generation of AI coding assistants that combine multiple specialized models to provide comprehensive development support, from initial project setup to complex codebase analysis and modification.