Melty
An open source fork of VS Code with built-in chat and AI coding agents.
About Melty
Melty is a cutting-edge open-source Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that has revolutionized the way developers approach coding in 2026. As a fork of the popular VS Code, Melty enhances the development experience by integrating advanced AI capabilities directly into the coding workflow. This tool allows developers to run multiple AI coding agents, such as Codex and Claude Code, in isolated workspaces on their Mac, significantly boosting productivity and collaboration. With features like built-in chat, change previews, and AI-assisted commit writing, Melty streamlines the coding process, making it an indispensable tool for modern developers. The platform is particularly beneficial for teams and individuals working on complex projects requiring high levels of collaboration and efficiency. By choosing Melty, users gain access to a powerful suite of tools that not only enhance coding efficiency but also foster a more collaborative and innovative development environment. Whether you're a seasoned software engineer or a startup founder, Melty provides the tools you need to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of software development.
Melty Key Features
- Multiple AI coding agents for diverse coding tasks in isolated workspaces.
- Built-in chat for real-time collaboration and communication among team members.
- Change previews to visualize code modifications before committing changes.
- AI-assisted commit writing to generate meaningful commit messages automatically.
- Open-source nature allows customization and community contributions.
Melty Pricing Plans (2026)
Open Source
- AI coding agents
- Built-in chat
- Change previews
- AI-assisted commit writing
- Conductor management
- Requires Mac for full functionality
- Potential API costs for AI agents
Melty Pros
- + Enhanced productivity through parallel AI coding agents.
- + Seamless team collaboration with built-in chat.
- + Improved code quality with change previews.
- + Time-saving AI-assisted commit writing.
- + Comprehensive workflow management with Conductor.
- + Flexible version control with git worktree integration.
Melty Cons
- − Limited to Mac users, restricting accessibility for Windows and Linux users.
- − Steep learning curve for new users unfamiliar with AI coding agents.
- − Potential dependency on AI agents for routine tasks.
- − Requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance.
- − May not fully integrate with all existing development tools.
Melty Use Cases
What Makes Melty Unique
Open Source Fork of VS Code
Melty is built on the foundation of VS Code, offering a familiar interface with enhanced AI capabilities, making it a powerful tool for developers who prefer open-source solutions.
AI-Driven Development
The integration of AI coding agents sets Melty apart from traditional IDEs, providing unparalleled productivity and efficiency in coding tasks.
Isolated Workspaces
By offering isolated workspaces for each AI agent, Melty ensures that developers can work on multiple tasks without interference, a feature not commonly found in other IDEs.
Built-in Chat for Real-Time Collaboration
The built-in chat feature facilitates seamless communication within the IDE, reducing the need for external communication tools and enhancing team collaboration.
Comprehensive Workflow Management
With features like Conductor, Melty provides a holistic view of ongoing projects, enabling efficient management of multiple coding agents and repositories.
Who's Using Melty
Tech Startups
Tech startups use Melty to accelerate product development cycles and bring innovative solutions to market faster by leveraging AI-driven coding capabilities.
Software Development Companies
Established software companies integrate Melty into their workflow to enhance team collaboration and maintain high code quality across distributed teams.
Educational Institutions
Universities and coding bootcamps incorporate Melty into their curriculum to teach students about modern development tools and AI integration.
Open Source Contributors
Open source contributors use Melty to collaborate on projects, utilizing its isolated workspaces and integrated communication tools to manage contributions effectively.
Freelance Developers
Freelancers adopt Melty to streamline their workflow, manage multiple client projects, and enhance their productivity with AI-assisted features.
How We Rate Melty
Melty vs Competitors
Melty vs CodeGeeX
CodeGeeX is a strong competitor to Melty, offering AI-driven coding capabilities with a focus on speed and efficiency. While both tools integrate AI agents, Melty's open-source nature provides more flexibility for customization and community-driven improvements.
- + Open-source and free to use.
- + Isolated workspaces for AI agents.
- + Built-in chat for seamless collaboration.
- − Limited to Mac users.
- − Requires a stable internet connection for AI features.
Melty Frequently Asked Questions (2026)
What is Melty?
Melty is an open-source Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that enhances coding productivity with AI-driven features, including isolated workspaces for AI coding agents.
How much does Melty cost in 2026?
Melty is open-source and free to use, though additional costs may arise from API usage for AI agents like Claude Code.
Is Melty free?
Yes, Melty is free to use as an open-source tool, though some features may require external API costs.
Is Melty worth it in 2026?
For developers seeking AI-driven productivity enhancements, Melty offers significant value with its robust feature set and open-source nature.
Best Melty alternatives in 2026?
Alternatives to Melty include CodeGeeX, Google Antigravity, ZZZ Code AI, LMQL, and GoCodeo, each offering unique features and capabilities.
Melty vs competitors in 2026?
Melty stands out with its AI integration and open-source model, while competitors may offer different strengths such as platform compatibility or specific AI features.
How to get started with Melty?
To start using Melty, download and install the tool from their official website, set up your repositories, and deploy AI agents in isolated workspaces.
What platforms does Melty support?
Melty is designed for Mac users, offering seamless integration with macOS environments.
Is Melty safe and secure?
As an open-source tool, Melty emphasizes data privacy and security, though users should ensure secure configurations and practices.
Who should use Melty?
Melty is ideal for software developers, tech startups, educational institutions, open source contributors, and freelancers seeking AI-driven coding tools.
What's new in Melty 2026?
In 2026, Melty introduced enhanced AI agent capabilities, improved workspace management, and expanded integration options.
How does Melty compare to alternatives?
Melty offers unique AI-driven features and open-source flexibility, while alternatives may excel in specific areas like platform compatibility or specialized AI tools.
Melty on Hacker News
VS Code Extension
Melty Company
Melty Quick Info
- Pricing
- Open Source
- Upvotes
- 93
- Added
- January 3, 2026
Melty Is Best For
- Software developers looking for AI-enhanced coding tools.
- Tech startups aiming to accelerate product development.
- Educational institutions teaching modern coding practices.
- Open source contributors seeking collaborative tools.
- Freelancers managing multiple client projects.
Melty Integrations
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