buddyAIM

Your next desktop companion

Make room
for a new buddy.

Two ways to get started: download a ready-to-run Windows package, or clone the repository and run buddyAIM from source.

Latest release on GitLab

Prebuilt downloads for Windows

Use the installer or portable ZIP on a Windows x64 PC. These packages include the application runtime, so Node.js is not required. Check the release notes for signing status, compatibility, and verification details before installing.

Get the latest release

GitLab has the current downloads, release notes, and SHA-256 checksums.

Clone and run

Run from source

You can run buddyAIM directly from a local copy of the repository. Install the dependencies, then launch the app with npm start. Creating an installer is optional.

Install Git, Node.js 22.12 or newer, and npm, then run:

git clone https://gitlab.com/buddyaim/buddy-agent-instant-messenger.git
cd buddy-agent-instant-messenger
npm ci
npm start

In Windows PowerShell, use npm.cmd ci and npm.cmd start if script execution policy blocks npm.

Native dependencies may need Python and C/C++ build tools for your operating system. Windows source use is validated; macOS and Linux source use has not yet been verified.

View the repository and setup instructions

For either option

Coding-provider accounts and service requirements apply separately.

Getting started

Three steps to your first conversation.

  1. Bring your coding CLI.

    Install and authenticate Codex or Claude Code. buddyAIM discovers supported native installations.

  2. Add your project.

    Open List Setup and choose a project folder. It becomes a group in your buddy list.

  3. Say hello to your work.

    Start a conversation, choose a provider, and type directly in the embedded terminal.