OpenHands: AI-Powered Software Development Agent

OpenHands

3.5 | 452 | 0
Type:
Open Source Projects
Last Updated:
2025/10/14
Description:
OpenHands is an AI-powered software development agent that can modify code, run commands, browse the web and call APIs. Sign up for OpenHands Cloud to get started.
Share:
AI agent
software automation
code generation
autonomous development

Overview of OpenHands

OpenHands: Code Less, Make More

OpenHands (formerly OpenDevin) is an AI-powered platform designed to automate software development tasks. It empowers AI agents to perform various functions like modifying code, running commands, browsing the web, and calling APIs, mirroring the capabilities of a human developer.

What is OpenHands?

OpenHands is an open-source project that provides a platform for AI software development agents. It allows these agents to interact with the environment, make changes, and essentially handle software development tasks autonomously.

How does OpenHands work?

OpenHands agents are designed to:

  • Modify Code: The agents can directly alter the codebase, fixing bugs, implementing new features, and refactoring existing code.
  • Run Commands: Agents can execute commands within the system to perform necessary actions, such as compiling code, running tests, or deploying applications.
  • Browse the Web: The agents can access the internet to gather information, research solutions, and utilize online resources like StackOverflow for code snippets and problem-solving.
  • Call APIs: Agents are capable of interacting with external APIs, enabling them to integrate with other services and extend their functionality.

Key Features:

  • AI-Powered Automation: Automates complex software development tasks using AI agents.
  • Versatile Functionality: Agents can modify code, run commands, browse the web, and call APIs.
  • Open Source: Encourages community contributions and customization.
  • Cloud and Local Options: Available on OpenHands Cloud and can be run locally.

How to use OpenHands?

  1. OpenHands Cloud: The easiest way to get started, offering a cloud-based environment with free credits for new users.
  2. Local Installation:
    • CLI Launcher (Recommended): Use the CLI launcher with uv for better isolation.
      uvx --python 3.12 --from openhands-ai openhands serve # GUI mode
      uvx --python 3.12 --from openhands-ai openhands # CLI mode
      
    • Docker: Alternative method for running OpenHands locally.

Why choose OpenHands?

  • Efficiency: Automate repetitive and time-consuming development tasks.
  • Innovation: Allows developers to focus on high-level design and creative problem-solving.
  • Community Support: Benefit from a vibrant open-source community.

Who is OpenHands for?

  • Software developers seeking to automate tasks.
  • Teams looking to increase productivity and efficiency.
  • AI enthusiasts interested in exploring AI-driven software development.

Getting Started

To begin using OpenHands:

  1. Choose an LLM provider: Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4 is recommended, but other options are available.
  2. Add an API key: Configure the LLM provider with the necessary API key.

Documentation and Community

  • Documentation: Comprehensive guides and resources are available at docs.all-hands.dev.
  • Community: Join the OpenHands community through [Slack](insert slack link) and [GitHub Issues](insert github issues link) to discuss research, architecture, and future development.

License

OpenHands is distributed under the MIT License (with the exception of the enterprise/ folder), promoting open collaboration and innovation.

Conclusion

OpenHands is a powerful tool for automating software development tasks, enhancing productivity, and fostering innovation. Whether you choose to use OpenHands Cloud or run it locally, it offers a versatile platform for AI-driven development. By joining the OpenHands community, you can contribute to the project and benefit from shared knowledge and advancements in the field of AI-assisted software development.

Best Alternative Tools to "OpenHands"

Refact.ai
No Image Available
632 0

Refact.ai, the #1 open-source AI agent for software development, automates coding, debugging, and testing with full context awareness. An open-source alternative to Cursor and Copilot.

AI coding assistant
code generation
Devin
No Image Available
398 0

Devin is an AI software engineer from Cognition, a collaborative teammate that boosts engineering teams by handling coding, data analysis, and more for greater productivity.

AI coding agent
Agent Zero
No Image Available
510 0

Agent Zero is an open-source AI framework for building autonomous agents that learn and grow organically. It features multi-agent cooperation, code execution, and customizable tools.

autonomous-agents
A-SWE
No Image Available
384 0

A-SWE is an AI platform designed to empower agentic software engineers, enabling AI agents to autonomously code, test, debug, and document, enhancing software development.

AI coding
autonomous software

Tags Related to OpenHands