Want local vibe coding? This AI stack replaces Claude Code and Codex - and it's free (www.zdnet.com)

A new AI stack consisting of three tools—Goose, Ollama, and Qwen3-coder—has emerged as a free alternative to cloud-based coding platforms like Claude Code and OpenAI Codex. Goose acts as an agent that plans and manages coding tasks, Ollama serves as the local runtime for executing the model, and Qwen3-coder is a specialized large language model (LLM) from Alibaba that generates code. This configuration allows developers to run coding tasks on their local machines while maintaining privacy and avoiding subscription fees often associated with cloud services. The significance of this development for the AI/ML community lies in its potential to democratize access to powerful coding tools without the security concerns of cloud dependency. The modular design allows for flexibility—developers can swap individual components without disrupting overall workflows. Each element plays a distinct role: Qwen3-coder generates code from prompts, Ollama executes the model locally, and Goose orchestrates the interaction between the user and the models. This setup not only enhances workflow efficiency but also keeps user data secure by ensuring that all coding activities occur locally, making it an appealing option for programmers seeking control and customization in their development environment.