How to run a local coding agent with Gemma 4 and Pi (patloeber.com)

A new setup for running local coding agents has been announced, utilizing LM Studio, the Gemma 4 26B A4B model, and the Pi agent. This configuration allows developers to operate models entirely on their local machines, enhancing privacy and reducing latency associated with cloud computing. Significantly, the Gemma 4 model comes with advanced features such as native function calling and system prompt support, making it a robust option for coding and agentic tasks. The Mixture of Experts architecture in Gemma 4 26B A4B enables it to deliver high-quality results while managing VRAM efficiently, activating only a fraction of its parameters during inference. The comprehensive guide includes essential steps like installing LM Studio, configuring context size, and integrating the Pi agent. It also emphasizes the importance of managing context and VRAM to optimize performance during coding tasks. By offering customizable skills and extensions, the setup facilitates a tailored development experience, allowing users to leverage the capabilities of the local model fully. This development is a significant stride towards empowering developers with tools that prioritize control and efficiency in coding tasks.