Dev.to
7/16/2026
Switching from paid AI coding tools to MonkeyCode, a local open-source alternative
Original: I Deleted Cursor, Copilot, and Windsurf. Here Is What I Use Instead.
Short summary
A developer claims to have replaced Cursor, Copilot, and Windsurf with MonkeyCode, an open-source local AI coding platform that runs entirely on-machine. The post highlights code privacy benefits, zero subscription cost, and multi-model flexibility via Ollama, OpenAI, or Anthropic. While the privacy and cost arguments have merit, the post reads as a promotional endorsement with a cherry-picked comparison table and a disingenuous 'not sponsored' disclaimer.
- •MonkeyCode is an open-source local AI coding assistant supporting multiple LLM providers
- •Key selling points: zero cost, code never leaves machine, model flexibility
- •Post has strong self-promotion signals despite claims of independence
Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.
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