Dyad is an open-source, locally-run vibe coding tool designed to generate full-stack web applications using AI. Unlike cloud-based alternatives, Dyad runs entirely on the user's machine, meaning source code and prompts are never transmitted to third-party servers. Users interact with an AI assistant through a chat interface to scaffold, modify, and iterate on applications. Dyad supports multiple AI model providers, allowing users to bring their own API keys or use locally-hosted models. The tool targets both developers who want rapid prototyping and non-technical users who want to create functional apps without writing code manually. It is distributed as a desktop application and is free to use. The project is open source, enabling community contributions and self-hosting. Dyad emphasizes privacy, local execution, and cost control as core differentiators from competing AI coding assistants.
Target audience and deployment
- Solo / Freelancer
- Startup
- SMB
- Self-hosted
Key features
Use cases
- Generate full-stack web applications from natural language prompts
- Prototype and iterate on app ideas rapidly
- Build apps privately without sharing code externally
- Use custom or self-hosted AI models for code generation
- Learn app development through AI-assisted scaffolding
Best for
- Developers who need to rapidly prototype full-stack web applications locally
- Freelancers who need to build client apps without exposing code to cloud services
- Non-technical founders who need to create functional web apps without writing code
- Privacy-conscious builders who need AI-assisted coding without third-party data sharing
Integrations
Developer
GitHub
AI models included
OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, Ollama