About codename goose
goose is an open source, general-purpose AI agent that runs on your machine, offered as a desktop app, CLI and API. It is not limited to code and can support research, writing, automation and data analysis. It is built in Rust and connects to extensions through the Model Context Protocol.
Key features
- 01Desktop app, CLI and embeddable API
- 02Works with 15+ model providers
- 03Connects to 70+ MCP extensions
- 04Built in Rust
- 05Custom distributions with preset providers and extensions
Use cases
- 01Running coding and workflow tasks from the terminal
- 02Handling research, writing and data analysis in the desktop app
- 03Embedding agent capabilities into other applications
MCP support
goose acts as an MCP client that connects to extensions exposed as MCP servers.
Details
From the project READMEgoose
your native open source AI agent — desktop app, CLI, and API — for code, workflows, and everything in between
goose is a general-purpose AI agent that runs on your machine. Not just for code — use it for research, writing, automation, data analysis, or anything you need to get done.
A native desktop app for macOS, Linux, and Windows. A full CLI for terminal workflows. An API to embed it anywhere. Built in Rust for performance and portability.
goose works with 15+ providers — Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Ollama, OpenRouter, Azure, Bedrock, and more. Use API keys or your existing Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini subscriptions via ACP. Connect to 70+ extensions via the Model Context Protocol open standard.
goose is part of the Agentic AI Foundation (AAIF) at the Linux Foundation.
Get started
Download the desktop app for macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Or install the CLI:
curl -fsSL https://github.com/aaif-goose/goose/releases/download/stable/download_cli.sh | bash
Quick links
- Quickstart
- Installation
- Tutorials
- Documentation
- Governance
- Custom Distributions — build your own goose distro with preconfigured providers, extensions, and branding
Need help?
a little goose humor 🪿
Why did the developer choose goose as their AI agent?
Because it always helps them "migrate" their code to production! 🚀
goose around with us
Comments
New to MCP?
From what the protocol is to installing your first server, these answers cover most first questions.
An open protocol that defines how AI applications connect to external tools and data in a uniform way. Clients talk to the model; MCP servers provide tools, resources and prompt templates. They exchange standard messages, so one server can be reused by many clients.