Chatcraft
ChatCraft is a web-based AI assistant specifically designed to help software developers with their tasks. The tool requires an OpenAI API k...
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What is Chatcraft?
ChatCraft is a web-based AI assistant specifically designed for software developers to interact with Large Language Models (LLMs) for coding tasks. It transforms how developers read, write, debug, and enhance their code by providing a developer-focused ChatGPT frontend. The tool works entirely in your browser without requiring any installation or server setup, making it immediately accessible.
Key features include support for multiple AI providers (OpenAI and OpenRouter), giving access to models from OpenAI, Anthropic's Claude, Google's PaLM, and Meta's Llama. Users can customize system prompts, edit and delete AI messages, retry responses with different models, and use custom functions that extend LLM power. The interface is inspired by GitHub with editable GitHub-flavored Markdown everywhere, syntax-highlighted code, automatic Mermaid diagram rendering, and HTML preview capabilities.
ChatCraft is ideal for software developers who want to have productive coding conversations with AI, learn and experiment with code, debug issues quickly, and enhance their development workflow. It serves both beginners learning coding and experienced developers needing quick code assistance. The tool includes unique features like
Chatcraft pricing
Pricing model: Free
ChatCraft is open-source and completely free to use with no app charges or monthly subscriptions. It uses a cost-effective model where you only pay for the API calls to AI models you use through OpenAI or OpenRouter. There are no extra charges for the ChatCraft application itself. You need to obtain your own API key from OpenAI or OpenRouter and enter it in the browser - the API costs are billed directly by those providers based on your usage.
Chatcraft pros
- Open-source and free for everyone to use and contribute
- No installation or server required - works entirely in browser
- Supports multiple AI providers: OpenAI and OpenRouter
- Access to models from OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, Google PaLM, Meta Llama
- Customizable system prompts for tailored AI behavior
- Edit, delete, and retry AI messages with different models in same chat
- mode eliminates explanations and speeds up GPT-4
- Single-message mode for quick code tweaking
- Syntax-highlighted source code rendering automatically
- Automatic Mermaid diagram rendering without extra tools
- HTML preview capability for rendered content
- Function calling support with custom ES Module functions
- Functions can be created in ChatCraft or hosted remotely as Gists
- Use @fn or @fn-url syntax to call local or remote functions
- All chats stored locally in searchable offline browser database
- API keys never shared and stored securely in local storage
- Easy export, download, copy, and backup of chat data
- Share chats via public URLs for collaboration
- Duplicate chats to explore new directions safely
- GitHub-inspired UI with familiar GitHub-flavored Markdown
Chatcraft cons
- Only supports two providers: OpenAI and OpenRouter, no others
- No sandbox for executed JavaScript code - runs with no sandbox
- Functions limited to browser-based JavaScript context or CORS API calls
- Requires API key from provider - not free AI models themselves
- No desktop application - browser-only access
- Local storage means data not synced across devices automatically
- Function calling requires manual execution on your end, LLM doesn't call directly
- Limited to ES Module format for custom functions
- No built-in code editor beyond editable Markdown
- Provider switching saves API key but may require reconfiguration
Frequently asked questions about Chatcraft
What is ChatCraft and who is it for?
ChatCraft is a web-based AI assistant built for software developers. It is an open-source web companion for coding with Large Language Models that transforms how you interact with GPT models, making it effortless to read, write, debug, and enhance your code. It is designed specifically with software developers in mind.
How do I start using ChatCraft?
You can begin using ChatCraft today without any installation or account. Go to https://chatcraft.org/, choose an AI provider (OpenAI or OpenRouter), enter your API key, and start chatting with AI. API keys are never shared and get stored in your browser's local storage. Type your question in the textbox at the bottom and click the Ask button.
What AI providers and models does ChatCraft support?
ChatCraft supports both OpenAI and OpenRouter. OpenAI supports various versions of ChatGPT (gpt-3.5-turbo) and GPT-4 models. OpenRouter adds support for even more models from vendors like Anthropic's Claude, Google's PaLM, and Meta's Llama. You can easily switch providers later or go back-and-forth between them.
How does function calling work in ChatCraft?
You define the interface for a function with name, description, and parameter schema. Let the LLM know about the function's existence and either tell it to call it or let it decide if needed. If the LLM wants to call your function, it sends a special JSON message with name and arguments. The LLM never calls the function yourself - you must execute it on your own. When done executing, send the LLM the result and it continues processing. Functions are defined as ES Modules.
Where are my chats stored and is it private?
Every chat is saved to a local, offline database in your browser, which you can search using the top of the UI or navigate by opening the sidebar with the hamburger menu. All chats are stored locally in a searchable database ensuring your data stays private and secure. API keys are never shared and get stored in your browser's local storage.
Can I export and backup my chat data?
Yes, you can easily download, copy, and export your chat data for safekeeping or further analysis. ChatCraft makes it simple to export and backup your data. You aren't locked into anything and have full control over your chat data.
What makes ChatCraft's UI different from regular ChatGPT?
ChatCraft's interface is inspired by GitHub, making it easy for developers to navigate and use from the get-go. It features editable GitHub-flavored Markdown everywhere, syntax-highlighted source code, automatic Mermaid diagram rendering, and HTML preview. The familiar UI helps you feel right at home if you use GitHub.
Can I share my chats with others?
Yes, ChatCraft is collaborative and shareable. You can share your chats via public URLs, duplicate chats to explore new directions, and collaborate with others. This makes it easy to work together on coding problems and AI-assisted solutions.
What is single-message mode and when should I use it?
Single-message mode is a feature for tweaking code quickly. It is one of the features that speeds up interactions and saves money, allowing you to make rapid code adjustments without lengthy multi-turn conversations.