The journey of building oTToDev: The best open-source AI coding assistant

It has been an exhilarating three weeks since the creation of a fork of Bolt.new, an impressive AI-based coding assistant. Initially named “Bolt.new Any LLM,” the project’s scope has expanded dramatically, thanks to the overwhelming support of a burgeoning community. What started as a simple experimentation project has grown into a significant movement aimed at creating the best open-source AI coding assistant: now officially renamed oTToDev. Here's a look into the recent updates, announcements, and an exciting guide on how to easily set up oTToDev using Docker.

Growing beyond expectations

A massive community has formed around oTToDev within just three weeks.

In just three weeks, oTToDev has achieved astonishing growth. Originally built to enable interaction with a wide array of large language models (LLMs), both cloud-hosted and local, the project has turned into a community-driven innovation hub. A multitude of developers have stepped in to help turn this AI assistant into something exceptional. Every passing week has seen the addition of new features, contributions, and collaborators, aiding in this project’s transformation into something larger than just its founder.

The primary intention behind this fork was accessibility—making it possible for everyone to seamlessly integrate various LLMs into their development workflows. But, now there’s a vision. And together, the community has started building what could potentially be the gold standard in AI-powered coding assistants.

First major update: oTToDev livestream announcement

Mark your calendars for the livestream introducing oTToDev on November 10th at 7:00 PM CDT.

The first announcement is incredibly exciting—a livestream on Sunday, November 10th, at 7:00 PM CDT, replacing the usual Sunday video. The livestream will not only feature oTToDev but will also act as an open forum to discuss progress, potential features, and contributions while addressing any questions from the community.

It’s a momentous opportunity to showcase the project’s trajectory and invite greater community involvement. It’s also an excellent way for those curious about contributing or using oTToDev to receive direct guidance.

Second major announcement: core contributor program

Over 36 applications have been submitted to become core contributors.

Applications for becoming a core contributor are in full swing. In just a week, the project has garnered 36 applications! The aim here is clear: to sustain and scale the exponential development by forming a team dedicated to maintaining and expanding oTToDev.

Core contributors will play an invaluable role in shaping the trajectory of this assistant, and the focus is on ensuring widespread involvement from the developer community. Regular contributors and curious minds are encouraged to apply via this link.

Third major milestone: a name that reflects the project’s future

oTToDev now has an official name—it reflects more than just a project.

The project’s official name, oTToDev, marks an ambitious departure from “Bolt.new Any LLM.” This distinction is purposeful. The renaming ensures that oTToDev develops a unique identity to accommodate the transformative innovations being integrated into the project.

Additionally, the founder teases “something big” being built behind the scenes, and the new name aptly ties into these future plans. While there are no confirmations about merging back into the main Bolt.new repository just yet, the independence allows for rapid iterations and community-led innovations.

Fourth announcement: discourse community launch

A Discourse-based community for collaboration launches on November 10th.

A thriving project always needs a vibrant and collaborative space, and for oTToDev, this is set to be a Discourse-based community, launching on November 10th.

The platform will be an inclusive space for bug reporting, feature suggestions, roadmaps, and documentation. Contributors will benefit from access to resources and can directly engage with core contributors to ensure smooth and impactful collaborations. Alongside the livestream, the Discourse platform will amplify engagement while allowing brainstorming between members, irrespective of technical expertise.

Step-by-step guide: running oTToDev with Docker

For those eager to get oTToDev running, whether out of curiosity or as a precursor to contributing, here’s an easy step-by-step guide using Docker.

Prerequisites:

Install Git
Download Git from Git's website based on your operating system. This is essential for cloning the repository.
Download Node.js
Visit Node.js Official Site for installation. Verify using:
```
node --version
```
Set up Docker/Docker Desktop
Always recommended for ease of use. Install Docker for your system and confirm its functionality.

Process:

Clone the oTToDev Repository
Open Terminal and run:

git clone https://github.com/coleam00/bolt.new-any-llm.git
cd bolt.new-any-llm

Prepare API Keys
- Navigate to env.example in the cloned directory.
- Add API keys for your preferred LLM providers such as OpenAI. Rename the file to .env.
Build using Docker
Run this command:
```
npm run docker:build
```
Run the Docker Container
Start up oTToDev with:
```
npm run docker:up
```
Access oTToDev
Visit localhost:5173 in your browser. Note: For users of Google Chrome, install Chrome Canary for compatibility. Firefox users should have no issues.

This Docker setup ensures consistency in environments, erasing discrepancies between systems. Beginners and technical experts alike can benefit from the ease it offers.

Why get involved with oTToDev?

oTToDev is far from perfect, but the collaborative spirit reflects the potential for it to become something extraordinary. Open-source AI development democratizes access to advancements in coding and makes innovation possible on a global scale.

With an accessible setup, a collaborative community, and simple tools like Docker, there has never been a better time to jump in. The project’s momentum is unmistakable, and with additional contributors, oTToDev is set to redefine what an AI coding assistant can do.

Conclusion: let’s build together

The oTToDev story is still in its infancy. The strength of this project will be determined not just by its code, but by the contributions, enthusiasm, and creativity of its community. With initiatives like the discourse forum, a clear roadmap, and accessible Docker setups, the future of oTToDev is boundless.

If you're passionate about AI, coding, or simply curious about where innovation can take us, this is your chance to contribute to something impactful. Let’s redefine how coding tools can empower us all. Together, we will build the best open-source AI coding assistant out there.

For more updates, apply to contribute or check out the GitHub repository for oTToDev.

Watch the original video for more context and updates.