Forja
A dedicated GUI client for Claude Code, built with Rust (Tauri 2) + React. Not just another terminal: it's the forge where code is shaped with artificial intelligence.
Screenshot
Concept
Forja opens directly into Claude Code. The user picks a project directory and the session starts. The main experience is Claude Code with enhanced visual rendering (rich markdown, syntax-highlighted code blocks, visual diffs). Git context is always visible in the header.
Features (MVP)
- Project Selector - Home screen with recent projects, favorites, and filesystem browser
- Claude Code Pane - PTY running
claudewith enhanced rendering (markdown, visual diffs, code blocks) - Markdown Preview - Claude's output rendered as rich HTML with syntax highlighting
- Git Integration - Current branch in the header, modified files counter, auto-updates via file watcher
- Session State - Clear visual indicator for "thinking" vs "ready" states
- Error Handling - Graceful fallback if
claudeCLI is not installed
Stack
- Tauri 2 - Desktop framework (Rust backend + WebView frontend)
- Rust - Core (PTY management via
portable-pty, file watching vianotify) - React 19 + TypeScript - Frontend (enhanced rendering, project selector)
- xterm.js - Terminal emulation in frontend (VT parsing + scrollback)
- Tailwind CSS + shadcn/ui - Styling and UI components
- Shiki - Syntax highlighting in code blocks
- Zustand - State management
Architecture
Home Screen (Project Selector)
|
v
Main Workspace
+-- Git Header (branch + modified files)
+-- Claude Code Pane (PTY + xterm.js, ~60% width)
+-- Markdown Preview (React renderer, ~40% width)
+-- Status Bar (state, last activity)
Inspirations
- Warp - Modern terminal UX, integrated AI
- Raycast - Excellent dark mode, density, polish
- Zed - Minimal, performance-focused, dev tool aesthetic
- Linear - Consistency, spacing, typography
What Makes Forja Different
- Claude Code-first - Not a generic terminal with AI; it's a dedicated GUI for Claude Code
- Enhanced Rendering - Markdown rendered as HTML, code blocks with syntax highlight via Shiki
- Project-based - Each session is isolated per project with automatic context
- Open Source - Open source from day 1
Competitors
| Tool | Gap Forja Fills |
|---|---|
| Claude Desktop (official) | Generic, not focused on dev workflow |
| opcode (ex-Claudia) | Pivoted to open-source models |
| CodePilot | Simple wrapper, no enhanced rendering |
| Warp | Generic terminal, Claude Code is just one agent among many |
Strategy
Open source from day 1. Community first, monetization later (sponsorships, pro features for teams).
Installation
Download the latest release from GitHub Releases:
- macOS:
.dmg(Apple Silicon + Intel) - Linux:
.AppImageor.deb
Prerequisites
Forja requires Claude Code CLI installed:
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
Build from Source
# Clone
git clone https://github.com/nandomoreirame/forja.git
cd forja
# Install dependencies
pnpm install
# Run in development mode
pnpm tauri dev
# Build for production
pnpm tauri build
git clone https://github.com/nandomoreirame/forja.git
cd forja
# Install dependencies
pnpm install
# Run in development mode
pnpm tauri dev
# Build for production
pnpm tauri build
See CONTRIBUTING.md for full development setup.
Documentation
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Brief | Executive summary, personas, business model |
| PRD | Full product requirements, user stories, technical spec |
| MVP Scope | What's in/out of MVP, timeline, stack decisions |
| Design Guidelines | Complete design system (colors, typography, components) |
| Landing Page Spec | Landing page structure and design tokens |