# bb: Free Open Source Alternative to Conductor, Kiro, Qoder

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/bb
Last updated: 2026-11-07

bb (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Conductor, Kiro, Qoder, SoloTerm. Local-first IDE that runs multiple AI coding agents in parallel, supports plugins built in a single prompt, and lets any script or bot spawn work threads.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: bb
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://getbb.app/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/get-bb/bb
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 5k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/get-bb/bb or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Conductor.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (4)
Replacing these paid tools with bb saves up to $70/mo ($840/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Conductor](https://caniforkit.com/conductor) | [ai assistants](https://caniforkit.com/category/ai-assistant) | $15/mo | [Compare Conductor vs bb](https://caniforkit.com/vs/conductor-vs-bb) |
| [Kiro](https://caniforkit.com/kiro) | [ai assistants](https://caniforkit.com/category/ai-assistant) | $15/mo | [Compare Kiro vs bb](https://caniforkit.com/vs/kiro-vs-bb) |
| [Qoder](https://caniforkit.com/qoder) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Qoder vs bb](https://caniforkit.com/vs/qoder-vs-bb) |
| [SoloTerm](https://caniforkit.com/soloterm) | [ai assistants](https://caniforkit.com/category/ai-assistant) | $15/mo | [Compare SoloTerm vs bb](https://caniforkit.com/vs/soloterm-vs-bb) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is bb free and open source?
bb is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Local-first IDE that runs multiple AI coding agents in parallel, supports plugins built in a single prompt, and lets any script or bot spawn work threads.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using bb?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Conductor.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)