thinkrail is an agentic IDE built around the pi coding agent that isolates agent work in git-worktree-based workspaces and gives the agent durable project knowledge through living specs and reusable skills. A model provider, such as JetBrains AI or your own credentials, is required to use it.
Project overview
It addresses the lack of a proper IDE for agentic coding by combining isolated git-worktree workspaces, which let agents work in parallel without touching your checkout, with a connected graph of SPEC.md files and portable Agent Skills that persist project intent beyond a single session.
Project type
AI Agent · AI Coding
Use cases
Coding & Development
Deployment
Refer to project documentation
License
Apache-2.0
Best for
Developers who use agentic coding agents and want an IDE that isolates agent work in parallel git-worktree workspaces.
Developers who want their coding agent to accumulate durable project knowledge through living specs and reusable skills.
Key capabilities
Cut workspaces from any git repo as git worktrees so agents work in parallel without touching your checkout; merge the good branch, delete the rest.
A connected graph of SPEC.md files the agent reads, searches, and maintains via spec_* tools, plus portable Agent Skills read in place.
Limitations and risks
Linux artifacts are unsigned; verify distribution artifacts yourself before use on Linux.
A model provider is required — sign in with JetBrains AI or use your own provider credentials — and telemetry is required, so the project does not run without external services.
Getting started
Run `curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/JetBrains/thinkrail/main/install.sh | bash`; the installer downloads the right binary, verifies its SHA-256 checksum, and puts thinkrail on your PATH. Then run thinkrail with a git repo and connect a model provider in the first-launch walkthrough.
Evidence and sources
GitHub project description: Vibe code with pi in a lightweight, real IDE that customises itself around the way you work — The Vibe You Need
README: We built a rich interface around the [`pi`](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@earendil-works/pi-coding-agent) coding agent, isolated work into separate workspaces, and gave the agent…
README: ThinkRail ships in two additive forms: a native desktop installer and the self-contained `thinkrail` CLI.
README: **Isolated workspaces.** Open any git repo as a project and cut workspaces from it as `git worktree`s, each with its own branch and working directory. Agents work in parallel with…
README: A connected graph of `SPEC.md` files lives beside the code; the agent reads, searches, and maintains it through dedicated `spec_*` tools, so intent survives the session.