How to run AI coding locally with Ollama
A zero-cost, privacy-first setup for AI-assisted development using local models with Ollama and PromptConnext.
Running models locally keeps your code and prompts on your own machine and costs nothing per token. Ollama makes this simple, and PromptConnext can use a local Ollama model for the planning and coding roles.
Install and pull a model
Install Ollama, then pull a capable open model — for example a mid-size code-friendly model. Larger models give better results if your hardware allows; smaller ones start faster.
Connect it in onboarding
In PromptConnext's first-run onboarding, choose the local Ollama option and health-check it. Once it responds, you can complete Scope and Spec on a fully local model at zero cost.
When to add a cloud model
Local models are great for privacy and evaluation. For the heaviest implementation work, you can connect a stronger cloud model for the coding role while keeping planning local — PromptConnext routes each task to the model you assign.
FAQ
- Do I need a powerful machine?
- A smaller local model runs on modest hardware; larger models need more memory. You can always connect a cloud model for heavier tasks and keep lighter work local.
Start building with the AI you already have
Download PromptConnext, connect a model in minutes — including a zero-cost local option — and take your first project from scope to running code.