Nova is a terminal-first AI development agent designed for multi-step engineering tasks, ranging from code refactoring and debugging to complex system migration.
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It operates locally with a focus on developer control, offering a three-tier approval system for file and shell operations.
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Three-tier approval system (Manual, Auto, Strict)
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Multi-model support (Anthropic, Ollama, GLM, Gemini, etc.)
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Deep codebase indexing with 200K token context window
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Git-native operations with managed worktree isolation
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Extensible ecosystem via MCP servers and custom skill agents
Freemium
Nova is available on a free tier, but advanced model access and specific enterprise features require a paid subscription or separate credentials for third-party model providers.
Best for
Power users and developers who require a highly configurable, local-first agent capable of executing end-to-end engineering workflows and managing complex, multi-step project tasks.
Not ideal for
Users who prefer a cloud-locked, zero-configuration chat interface, or developers working in environments where local execution of AI-managed shell and file-system tools is strictly prohibited.
Nova is a robust, production-grade CLI tool that prioritizes safety and developer agency, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an autonomous agent that integrates deeply into existing professional workflows.
On September 25, 2026, Nova introduced native asynchronous tool calling in its interactive CLI, enabling the agent to perform read-only lookups in the background during active sessions.
As of
Is Nova free?+
Nova is Freemium. Nova is available on a free tier, but advanced model access and specific enterprise features require a paid subscription or separate credentials for third-party model providers. Check the official site for current plans.
Is Nova open source?+
Nova is not listed as open source on ai.dosa.dev - it is Freemium.
How much does Nova cost?+
Nova is available on a free tier, but advanced model access and specific enterprise features require a paid subscription or separate credentials for third-party model providers. Pricing changes often - verify on the official site.
Who is Nova best for?+
Power users and developers who require a highly configurable, local-first agent capable of executing end-to-end engineering workflows and managing complex, multi-step project tasks.
Who is Nova not ideal for?+
Users who prefer a cloud-locked, zero-configuration chat interface, or developers working in environments where local execution of AI-managed shell and file-system tools is strictly prohibited.
What are the best Nova alternatives?+
The closest Nova alternatives on ai.dosa.dev are Claude Code, Codex CLI, Amp - all listed under Terminal & CLI Agents.
Who makes Nova?+
Nova is developed by Compass. It is listed in the Terminal & CLI Agents category on ai.dosa.dev.
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