LocalGPT – A local-first AI assistant in Rust with persistent memory
I built LocalGPT over 4 nights as a Rust reimagining of the OpenClaw assistant pattern (markdown-based persistent memory, autonomous heartbeat tasks, skills system). It compiles to a single ~27MB binary — no Node.js, Docker, or Python required. Key features: - Persistent memory via markdown files (MEMORY, HEARTBEAT, SOUL markdown files) — compatible with OpenClaw's format - Full-text search (SQLite FTS5) + semantic search (local embeddings, no API key needed) - Autonomous heartbeat runner that checks tasks on a configurable interval - CLI + web interface + desktop GUI - Multi-provider:…
In plain words
LocalGPT is a Rust-based AI assistant that runs locally as a single 27MB binary without requiring Node.js, Docker, or Python. It stores persistent memory in markdown files, performs full-text and semantic search using local embeddings, and runs autonomous background tasks on a configurable schedule. Available as a CLI, web interface, and desktop GUI, it supports multiple AI providers including Anthropic, OpenAI, and Ollama. Designed for developers and knowledge workers who want an AI assistant that accumulates context across sessions while maintaining full local control.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
In the maker’s words, at launch
I built LocalGPT over 4 nights as a Rust reimagining of the OpenClaw assistant pattern (markdown-based persistent memory, autonomous heartbeat tasks, skills system). It compiles to a single ~27MB binary — no Node.js, Docker, or Python required. Key features: - Persistent memory via markdown files (MEMORY, HEARTBEAT, SOUL markdown files) — compatible with OpenClaw's format - Full-text search (SQLite FTS5) + semantic search (local embeddings, no API key needed) - Autonomous heartbeat runner that checks tasks on a configurable interval - CLI + web interface + desktop GUI - Multi-provider: Anthropic, OpenAI, Ollama etc - Apache 2.0 Install: `cargo install localgpt` I use it daily as a knowledge accumulator, research assistant, and autonomous task runner for my side projects. The memory compounds — every session makes the next one better. GitHub: https://github.com/localgpt-app/localgpt Website: https://localgpt.app Would love feedback on the architecture or feature ideas.
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