xichan96/dinotty

Multi-device terminal server for AI coding agents. Server-side VTE, session persistence, file browser, web preview, plugin system. Self-hosted.

What it solves

Dinotty is a terminal designed specifically for coding agents (such as Claude Code, opencode, Codex, and OpenClaw). It solves the problem of these agents being confined to a single window or device, allowing users to run and manage AI coding sessions across phones, tablets, and desktops without losing progress.

How it works

Unlike simple proxy tools, Dinotty uses a server-side virtual terminal (VTE) parser. The server maintains the exact state of the screen, meaning the PTY (pseudo-terminal) processes survive disconnections. When a user refreshes a page or switches devices, the server restores the session exactly where it was left off. It transmits text-only data (JSON/bytes) rather than pixels, making it highly efficient for mobile data and low-bandwidth connections.

Who it’s for

Developers and AI engineers who use terminal-based coding agents and need a flexible, multi-device workspace that persists across sessions and supports remote management.

Highlights

  • Multi-device sync: Seamlessly transition between desktop, iPad, and phone with persistent sessions.
  • Unified Layout: A draggable, pane-based system where terminals, file browsers, web previews, and plugins all exist as blocks.
  • Coded for Agents: Includes a built-in MCP JSON-RPC server for AI assistants to operate terminal sessions.
  • Extensible: Supports hot-reloadable JS plugins for custom functionality (e.g., JSON formatters or conversation managers).
  • Integrated Tooling: Built-in SSH/SFTP client, Git change indicators, and a system monitor.
  • Lightweight: Uses significantly less bandwidth than remote desktop solutions (VNC/RDP).

Related

  • Project
  • Project
  • Project
  • Project
  • Project