xAI surfaces Grok Build: a local-first coding agent for Grok Code
xAI appears to be preparing a developer-focused extension of Grok that centers on local, CLI-driven workflows. Early screenshots and reporting show a dedicated Grok Build experience inside the web interface, with an emphasis on running agents locally before remote environments arrive.
Interface and agent model
Grok Build surfaces as a separate tab in the web UI with a central prompt bar and a selector for agents. Agents are separated into two groups: local agents (available immediately) and remote environments (marked as coming soon). The layout and options point to a modular approach where local execution is prioritized for the initial release, with remote integration planned later.
How it runs
Initial access to Grok Code via Grok Build appears to require installing an npm package and launching a local Grok agent from the command line. The agent exposes a WebSocket endpoint on localhost for the web UI to connect to, indicating a local-first architecture that keeps execution on the developer’s machine while the browser provides the orchestration interface.
Developer-facing controls
The Build UI includes a set of configuration and environment-management options that target real development workflows. Notable items include:
- Repository linking and workspace path configuration
- Environment variable and secret management
- Controls for caching, script and internet access, and domain restrictions
- Built-in GitHub integration
These controls emphasize flexibility and security, suggesting a product aimed at advanced users who need fine-grained control over what the agent can access and execute.
Positioning and next steps
The rollout plan implied by the screenshots favors a secure, local-first developer experience, with remote agents coming later to expand capabilities. Public commentary from leadership and activity around Grok’s roadmap hint at further iterations of Grok Code, including a possible Grok Code 2, as xAI continues to iterate on its models and tooling.
For the original reporting and screenshots, see the TestingCatalog article: https://www.testingcatalog.com/early-look-at-grok-build-upcoming-vibe-coding-agent-from-xai/?
Also referenced: Elon Musk’s post on the upcoming Grok Code update: https://x.com/testingcatalog/status/2009275719990280538?ref=testingcatalog.com
