OpenClaw

OpenClaw is an open-source AI coding assistant platform that connects to large language models from providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google to help developers write, review, and debug code. It runs as a self-hosted service with a gateway architecture, supporting multiple communication channels including web interfaces, Discord, Telegram, Slack, and WhatsApp.

How It Works

OpenClaw consists of two main components: the agent runtime and the gateway. The agent runtime handles conversations with AI model providers, managing context windows, tool use, and multi-turn interactions. The gateway exposes an HTTP and WebSocket interface that clients connect to, handling authentication, request routing, and channel integrations.

When deployed, OpenClaw reads its configuration from an openclaw.json file that defines which AI provider to use, which channels are enabled, and how the gateway authenticates incoming requests. The gateway listens on a configurable port and serves both a built-in Control UI for browser-based access and API endpoints for programmatic interaction.

OpenClaw supports a plugin-like channel system where each messaging platform (Discord, Telegram, Slack, WhatsApp) is configured independently with its own credentials and settings. This allows a single OpenClaw instance to serve multiple communication channels simultaneously.

Why It Matters

OpenClaw gives teams full control over their AI coding assistant. Unlike proprietary SaaS alternatives, self-hosting OpenClaw means your code and conversations never leave your infrastructure. You connect directly to AI providers with your own API keys, avoiding markup fees. The open-source nature allows customization, auditability, and freedom from vendor lock-in -- critical factors for security-conscious organizations and developers who want transparency in their tooling.