Building a Better AI Code Editor: The Story Behind Void

Void is an innovative open-source AI code editor that has been designed to empower developers by offering advanced AI coding features similar to those found in proprietary tools such as Cursor and GitHub Copilot. Founded in 2024 by Andrew and Mathew Pareles, Void is distinct from its competitors in one crucial way: it allows users to host their own AI models locally, providing complete privacy and data control. With a mission to create open AI tools that prioritize user privacy, Void is poised to be a game-changer in the developer community.

But what makes Void stand out? How does it work? And why does it matter in today’s tech landscape? This article explores the key questions surrounding the company’s unique approach to AI-driven development.

Who are the founders of Void?

Void was founded by brothers Andrew and Mathew Pareles, two passionate developers with a history of working together on a variety of projects. Andrew, Void’s CEO, brings a wealth of experience from his background in quantum computing research at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (APL) and his time spent bootstrapping an edtech company. He studied computer science at Cornell, where he honed his skills in both entrepreneurship and cutting-edge technology.

Mathew, Void’s CTO, also studied at Cornell, where his focus was on physics and computer science. His research interests include machine learning and materials science, and he has been involved with prompting AI systems like Transformers since long before GPT-3 became a widely recognized tool. Together, the Pareles brothers are a dynamic duo—friends, business partners, and developers—who have been programming together since they were eight years old.

Their combined experience in AI, programming, and research has made them uniquely qualified to develop Void, an editor that addresses the growing demand for open-source AI tools with an emphasis on privacy and data security.

What problem does Void solve?

The need for AI-powered coding tools is more evident than ever, with many developers relying on tools like Cursor and GitHub Copilot to enhance productivity. These AI tools assist in code generation, error detection, and auto-completion, enabling coders to work faster and more efficiently. However, the trade-off for these conveniences often comes at the cost of privacy. Traditional AI-powered code editors generally rely on cloud-based services that process user data externally, raising concerns about the security of proprietary or sensitive information.

Void solves this problem by allowing developers to run their AI code editor entirely on their local machine. This means that no data is sent to an external API or cloud server, giving users complete control over their code and personal information. For companies working with sensitive or proprietary code, Void’s self-hosting capabilities make it an attractive alternative to mainstream, closed-source AI tools.

By integrating with local models or connecting directly to external ones like GPT, Claude, or Gemini without passing through a middle communication layer, Void provides flexibility while maintaining security.

How does Void work?

Void’s functionality revolves around the concept of keeping AI-assisted coding fully within the developer’s control. Unlike most proprietary AI tools, which require interaction with an external server or API, Void allows users to self-host their AI models. This means developers can install and run their own machine learning models on their local devices, ensuring that no data leaves their network unless they choose to share it.

This open-source code editor operates similarly to Cursor or GitHub Copilot but offers a much-needed level of transparency and customization. Developers have the option to connect to any AI model of their choice, including popular ones like GPT, while still preserving the integrity of their data.

Void offers developers the flexibility to choose how they interact with AI:

1. Self-hosted models: Users can deploy their own AI models, ensuring that all code processing and suggestions happen on their machines. This eliminates the need to rely on third-party cloud services, thus providing unmatched privacy.
2. Direct API connections: If developers prefer to use popular AI models like GPT, Claude, or Gemini, they can connect to these models directly, bypassing intermediaries and reducing the risk of data exposure.

Void is built with simplicity and control in mind, catering to the developer’s desire for both efficiency and privacy.

Why is open source important to Void?

The open-source nature of Void is at the heart of its mission. Andrew and Mathew believe that the future of AI should be open, accessible, and transparent. By making Void an open-source project, they allow developers from all over the world to contribute, inspect the code, and ensure that the software operates as promised without hidden data collection practices.

Open source is also important because it empowers developers to tailor the software to their specific needs. With proprietary tools like Cursor or GitHub Copilot, users are bound by the limitations of the software’s design, and they have little control over how their data is handled. By contrast, with Void, developers can modify the software as they see fit, adding custom features, integrating different AI models, and optimizing it for their own workflows.

For Andrew and Mathew, building an open AI code editor is not just about creating a better product—it’s about fostering a community of developers who believe in the same ideals of privacy, transparency, and innovation.

Why does privacy matter in AI-powered code editors?

Privacy in the context of AI-powered code editors is crucial for developers working with sensitive information, intellectual property, or proprietary code. When using cloud-based services to process code, there’s always the risk that sensitive data could be accessed, leaked, or compromised, either through third-party servers or the AI provider itself.

Void addresses this issue by keeping all AI interactions within the user’s own environment. Whether the developer chooses to self-host their AI model or connect directly to external models, they retain complete control over their data. This is a critical feature for companies and developers who need to ensure that their code remains secure and private.

In an era where data breaches are increasingly common, and privacy regulations are becoming more stringent, Void’s approach to data control is both timely and necessary.

How does Void fit into the future of AI and development?

Void is a product that aligns with a growing trend toward open-source, decentralized technology. As AI continues to evolve, there’s a growing recognition of the need for transparency and user control. The proprietary nature of many current AI tools, combined with concerns about data privacy, has spurred demand for solutions that prioritize openness and security.

Void’s founders, Andrew and Mathew, are committed to building tools that fit this vision. They believe that the future of AI should not be controlled by a few large companies but should instead be shaped by a community of developers who are empowered to create, modify, and share tools freely. By building an open-source AI code editor, they’re contributing to a larger movement that seeks to make AI technology more democratic and accessible.

As more companies and developers recognize the value of data control and privacy, tools like Void will likely become increasingly popular. Void is not just a code editor—it’s a statement about the direction that AI and software development should take in the coming years.

What’s next for Void?

Void’s future is bright, with plenty of potential for growth and development. The product has already garnered attention within the developer community as a viable open-source alternative to Cursor and GitHub Copilot. Moving forward, the team plans to continue expanding Void’s features, improving its integration with various AI models, and building a strong community of contributors.

As an open-source project, Void will evolve with the needs of its users. Andrew and Mathew are committed to fostering collaboration and listening to feedback from the developer community. Whether through new features, enhanced privacy controls, or broader AI model compatibility, Void will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AI-driven development.

In conclusion, Void is more than just an AI code editor. It represents a shift toward open-source, privacy-first development in an industry increasingly dominated by closed systems. By giving developers the power to control their data and customize their AI tools, Void is setting a new standard for what AI-powered coding should look like. As the demand for open and secure AI solutions continues to grow, Void is well-positioned to lead the charge.