DIY OpenClaw Alternative Using Claude Code in Headless Mode

Core Implementation

A developer created a DIY alternative to OpenClaw using Claude Code in headless mode with a $20 Claude Code subscription. The system runs on existing hardware instead of requiring a Mac Mini.

The core component is a Python server that takes prompts, sends them to Claude Code in headless mode, and returns the responses. This provides the basic AI interaction functionality without the full OpenClaw setup.

Integration and Automation

The system includes several practical integrations:

• Telegram bot for mobile access: Uses long polling so no webhook or public URL is needed
• Hammerspoon automation: Auto-starts everything and restarts components if they crash
• Local data storage: All data is kept in markdown files including schedules, tasks, contacts, and notes

Functionality

Claude reads and writes directly to the markdown files, enabling these specific capabilities:

• Answering questions about availability (e.g., "Am I free Thursday at 3?")
• Adding tasks (e.g., "Add a task to review the code")
• Creating Calendar events and Reminders using AppleScript
• Controlling Chrome via Apple events when JavaScript is allowed
• Sending scheduled reminders through Telegram via cron setup
• Maintaining rolling conversation history to avoid being completely stateless

Limitations and Status

The developer notes this is "still a bit rough and nowhere near something like OpenClaw" but works well enough for daily use. This approach was developed because the developer couldn't afford a Mac Mini and OpenClaw is restricted in their organization.