Machine Learning in Linux

Shimmy – lightweight OpenAI API server

Shimmy is a 4.8MB single-binary that provides 100% OpenAI-compatible endpoints for GGUF models. Point your existing AI tools to Shimmy and they just work — locally, privately, and free.

This is free and open source software.

Features include:

  • Compatible with OpenAI SDKs and Tools:
    • No code changes needed – just change the API endpoint:
    • Any OpenAI client: Python, Node.js, curl, etc.
    • Development applications: Compatible with standard SDKs
    • VSCode Extensions: Point to http://localhost:11435
    • Cursor Editor: Built-in OpenAI compatibility
    • Continue.dev: Drop-in model provider.
  • Zero Configuration Required:
    • Automatically finds models from Hugging Face cache, Ollama, local dirs.
    • Auto-allocates ports to avoid conflicts.
    • Auto-detects LoRA adapters for specialized models.
    • Just works – no config files, no setup wizards.
  • Advanced MOE (Mixture of Experts) Support:
    • Run 70B+ models on consumer hardware with intelligent CPU/GPU hybrid processing:
    • CPU MOE Offloading: Automatically distribute model layers across CPU and GPU.
    • Intelligent Layer Placement: Optimizes which layers run where for maximum performance.
    • Memory Efficiency: Fit larger models in limited VRAM by using system RAM strategically.
    • Hybrid Acceleration: Get GPU speed where it matters most, CPU reliability everywhere else.
    • Configurable: --cpu-moe and --n-cpu-moe flags for fine control.
  • Local Development:
    • Privacy: Your code never leaves your machine.
    • Cost: No API keys, no per-token billing.
    • Speed: Local inference, sub-second responses.
    • Reliability: No rate limits, no downtime.

Website: github.com/Michael-A-Kuykendall/shimmy
Support:
Developer: Michael A. Kuykendall
License: MIT License

Shimmy is written in Rust and C. Learn Rust with our recommended free books and free tutorials. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.


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