Kilo Code logo

Kilo Code

VS Code AI agent for autonomous coding and task automation

Open-source VS Code extension that generates, refactors, and debugs code using natural language. Supports 400+ AI models with optional API keys and built-in task automation.

Kilo Code banner

Overview

AI-Powered Development in VS Code

Kilo Code is a VS Code extension that brings autonomous AI capabilities directly into your editor. Developers can generate code from natural language prompts, automate repetitive tasks, and refactor existing codebases without leaving their workflow. The extension validates its own output, executes terminal commands, and even automates browser interactions for end-to-end development scenarios.

Flexible Model Access and Specialized Modes

With support for 400+ AI models—including Gemini 2.5 Pro, Claude 4 Sonnet & Opus, and GPT-5—teams can choose the right model for each task. The Multi Mode system offers specialized agents: Architect for planning, Coder for implementation, and Debugger for troubleshooting. Custom modes can be created to match specific workflows. API keys are optional, and the platform offers transparent pricing that matches provider rates.

Extensibility Through MCP

The integrated MCP Server Marketplace allows developers to extend agent capabilities with community-built integrations. Built with TypeScript and distributed under the Apache-2.0 license, Kilo Code merges features from open-source projects while maintaining its own product vision, making it suitable for individual developers and teams seeking AI-assisted development without vendor lock-in.

Highlights

Natural language code generation with self-validation and automated refactoring
Multi Mode system: Architect for planning, Coder for implementation, Debugger for fixes
Access to 400+ AI models including Gemini 2.5 Pro, Claude 4, and GPT-5
MCP Server Marketplace for extending agent capabilities with community integrations

Pros

  • Optional API keys with transparent pricing matching provider rates
  • Self-checking capabilities reduce errors in generated code
  • Terminal command execution and browser automation for full-stack workflows
  • Apache-2.0 license with active community contributions

Considerations

  • Requires VS Code; not available for other editors
  • Advanced features may require account creation and credits
  • Quality depends on selected AI model and prompt clarity
  • Learning curve for custom mode configuration and MCP server integration

Managed products teams compare with

When teams consider Kilo Code, these hosted platforms usually appear on the same shortlist.

Amazon Q Developer logo

Amazon Q Developer

Generative AI coding assistant for building, operating, and transforming software

Claude Code logo

Claude Code

AI pair‑programmer for code generation, refactors, and explanations

CodeGPT logo

CodeGPT

AI code assistant for generating, explaining, and refactoring code

Looking for a hosted option? These are the services engineering teams benchmark against before choosing open source.

Fit guide

Great for

  • Developers seeking AI-assisted coding without leaving VS Code
  • Teams wanting flexible model selection across multiple providers
  • Projects requiring automated refactoring and code quality checks
  • Workflows that benefit from specialized planning, coding, and debugging modes

Not ideal when

  • Teams standardized on non-VS Code editors like JetBrains IDEs
  • Projects with strict offline-only requirements
  • Developers preferring manual code review without AI assistance
  • Organizations requiring enterprise SLAs and dedicated support contracts

How teams use it

Automated Code Refactoring

Modernize legacy codebases by describing desired patterns; the agent refactors and validates changes automatically.

Full-Stack Feature Development

Use Architect mode to plan, Coder mode to implement, and browser automation to test end-to-end workflows in one session.

Debugging Complex Issues

Leverage Debugger mode to analyze stack traces, run terminal diagnostics, and propose fixes with self-validation.

Rapid Prototyping

Generate boilerplate code from natural language descriptions, accelerating proof-of-concept development cycles.

Tech snapshot

TypeScript90%
Kotlin6%
CSS3%
JavaScript1%
Shell1%
Tree-sitter Query1%

Tags

sonnetaiai-developer-toolsai-ageclaudegeminivscodeclichatgptjetbrainsvscode-extensionai-coding

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my own API keys to use Kilo Code?

API keys are optional. You can create a Kilo Code account to access 400+ models with transparent pricing, or bring your own keys for supported providers.

What AI models does Kilo Code support?

Kilo Code supports 400+ models including Gemini 2.5 Pro, Claude 4 Sonnet & Opus, and GPT-5, with pricing that matches provider rates exactly.

What are the different modes in Kilo Code?

Multi Mode includes Architect for planning, Coder for implementation, and Debugger for troubleshooting. You can also create custom modes tailored to your workflow.

What is the MCP Server Marketplace?

The MCP Server Marketplace lets you discover and integrate community-built MCP servers that extend the agent's capabilities with additional tools and integrations.

Is Kilo Code truly open source?

Yes, Kilo Code is licensed under Apache-2.0 and actively merges contributions from the community while maintaining its own product roadmap.

Project at a glance

Active
Stars
14,257
Watchers
14,257
Forks
1,758
LicenseApache-2.0
Repo age11 months old
Last commityesterday
Primary languageTypeScript

Last synced yesterday