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kilocode

An open source AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains, and CLI.

Kilo Code: Multi-Platform AI Coding Agent

Build and iterate faster with 500+ models across your IDE and CLI.

Free forever · open source · MIT
✓ Light setup✓ Browser-based✓ Real-time collaboration
8.7
ZEKAI
Versatile multi-editor AI agent
Free & open source · Software
Ease of setup8
Usefulness8
Maintenance9.5
Community9.2
★ 27,396
GITHUB
Sep 2026
UPDATED
MIT
LICENSE
🛠 Don't want to self-host? We can set it up →
⚡ Quick answer

Kilo Code is an open source AI coding agent that integrates directly into VS Code, JetBrains, and the command line. It lets you switch between 500+ models mid-task and requires no initial API keys to get started.

Runs on
Cross-platform
Hosting
Desktop
Languages
TypeScript
License
MIT

What it is

It provides specialized agents for coding, planning, answering codebase questions, and debugging. You can also run it in headless CI/CD pipelines using autonomous mode for automated task execution.

Who it's for

It suits developers working across multiple editors or the CLI who want flexible model choice. It does not suit teams wanting a closed-ecosystem assistant tied strictly to a single proprietary vendor.

Key features

Multi-Editor Support

Runs natively in VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and the terminal CLI.

Specialized Agents

Switch between Code, Plan, Ask, and Debug roles depending on your task.

500+ Model Options

Access a massive library of models and switch between them mid-task.

Autonomous Mode

Execute tasks headlessly in CI/CD environments with the kilo run CLI command.

How to start

Up and running in 3 steps

1
Install the extension for VS Code, plugin for JetBrains, or global CLI package via npm or Homebrew
2
Create your account or configure your preferred environment to access available models
3
Run the agent in your project directory using natural language prompts or the CLI
Real talk

Our honest verdict

What's great

  • Supports VS Code, JetBrains, and CLI interfaces natively
  • Allows mid-task switching between 500+ different models
  • Includes specialized agents for planning, debugging, and coding
  • Offers an autonomous mode for CI/CD workflow automation

Where it falls short

  • Requires managing provider costs and model pricing during use
  • Autonomous mode can execute unintended changes if rules are misconfigured
  • CLI is a fork requiring adaptation if you previously used OpenCode
Cost

Pricing & license

The code is free under its MIT license, while model usage follows provider rates with zero markup through the platform account.

Paid work

Open remote AI-training roles

874 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 15, 2026; most pay $20–$170 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.

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📄 Free PDF: kilocode for Software
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Questions

FAQ

Do I need my own API keys to start?

No, you can start without providing your own API keys by using the built-in access.

Where did the CLI originate?

The Kilo CLI is a fork of OpenCode, enhanced specifically for the Kilo platform.

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