Kilo Code

Description

Kilo Code is an open-source AI coding agent that runs inside VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, the terminal, and the cloud. It writes, debugs, refactors, and reviews code, automates multi-step tasks across a repository, and gives direct access to more than 500 AI models, including Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, and local models via Ollama or LM Studio.

Unlike closed alternatives, every prompt is visible, the source is MIT-licensed, and users can bring their own API keys at provider rates with no markup. The extension, JetBrains plugin, and CLI are free and open source, with pay-as-you-go credits through the Kilo Gateway or a Kilo Pass subscription that adds bonus credits. Cloud compute is billed only for awake container time.

Kilo ships five agent modes: Code, Architect, Debug, Ask, and Orchestrator, plus custom modes. It indexes your codebase for grounded context, supports MCP servers with a marketplace, and adds Cloud Agents that run in isolated containers connected to GitHub or GitLab. Teams and enterprises get centralized billing, SSO/SCIM, audit logs, SOC 2 Type II, and data-residency controls, with a Slack integration and mobile apps.

Kilo Code's Core Features

• Open-source, MIT-licensed AI coding agent

• Access to 500+ AI models through one interface

• Bring your own API keys at zero markup

• Local model support via Ollama and LM Studio

• Five agent modes plus custom modes

• Codebase indexing for grounded context

• Cloud Agents in isolated containers

• MCP support with a marketplace

How to use Kilo Code?

1. 1

   Install Kilo: Add the extension from the VS Code or JetBrains marketplace, or install the CLI.

2. 2

   Sign in: Sign in once to sync settings and credits across every surface.

3. 3

   Pick your models: Use free models, bring your own API keys, or top up pay-as-you-go credits.

4. 4

   Choose a mode: Select Code, Architect, Debug, Ask, or Orchestrator for the task at hand.

5. 5

   Work across your repo: Let Kilo index your codebase and automate multi-step tasks.

6. 6

   Use Cloud Agents: Run long tasks in isolated cloud containers connected to GitHub or GitLab.

Kilo Code's Use Cases

• AI-assisted coding
• Model flexibility
• Long-running cloud tasks
• Team development

FAQ from Kilo Code

• Is Kilo Code free?

  Yes. The VS Code extension, JetBrains plugin, and CLI are free and open source under the MIT license, with no mandatory subscription for individuals.

• Which models does Kilo support?

  Kilo gives access to 500+ models, including Claude, GPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, Mistral, Grok, Qwen, and Llama, plus local models via Ollama or LM Studio.

• Can I bring my own API key?

  Yes. Kilo charges zero markup on token usage, and you can bring your own keys for providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and any OpenAI-compatible provider.

• How does Kilo handle code privacy?

  Kilo does not collect telemetry by default or train on your code, prompts go directly to your chosen provider, and you can run fully local models to keep code on your machine.

• What agent modes are there?

  Kilo has five modes: Code, Architect, Debug, Ask, and Orchestrator, and you can define custom modes with your own prompts, tools, and model choice.

• Does Kilo support teams and enterprises?

  Yes. Teams add centralized billing and usage analytics, and Enterprise adds SSO/SAML, SCIM, audit logs, SOC 2 Type II, and data-residency controls.