Kilo Code
An open-source AI coding agent that works across VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, and cloud with 500+ models and zero markup.
Introduction
Kilo Code is an open-source AI coding agent that works everywhere you code: VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, CLI, and cloud agents. With 500+ models and zero markup on AI inference, it gives developers access to frontier models without the premium pricing. Over 3 million developers use Kilo Code, processing 40 trillion+ tokens.
Built by Kilo, the agent features specialized modes for coding, architecture, debugging, and code review. It is fully MIT-licensed and hosted on GitHub at github.com/Kilo-Org/kilocode. Kilo Code was recognized as the #1 Open Source Product of the Month on Product Hunt.
Installation
Kilo Code is available across multiple platforms and interfaces:
| Platform | Install |
|---|---|
| VS Code | Install from VS Code Marketplace: kilocode.kilo-code |
| JetBrains | Available for IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, and more |
| CLI | Command-line agent for terminal workflows and CI/CD |
| Cloud | Cloud-hosted agents for background processing and team collaboration |
| Slack | Slack app for team collaboration with AI assistance |
Usage Modes
Kilo Code ships with specialized agent modes that let you switch contexts without switching tools:
| Mode | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Code Mode | Write, refactor, and ship production-ready code with full codebase awareness |
| Architect Mode | Plan complex features and get structured guidance before writing code |
| Debug Mode | Systematically identify, diagnose, and fix bugs with root cause analysis |
| Review Mode | Automated code review with security scanning, quality gates, and best practices |
Agent Modes Deep Dive
Each of Kilo Code's agent modes is optimized for a specific phase of the development workflow. Code Mode provides full file editing, terminal access, and git integration. Architect Mode focuses on planning and design decisions before implementation. Debug Mode uses systematic root cause analysis to identify issues. Review Mode provides comprehensive code quality checks.
The agent can also work in parallel using isolated git worktrees, allowing multiple tasks to proceed simultaneously without conflicts. Cloud agents can run in the background while you continue local development.
Pricing Model
Kilo Code's pricing is built on the principle of zero markup on AI inference. You get access to 500+ models — including frontier, open weight, and your own API keys — at cost. There are no hidden fees, no premium model tiers, and no lock-in contracts.
- Zero AI Inference Markup — Pay only the cost of the underlying model provider
- Bring Your Own Keys — Use your existing API keys from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and more
- Local Models — Run local models with no inference costs at all
- Free Tier Available — Start with Kilo Auto for free, no credit card required
Agent Command Center
The Kilo Agent Command Center provides a unified portal for managing all your agents across IDEs, CLI, and cloud. From a single interface, you can start, stop, and monitor local and cloud agents, manage parallel isolated worktrees, and view IDE and CLI session history.
The Command Center also includes the Gateway, which handles model routing and cost optimization, Gastown for prompt management, and KiloClaw for integration with the Claw agent ecosystem.
Community
- GitHub — Open-source at github.com/Kilo-Org/kilocode with 26k+ stars
- Website — kilocode.ai
- Documentation — Comprehensive guides on setup, modes, and best practices
- Open Source — Fully MIT-licensed, inspectable, forkable, and self-hostable