Kilo – AI Coding Agent

Description

Kilo offers an open-source AI coding agent designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing development workflow, whether you're working within an IDE like VS Code or JetBrains, on the command line, or in the cloud. With support for over 500 AI models, Kilo provides flexibility to choose the best tool for your task without vendor lock-in. A key feature is the ability to bring your own API keys, ensuring zero markup on model usage and maintaining cost control.

Kilo is built with privacy and flexibility in mind. It supports local models, allowing you to keep your code private and process sensitive information without sending it to external servers. The agent is available across multiple platforms, including VS Code, JetBrains IDEs (IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm), CLI, and cloud environments. This cross-platform compatibility ensures a consistent AI coding experience wherever you work.

The agent comes with specialized modes to cater to different development needs. Code Mode helps write, refactor, and ship production-ready code by understanding your entire codebase. Architect Mode assists in planning complex features and provides structured guidance before coding begins. Debug Mode helps identify and fix bugs rapidly by analyzing errors and tracing issues.

Kilo also introduces KiloClaw, a managed solution for deploying AI agents without the complexity of self-hosting. KiloClaw offers one-click deployment, eliminating the need for SSH, Docker, or YAML files. It can be connected via Telegram, Discord, or Slack, and your agent can perform shell commands, control browsers, and act on your behalf. KiloClaw is fully managed, including auto-restart, monitoring, security updates, and access to 500+ AI models via Kilo Gateway at zero markup.

Built on an open-source foundation with an MIT license, Kilo emphasizes transparency. You can inspect the prompt, context window, and decisions made by the agent. This open approach fosters trust and allows for community contributions and modifications. Kilo aims to be an AI coding tool that works for developers, not against them, by providing an aligned pricing model and no lock-in.

Kilo's Core Features

• Open-source AI coding agent

• Supports VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, CLI, and Cloud

• Access to over 500 AI models

• Bring Your Own API Keys (BYOK) with zero markup

• Local model support for enhanced privacy

• Specialized agent modes: Code, Architect, Debug

• KiloClaw for managed, self-hosted-like agent deployment

• One-click deployment for KiloClaw agents

• Integration with Telegram, Discord, and Slack for agents

• Agentic capabilities: runs shell commands, controls browsers

• Fully managed cloud agents with auto-restart and monitoring

• MIT-licensed source code for transparency

• Parallel isolated worktrees for IDE and CLI sessions

• Agent command center for managing agents across platforms

How to use Kilo?

1. 1

   Install: Choose your platform (VS Code, JetBrains, CLI) and follow installation instructions.

2. 2

   Configure: Select your preferred AI models and configure API keys or local model settings.

3. 3

   Activate Agent Mode: Switch between Code, Architect, or Debug modes based on your task.

4. 4

   Code with AI: Use Kilo's suggestions, refactoring, and code generation capabilities.

5. 5

   Deploy KiloClaw (Optional): Set up a managed agent for 24/7 tasks or team collaboration.

6. 6

   Integrate: Connect KiloClaw agents to messaging platforms like Telegram, Discord, or Slack.

7. 7

   Manage Agents: Utilize the Agent command center to oversee all your AI agents.

Kilo's Use Cases

• IDE Code Assistance
• CLI Automation
• Cloud Development
• Feature Planning
• Bug Fixing
• Managed Agent Deployment
• Team Collaboration
• Code Review Assistance

FAQ from Kilo

• What is Kilo Code?

  Kilo Code is an open-source AI coding agent that integrates with IDEs, CLI, and cloud environments to assist developers in writing, refactoring, and debugging code.

• Is Kilo Code free?

  Kilo Code is open-source and free to use. While the agent itself is free, usage of AI models may incur costs depending on your chosen provider or if you bring your own API keys.

• How do I install Kilo Code?

  Kilo Code can be installed as an extension for VS Code and JetBrains IDEs, or via CLI. Specific installation instructions are available on their documentation.

• What IDEs and platforms does Kilo support?

  Kilo supports VS Code, JetBrains IDEs (IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm), CLI, and cloud environments.

• Which AI models does Kilo Code support?

  Kilo Code supports over 500 AI models, allowing users to choose from a wide range of options.

• How does pricing work and can I bring my own API key?

  Kilo offers models at cost with zero markup. You can bring your own API keys from various providers, ensuring no additional charges from Kilo.

• How does Kilo handle code privacy and data?

  Kilo prioritizes code privacy by supporting local models, allowing you to process sensitive information without sending it externally. The open-source nature also allows for inspection of prompts and context.

• What agent modes does Kilo Code have?

  Kilo Code features Code Mode for writing and refactoring, Architect Mode for planning complex features, and Debug Mode for identifying and fixing bugs.

• How do Cloud Agents work?

  Cloud Agents, accessible via KiloClaw, are managed AI agents that can be deployed in under 5 minutes without self-hosting complexities. They can run 24/7, connect to messaging apps, and perform automated tasks.

• Does Kilo understand my entire codebase?

  Yes, Kilo is designed to understand your entire codebase to provide context-aware assistance for coding, architecture, and debugging.

• Is Kilo Code really open source?

  Yes, Kilo Code is open source with an MIT license, allowing users to inspect, fork, and modify the source code.