Kilo.ai

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First Added:May 21, 2026 Updated: July 2, 2026

Kilo.ai. (Kilo Code) is an open-source (Apache 2.0) AI coding agent for VS Code, JetBrains, CLI, and cloud surfaces.

Summary

Garden stance: We assess Kilo.ai for our estate.

When to use: Evaluate on a project when the capability clearly fits the requirement.

When to skip: When a simpler alternative already covers the need.

Details

  • Install: VS Code extension kilocode.kilo-code; JetBrains plugin; CLI; also on Open VSX. For VS Code-compatible editors.
  • Docs: https://kilo.ai/docs/getting-started
  • License: Apache 2.0 (open source).
  • Models: 500+ via Kilo Gateway (zero markup per marketing) or bring your own API keys.
  • Modes: Code, Architect, Debug, Ask, plus custom modes.
  • Extras: Cloud agents, MCP, leaderboard for model rankings, KiloClaw for hosted OpenClaw.
  • Fit: Tool / AI Agent: open-source, multi-model coding agent.
  • Contrast: OpenCode (similar open multi-provider story); Cursor + cursor-agent (default adopt stack); Claude Code, Codex, Gemini for single-vendor CLIs.