Kilo Code: An Open-Source AI Agent VS Code Extension 139

What is Kilo Code?

Kilo Code is an open-source AI agent VSCode extension tool forked from RooCode. It offers features such as AI code generation, task automation, multi-modal input (sketched UI, video recording), and seamless VSCode integration, and integrates Claude 3.7 Sonnet.

Kilo Code Features

• Code generation: Generates code based on text descriptions.

• Task automation: Automatically executes repetitive coding tasks.

• Code refactoring: Refactors and optimizes existing code.

• Multi-mode operation: Supports multiple modes such as planning mode, coding mode, and debug mode, and users can also customize modes.

• MCP server marketplace: Makes it easy for users to find and use MCP servers to extend agent capabilities.

• No API key required: Built-in with the latest AI models, such as Claude 4 Sonnet and Opus, Gemini 2.5 Pro, etc., with no need to manually configure an API key.

• Smart suggestions: Provides smart suggestions during coding.

• Terminal command execution: Capable of running terminal commands.

• Browser automation: Can automate browser operations.

How to Use Kilo Code

• Install the extension: Install the Kilo Code extension from the VSCode Marketplace.

• Log in: Sign in with a Google account to receive free tokens worth $15 or $20 for models such as Claude 3.7 Sonnet.

• Get started: Once installed, you can use its features directly in VSCode.

Who is Kilo Code For?

• Developers: Improves individual development efficiency.

• Development teams: Helps teams automate repetitive tasks and boost overall efficiency.

• Educators: Can be used to teach programming more effectively.

Kilo Code Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Low free entry barrier: Provides $15 in free tokens, reducing the cost of use.

• Open source and active community: Users can interact via platforms such as Discord and participate in feature iterations.

• High development efficiency: Multi-modal input and automation features reduce manual coding time.

Cons:

• Single LLM: Only supports Claude 3.7 Sonnet, lacking compatibility with other models.

• Product maturity: In the early stages of development, with incomplete features or stability issues.

FAQ

Q: How does Kilo Code implement its AI features?

A: It is powered by integrating the Claude 3.7 Sonnet large language model, providing features such as code generation and smart suggestions. New users can receive $15 in free tokens upon registration (no payment required), and will be billed at Anthropic's standard API rates thereafter.

Q: Where do users mainly come from? How is the data performance?

A: Users are mainly concentrated in the United States (47.63%), India (38.78%), and China (6.98%). In July 2025, visits reached 246,338, with a month-over-month growth rate as high as 10,613.4%, reflecting the market's positive response to its enhanced AI features (such as the 4.15.0 version update).

Q: How can developers participate in the Kilo Code project?

A: The project is open source, and developers can participate in the following ways:

• Clone the official repository: git clone https://github.com/Kilo-Org/kilocode.git

• Install dependencies: Run npm run install:all

• Build the extension: Run npm run build to generate the .vsix file.