If you're searching for "Kilo Code," you're probably evaluating AI coding agents and wondering whether an open source option from GitLab's co-founder is worth your attention.
Short answer: yes, if you want model flexibility and transparent tooling. Kilo Code is an open source coding agent that works with VS Code, JetBrains, Cursor, and Windsurf. Unlike closed alternatives, you can inspect the code, bring your own models, and extend it however you want.
What is Kilo Code?
Kilo Code is an AI coding agent built for end-to-end development work—not just autocomplete. It can generate code, refactor across multiple files, debug, write documentation, run terminal commands, and orchestrate multi-step workflows.
The project was founded by Sid Sijbrandij (GitLab co-founder and former CEO) and launched in March 2025. In December 2025, Kilo raised $8 million in seed funding to scale the platform.^1
Key differentiators:
Open source: Full visibility into how the agent works. Fork it, extend it, audit it.
Model-agnostic: Use OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral, Meta's Llama, or self-hosted models. Switch freely.
Multi-mode workflow: Separate modes for asking questions, architecting, coding, debugging, and orchestrating—each tuned to a different stage of development.
Kilo Code's Workflow Modes
Unlike single-purpose assistants, Kilo breaks development into distinct modes:
Ask mode: General questions, explanations, documentation. The conversational layer.
Architect mode: Structured planning. Outline system designs and break complex requests into actionable steps before writing code.
Code mode: Multi-file code generation and refactoring. Writes or updates files directly in your workspace.
Debug mode: Diagnose and resolve errors. Runs commands, inspects output, iterates on fixes.
Orchestrator mode: Coordinates multi-step workflows across modes—planning, coding, validating, and updating files in sequence.
This separation helps manage context. By limiting what information each mode sees, Kilo keeps prompts clean and the model focused.
How It Handles Context
Context management is where many AI coding tools break down. Kilo uses several systems to keep the agent focused:
Automatic context search: Scans your project to pull in only relevant files or error traces—not the entire codebase.
Context Mentions: Explicitly point the agent toward specific files, functions, or details.
Memory Bank: Durable, project-level recall stored in markdown files (
.kilocode/rules/memory-bank/). Document architecture decisions, active goals, and historical constraints so the agent doesn't need re-briefing every session.
Kilo Code vs Cursor vs Cline
| | Kilo Code | Cursor | Cline | |---|---|---|---| | Open source | Yes | No | Yes | | Model choice | Any (BYO keys or built-in) | Multiple built-in | Any (BYO keys) | | IDE support | VS Code, JetBrains, Cursor, Windsurf, CLI | Cursor IDE only | VS Code extension | | Workflow modes | Ask, Architect, Code, Debug, Orchestrator | Chat + Composer | Single agent mode | | Team features | Paid tiers with dashboard, analytics, audit logs | Business tier | None |
Pick Kilo Code if: You want open source transparency, model flexibility, and structured workflow modes.
Pick Cursor if: You want a polished, all-in-one IDE experience and don't mind vendor lock-in.
Pick Cline if: You want a lightweight, open source VS Code extension without team features.
Getting Started
Install the extension from the VS Code Marketplace or JetBrains Plugin Repository
Sign up at kilo.ai (Google account)
Start with free models, or add funds for $20 bonus credits
The free plan charges only for model tokens consumed. Team plans start at $15/user/month for centralised billing, analytics, and governance features.^2
When Kilo Code Falls Short
Session-based work: Like most IDE extensions, Kilo operates within your editor session. Files persist, but the agent's context resets between sessions (unless you use Memory Bank).
Long-running automation: Kilo is designed for interactive development. It's not built to run scheduled tasks or work autonomously while you sleep.
Integrated runtime: Kilo augments your local environment. It doesn't give the AI its own computing environment with file storage, web browsing, app integrations, and background execution.
For workflows that need persistent state, scheduled automation, or an AI with its own server, the pattern shifts from "AI in your IDE" to "AI with its own environment."
The Bigger Picture
AI coding agents are converging on a similar insight: developers don't just need autocomplete—they need tools that can own chunks of work.
Kilo Code pushes this further than most open source alternatives by adding structured modes, context management, and team features. The model-agnostic approach means you're not locked into any provider's pricing or capabilities.
For developers evaluating AI coding tools, the question isn't just "which has the best model?" but "how much control do I want over the stack?"
See more: Best AI coding assistant in 2025 | Cline vs Cursor | Claude Code vs Cursor