Kilo Code Documentation

Kilo Code accelerates development with AI-driven code generation and task automation. This open source extension plugs directly into VS Code.

What Can Kilo Code Do?

• 🚀 Generate Code from natural language descriptions
• 🔧 Refactor & Debug existing code
• 📝 Write & Update documentation
• 🤔 Answer Questions about your codebase
• 🔄 Automate repetitive tasks
• 🏗️ Create new files and projects

Quick Start

1. Install Kilo Code
2. Set up Kilo Code
3. Try Your First Task

Features

Basics

Use the chat interface to tell Kilo Code what you need. It relies on coding‑optimized AI models to complete each request.

• Switch modes to fit the task
• Control allowed actions
• Run direct code actions

Using Kilo Code

Multiple Modes

Kilo Code adapts to your needs with specialized modes:

• Code Mode: For general-purpose coding tasks
• Architect Mode: For planning and technical leadership
• Ask Mode: For answering questions and providing information
• Debug Mode: For systematic problem diagnosis
• Custom Modes: Create unlimited specialized personas for security auditing, performance optimization, documentation, or any other task

Core Tools

Kilo Code comes with powerful tools that can:

• Read and write files in your project
• Execute commands in your VS Code terminal
• Control a web browser
• Ask follow-up questions
• Search your codebase

See the complete Tools Reference for all available tools.

Extending Kilo Code

• MCP (Model Context Protocol): Add unlimited custom tools, integrate with external APIs, connect to databases, or create specialized development tools
• Local Models: Run Kilo Code with local AI models for offline use or enhanced privacy

Customizing Kilo Code

Make Kilo Code work your way with:

• Settings Management for configuring your experience
• Custom Modes for specialized tasks
• Custom Rules for project-specific rules
• Custom Instructions for global plugin-wide instructions
• API Configuration Profiles for different model providers
• Auto-Approval Settings for faster workflows

Resources

Documentation

• Using Kilo Code - Learn the basics
• Core Concepts - Master key features
• Advanced Usage - Take your skills further
• Frequently Asked Questions - Get answers to common questions

Community

• Discord: Join our Discord server for real-time help and discussions
• Reddit: Visit our subreddit to share experiences and tips
• YouTube: Check out our YouTube to learn hands on skills when using Kilo Code
• GitHub: Report issues or request features

Ready to get started? Click the Next button below to begin your journey with Kilo Code!