Continue
FreeCodingCode CompletionNEWOpen-source AI code assistant that connects any LLM to VS Code and JetBrains for completions and chat.
Overview
Continue is an open-source AI code assistant that brings the power of any large language model directly into VS Code and JetBrains IDEs. It serves as a customizable bridge between your editor and the AI model of your choice - whether that is Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini, Llama, or any model running locally via Ollama. This flexibility makes Continue the go-to tool for developers who want AI coding assistance without being locked into a single provider.
Continue offers tab-to-accept code completions, an inline editing experience for targeted code modifications, and a chat sidebar for longer conversations about code. Its context system allows developers to include specific files, documentation, terminal output, or even web pages in the conversation, giving the AI precisely the information it needs. The tool is highly configurable through a simple JSON configuration file that lets users define model providers, customize prompts, and create custom commands.
As an open-source project backed by a growing community, Continue is transparent about how it handles code and data. It supports fully local deployments where no code ever leaves the developer's machine, making it suitable for privacy-sensitive environments. The project has become one of the most popular open-source AI coding tools, with thousands of GitHub stars and an active contributor base.
Key Features
- +Tab-to-accept code completions from any LLM provider
- +Chat sidebar for conversational coding assistance in the IDE
- +Inline editing for targeted code modifications
- +Flexible context system - include files, docs, terminal output, and URLs
- +Support for Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini, Llama, and local models
- +Highly configurable via JSON configuration file
- +Custom slash commands for personalized workflows
- +Fully open-source with active community development
Use Cases
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Completely open-source and free to use
- +Maximum flexibility in model choice - cloud or local
- +Deep IDE integration with VS Code and JetBrains
- +Highly customizable prompts, commands, and context providers
- +Strong privacy story with fully local deployment options
Cons
- xRequires configuration to get started - less plug-and-play than Copilot
- xQuality depends heavily on the chosen LLM and configuration
- xNo built-in AI model - requires external API keys or local model setup
- xCommunity-driven development means slower feature releases than funded competitors
Pricing Details
Free and open-source. Users provide their own LLM API keys or run local models. No subscription or usage fees from Continue itself.