Parallel tool calls
Run file reads, searches, terminal commands, and other agent actions at the same time so the assistant spends less time waiting between steps.
Kilo
Kilo is a free, open-source AI coding assistant for VS Code that supports parallel agents, inline code review, and cross-platform session continuity. It works with hosted, BYOK, and local models, including 500+ model options.
Overview
Kilo is an AI coding assistant for VS Code built on the same portable open-source core as Kilo CLI. The rebuilt extension focuses on agentic coding workflows that let you delegate tasks, review changes, and move sessions across products without rebuilding context.
The VS Code version emphasizes parallel execution, subagent delegation, inline review, worktrees, and access to more than 500 models. It is positioned as a free and open-source extension that users can install from the VS Code extensions view or the Visual Studio Marketplace.
Key capabilities
Parallel and custom subagents
Break work into specialist agents for implementation, testing, docs, or review, then merge results back into a single outcome.
Worktree-based parallel work
Create separate git worktrees per agent when you want isolation, or keep multiple agents on the same worktree for read-heavy collaboration.
Inline code review
Review edits inside VS Code with unified or split diff views, line-level comments, and structured review context sent back into chat.
Model comparison
Compare outputs from different models on the same prompt to help with refactors, architecture decisions, and open-ended tasks.
Cross-platform sessions
Move sessions between VS Code, the CLI, Slack, and cloud-related Kilo surfaces because they share a portable core.
Common ways to use Kilo in VS Code
Feature work that benefits from division of labor
Use parallel subagents to split implementation, tests, and documentation into separate tracks, then merge the results when the pieces are ready.
Code review inside the editor
Run file diffs, comment on exact lines, and send structured feedback back to chat when you need to inspect or approve agent changes before applying them.
Multi-agent repository work
Create separate worktrees or shared workspaces when multiple agents need isolation for risky changes or coordinated collaboration on the same repository.
Architecture and refactor decisions
Compare multiple model outputs on the same prompt when the task is ambiguous and you want to see different approaches before choosing one.
Cross-tool handoff
Start a task in the CLI, continue it in VS Code, or share it into Slack when you want the same session to move across surfaces.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free and open source VS Code extension
- Supports parallel tool calls and parallel subagents
- Includes inline code review with line-level comments
- Works with hosted, BYOK, and local models
- Shares a portable core with the CLI for session continuity
Cons
- Code indexing is temporarily unavailable in the rebuilt extension, according to the April 2026 update.
- Some advanced workflows depend on external model access or provider setup, such as BYOK, Kilo Gateway, or local models.
FAQ
How do I install Kilo Code in VS Code?
Kilo Code is installed as a VS Code extension. The product page says to search for “Kilo Code” in the VS Code extensions view or install it from the Visual Studio Marketplace, then sign up and start using it.
What does Auto Model do?
Auto Model is Kilo’s routing layer. It chooses between model options based on the tier you select and the task at hand, so you can keep working without manually switching models for every request.
Can I use Kilo without paying for Kilo-hosted inference?
Yes. The VS Code page says Kilo supports hosted models, bring-your-own-key setups, and local models, and the pricing page says you can use Kilo without a paid inference plan if you already have your own providers or local models.
What are the main workflows in the rebuilt VS Code extension?
The rebuilt extension supports parallel tool calls, parallel subagents, custom subagents, worktrees, inline code review, model comparisons, and cross-platform sessions with the CLI and other Kilo surfaces.
Are there any known limitations in the new VS Code extension?
The April 2026 update notes that code indexing is temporarily unavailable in the new extension and is being worked on. It also says checkpoints are now called snapshots.
Quick Facts
- Category
- AI Coding Assistant
- Platform
- VS Code
- Core workflow
- Parallel agents, inline review, and session continuity
- Model support
- 500+ models across hosted, BYOK, and local options
- Pricing model
- Free extension; inference can be free, pay-as-you-go, or subscription-based depending on setup
- Source domain
- kilo.ai
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