AI Tool Series – Episode 44: Your Daily AI Companion with Kilo Code

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how developers interact with their tools, making coding faster, more efficient, and smarter. One such tool gaining attention is Kilo Code, an open-source AI agent designed to work seamlessly within Visual Studio Code (VS Code). It acts as a developer’s assistant, supporting everything from writing and refactoring code to debugging and planning entire projects.

Installation and Setup

Getting started with Kilo Code is simple:

1. Open Visual Studio Code.

2. Navigate to the Extensions Marketplace.

3. Search for Kilo Code and install it.

Once installed, a dedicated button appears in the VS Code interface. Clicking it opens the AI assistant panel, where you can interact directly with the tool.

Key Features of Kilo Code

Kilo Code provides multiple modes to support developers across various stages of coding:

• Code Mode – Write prompts to generate, modify, or refactor code directly.
• Architect Mode – Plan the overall structure and flow of a project. It creates a blueprint without generating rigid files, helping developers visualize execution.
• Q&A Mode – Ask technical questions and receive clear, contextual answers.
• Debug Mode – Identify and resolve errors in your code.

Practical Example

Suppose you want to build a Task Manager App. With Kilo Code, you can provide detailed prompts specifying frontend requirements, backend APIs, authentication needs, database choice (e.g., MongoDB), and any additional features. The tool then generates: – API requests – A project task list – An overall structure for both frontend and backend

It allows developers to refine and enhance their application workflows with ease. Errors can be debugged directly within the interface, streamlining the development process.

Enhanced Prompting

Kilo Code also includes a Prompt Enhancement Feature. For instance, if you enter a simple request like “Create a full-stack task manager application”, the tool can automatically expand it into a more detailed prompt, including authentication, APIs, and frontend/backend structure. This helps developers who may overlook crucial requirements in their initial instructions.

Custom Model Selection

By default, Kilo Code uses its built-in AI model. However, users can switch to other models such as Anthropic, DeepSeek, or Gemini by providing the respective API keys. This flexibility allows developers to leverage their preferred AI engines.

Comparisons with Alternatives

While Cursor remains a popular option in the AI coding assistant space, Kilo Code positions itself as a cost-effective alternative. Cursor follows a subscription model (commonly around $20/month), where unused credits are lost if not consumed. In contrast, Kilo Code’s pay-as-you-go approach provides flexibility, making it more appealing for occasional users.

Some users note that Cursor may still provide more polished outputs in certain scenarios. However, Kilo Code is a strong open-source alternative with promising features and adaptability.

Final Thoughts 

Kilo Code is an evolving AI-powered companion for developers within VS Code. Its strengths lie in its multiple interaction modes, flexible pricing, and ability to integrate with different AI models. For developers seeking an alternative to subscription-heavy platforms, Kilo Code offers a practical, efficient, and cost-friendly solution.

As AI assistants continue to mature, tools like Kilo Code represent the next step toward a more collaborative and intelligent coding experience.