Continue

NewVerified

Open-source AI code completion that works in your IDE.

8.5 (73.985 score)

open-sourceAPI Available

Overview

Continue is an open-source coding assistant that integrates directly into VS Code and JetBrains IDEs. It connects to various LLMs (both open and closed source) to provide code completion, refactoring, and debugging help. Built for developers who want AI coding tools without vendor lock-in or privacy concerns.

Pros

Works with any LLM: OpenAI, Claude, local models, and more
Self-hosted option keeps code private on your machine
IDE native integration reduces context switching overhead
Keyboard shortcuts enable quick refactoring and debugging
Fully customizable through config files for team standards

✕ Cons

Requires manual setup and LLM API keys to start
Documentation less polished than commercial alternatives
Community support smaller than VSCode or GitHub Copilot

Key Features

IDE code completion

Refactoring and debugging

Multiple LLM support

Self-hosted deployment

Keyboard shortcuts

Config customization

Use Cases

Developers using open-source models for privacy complianceTeams standardizing on specific LLMs or promptsEnterprises with code security restrictionsEngineers avoiding third-party code analysis services

Best For

Software DevelopersOpen-source ContributorsPrivacy-conscious TeamsCost-conscious Engineering Teams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pricing model for Continue?▾

Continue is open-source and completely free to use. You only pay for LLM API costs if you choose cloud providers like OpenAI or Claude; local models have no additional fees.

How difficult is it to set up Continue?▾

Setup is straightforward—install the extension in your IDE, configure your LLM provider (local or cloud), and start using code completion immediately. Most developers are running it within minutes.

Which IDEs and LLM providers does Continue support?▾

Continue integrates with VS Code and JetBrains IDEs, and supports multiple LLM providers including OpenAI, Claude, Ollama, and local open-source models, giving you flexibility in your setup.

What are the main limitations of Continue?▾

Continue depends on your chosen LLM provider's capabilities and response times. Local model performance varies by hardware, and some advanced features may require specific model versions.

What is Continue best used for?▾

Continue excels for developers wanting AI code completion without vendor lock-in, privacy concerns, or high API costs. It's ideal for teams preferring open-source tools and those running local models.