Continue (Open-Source IDE Extension)

NewVerified

Open-source AI code assistant that works with any IDE and model

8.5 (63.192 score)

open-sourceAPI Available

Overview

Continue is an IDE extension that brings AI coding assistance to VS Code, JetBrains, and other editors. It supports multiple AI models and allows developers to use their preferred LLM provider. The tool emphasizes customization and privacy by letting teams run models locally or connect to their own infrastructure.

Pros

Works with multiple IDE platforms and AI model providers
Fully open-source with self-hosting and local model options
Customizable for team workflows and specific use cases
No vendor lock-in to a single AI provider
Active development and community-driven improvements

✕ Cons

Requires setup and configuration compared to plug-and-play tools
Self-hosting requires technical infrastructure and maintenance
Smaller ecosystem than closed-source competitors

Key Features

Code completion and generation

Multi-model support and provider flexibility

Local and self-hosted deployment

IDE extension for multiple editors

Context-aware code assistance

Custom configuration and prompts

Use Cases

Development teams wanting control over AI infrastructureOrganizations with privacy or data residency requirementsDevelopers using specific open-source or proprietary LLMsEngineers integrating AI into existing custom workflows

Best For

Software EngineersOpen-Source ContributorsPrivacy-Conscious Development TeamsDevOps & Backend DevelopersCode Review & Refactoring Work

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Continue cost?▾

Continue is completely free and open-source. You only pay for the LLM service you choose to use (OpenAI, Claude, local models, etc.), giving you full control over costs.

How difficult is it to set up Continue?▾

Setup is straightforward—install the extension from your IDE's marketplace and configure your LLM API key or local model. Most developers get it running in under 10 minutes with minimal learning curve.

Which IDEs and LLMs does Continue support?▾

Continue works with VS Code, JetBrains IDEs, and Vim, plus any LLM including OpenAI, Claude, local models, and self-hosted options. This flexibility means you're not locked into a specific ecosystem.

What's the main limitation of Continue?▾

As a local extension, Continue relies on the quality and speed of your chosen LLM—it's not a standalone product. You're responsible for managing your own API keys and model selection.

What's the ideal use case for Continue?▾

Continue is ideal for developers who want AI-assisted coding without vendor lock-in, need privacy controls, or prefer running models locally. It's perfect for teams valuing transparency and customization over managed solutions.