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Continue.dev

Open-source AI code assistant extension for VS Code and JetBrains with any model support. Pricing: Free (Free open source; bring your own API keys or self-hosted models). See pros, cons, alternatives,

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  • Open source
  • Free forever
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What is Continue.dev?

Continue.dev is an open-source AI code assistant that integrates directly into VS Code and JetBrains IDEs. It lets you use any large language model, whether that's Claude, GPT-4, Llama, or others, by connecting your own API keys or running self-hosted models locally. Rather than locking you into a specific provider or model, Continue gives you flexibility over which AI tools power your coding assistance. The extension handles common coding tasks like autocomplete, refactoring, and answering questions about your codebase without sending your code to external servers if you use local models.

Key features

Any model support

Connect to Claude, GPT-4, open-source models, or self-hosted alternatives

IDE integration

Works as a native extension in VS Code and JetBrains IDEs for minimal context switching

Local model option

Run models on your machine to keep code private and avoid API costs

Code context awareness

References your actual codebase to provide more relevant suggestions

Customisable actions

Build custom commands for your specific coding workflows

Open-source

Fully transparent code with no vendor lock-in

Pros & cons

Advantages

  • No subscription fees; you only pay for API usage if you use external models
  • Choose your own model rather than being restricted to one provider
  • Privacy option by running models locally means code never leaves your machine
  • Active open-source community means regular updates and community contributions

Limitations

  • Requires technical setup to configure models and API keys; less straightforward than commercial alternatives
  • Local model performance depends on your hardware; powerful GPU recommended for decent speed
  • Smaller user base and fewer advanced features compared to well-funded competitors

Use cases

Teams wanting to avoid vendor lock-in with commercial AI coding tools

Developers building locally due to security or confidentiality requirements

Engineers experimenting with different AI models to find the best fit for their workflow

Open-source project maintainers seeking cost-free coding assistance

Organisations with strict data policies that prevent sending code to external services

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Pricing

Free

Free

Full open-source extension; bring your own API keys for external models or run models locally

Get started with Continue.dev

Click through to Continue.dev and start using it now.

Get Continue.dev
  • Open source
  • Free forever