How do I install the CLI?

Install globally with npm: npm install -g @kilocode/cli. Then run "kilo" in any directory to start.

What AI models can I use?

Access 500+ models including Claude, GPT-5, Gemini, and many more. Use our hosted models with pay-as-you-go pricing, or bring your own API keys.

Can I use my own API keys?

Yes! Kilo CLI fully supports Bring Your Own Key (BYOK). Add your API keys for OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, or any other provider.

Does Kilo CLI support sandboxing?

Yes. Use /sandbox in the CLI to toggle Kilo Sandbox per session, or configure it globally or per project in kilo.jsonc. Sandbox confines tool execution with workspace-only writes, read-only .git access, and optional network deny mode.

What's the difference from the VS Code extension?

The CLI gives you the same powerful AI coding capabilities but accessible from any terminal. Perfect for developers who prefer the command line or need pipeline integration.

Open Source CLI Coding Agent

Any model, zero markup: frontier, open weight, or your own keys. One agent, fully open source.

Key benefits

Access 500+ AI models

Orchestrate Specialized Agents

Full BYOK support

Zero lock-in

Workflow ready

Sandboxed auto mode

AI coding from your terminal

Run auto mode inside an OS sandbox

Use /sandbox to confine agent tool execution. Kilo can keep moving quickly while writes stay inside the workspace, .git remains read-only, and optional network deny blocks unapproved hosts.

Read the announcement

Run parallel agents from one terminal

Start multiple specialized agents, monitor their progress side by side, and keep long-running coding tasks moving without opening extra tools.

Choose any model for the task

Switch between frontier models, open-weight models, and your own API keys from the CLI while keeping usage transparent and markup-free.

Use native and custom modes

Work in purpose-built modes for planning, coding, debugging, and reviewing, or define custom modes that match how your team ships software.

Manage worktrees in Kilo ConsoleBeta

Open local projects in the browser-based console, inspect git worktrees, and launch CLI sessions from a visual control surface.

Read the announcement

View Documentation GitHub

EASY SETUP

Get started in minutes

Three simple steps to AI-powered development

Install the CLI

Run npm install -g @kilocode/cli to install globally on your system.

Authenticate

Start Building

Run kilo in any directory and start coding with AI assistance.

OPEN SOURCE

Built on proven foundations

OpenCode Foundation

Kilo CLI is built on OpenCode—an MIT-licensed CLI for agentic coding that's beautifully designed and backed by an active community.

Deep Integration

Not a thin wrapper. We've integrated Kilo CLI deeply into the Kilo platform while preserving everything that makes OpenCode great: fast, extensible, and built for developers.

Giving Back

Kilo is committed to open source—we'll be contributing our improvements and bug fixes upstream to OpenCode.

All-In-One Platform

Kilo is more than a CLI

An all-in-one AI coding platform that works everywhere you code

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Kilo CLI

RESOURCES

Kilo CLI resources

Dive deeper into Kilo CLI

CLI Documentation

Complete guide to using Kilo CLI with all commands and options.

What Is an AI Coding Agent?

Understand how AI coding agents plan, execute, and iterate on your code.

Best CLI Coding Agents

Compare Kilo CLI, Claude Code, Codex CLI, Gemini CLI, Qwen Code, and official xAI API docs.

Open Source Agentic CLI: Evaluation Guide

How to evaluate agentic CLIs across openness, model choice, permissions, sandboxing, and CI readiness.

Kilo CLI vs Claude Code

Compare terminal-first agents across model choice, pricing, and workflows.

Kilo CLI vs Aider

See how Kilo CLI compares with Aider for command-line coding.

Kilo CLI vs Codex CLI

Compare Kilo CLI with OpenAI Codex CLI for agentic engineering.

Kilo CLI vs Gemini CLI

Compare Gemini CLI with Kilo CLI and 500+ available models.

Kilo CLI vs GitHub Copilot CLI

Compare GitHub Copilot CLI with the open, multi-model Kilo CLI.

Kilo CLI vs OpenCode CLI

Compare Kilo CLI with the upstream OpenCode CLI, Go, and Zen.

Continue Dev Alternative

Continue is no longer maintained — compare it with the actively maintained Kilo CLI.

OpenCode vs Claude Code

Compare two terminal coding agents across pricing, models, and automation.

Kilo Code vs Google Antigravity

Compare models, pricing, agents, editors, and enterprise options.

Getting Started Tutorial

Watch how to go from install to shipping code in under 1 minute.

GitHub Repository

Explore the source code, report issues, and contribute.

Discord Community

Join the community to get help, share tips, and connect with 15k+ other developers.

Ready to build faster?

Join thousands of developers using Kilo CLI to ship code faster with AI.