Continue
Open-source AI code assistant and agent for VS Code and JetBrains
Last reviewed 2026-06-18
Continue is an open-source AI code assistant that runs as a plugin in VS Code and JetBrains, offering Copilot-style tab autocomplete, inline editing, chat, and an agent mode that can read files, make changes, and run commands across multi-step tasks. It is model-agnostic: you connect Claude, GPT, Gemini, or run fully local with Ollama or LM Studio, and configure providers, models, context sources, and custom commands. Continue Hub adds a marketplace of shared rules, prompts, and assistant blocks plus team governance. Continue is for developers and teams who want a customizable, vendor-neutral assistant they can point at any model, including local ones for private use. In 2026 Continue was acquired by Cursor; the original open-source repository is reported to be read-only with a final v2.0.0 release, so its standalone trajectory is uncertain even though the open-source code remains a foundation for others.
What it can do
Tab autocomplete and inline edits
CopilotProvides Copilot-style autocomplete and inline editing for refactoring, documentation, and bug fixes inside the IDE; a human accepts each suggestion.
sourceAgent mode for multi-step tasks
SupervisedAn agent mode reads files, makes changes, and runs commands to handle multi-step coding tasks with human oversight.
sourceRun any model, including local
CopilotConnects to Claude, GPT, and Gemini, or runs fully local via Ollama or LM Studio for private, zero-cost assistance.
sourceShare rules and assistants via Continue Hub
AssistantA hub/marketplace lets teams share prompts, rules, and assistant blocks and enforce CI checks on AI-generated code.
source
Strengths
- +Open source and model-agnostic, including fully local models for private coding
- +Covers autocomplete, edit, chat, and agent in one configurable plugin
- +Continue Hub adds team rules, governance, and shareable assistant blocks
Limitations
- −Acquired by Cursor in 2026 with the original repo reported read-only; standalone future is uncertain
- −Heavily configuration-driven, which adds setup overhead versus turnkey tools
- −Agent mode still requires human oversight on file changes and commands
Overview
Continue is an open-source AI code assistant and agent for VS Code and JetBrains. It is model-agnostic and configuration-driven, letting developers point it at any provider, including local models.
What it does
Continue offers Copilot-style tab autocomplete, inline edit, in-IDE chat, and an agent mode that reads files, makes changes, and runs commands for multi-step tasks. The autocomplete and edit flows are copilot-style (a human accepts each suggestion); agent mode is supervised. Continue Hub adds a marketplace of shared rules, prompts, and assistant blocks plus CI checks for AI-generated code.
Integrations & setup
Configuration is centered on defining providers, models, context sources, and custom commands. It connects to Claude, GPT, and Gemini, or runs locally via Ollama or LM Studio, and supports MCP.
Pricing
A free open-source tier, with Hub plans reported from around $10/mo and enterprise tiers for on-prem and governance.
Status note
In 2026 Continue was acquired by Cursor, and the original open-source repository is reported to be read-only with a final v2.0.0 release. The code remains a foundation for others, but its standalone direction is uncertain; confirm current status before relying on it.
Best for / not for
Best for developers and teams that want an open, configurable, model-agnostic assistant with local-model support. Less suited to those wanting a turnkey product or worried about the post-acquisition roadmap.
Alternatives
Cline and Aider are open-source coding agents; GitHub Copilot is the incumbent; Cursor is the acquirer and a full AI-native IDE.
What people are saying
We aggregate real LinkedIn discussion into sentiment for the agents people search most. Continue isn't tracked yet, want it added? Request tracking.
FAQ
Can Continue run fully offline?+
Yes. Continue is model-agnostic and can run local models via Ollama or LM Studio for private, zero-cost coding assistance, in addition to cloud providers.
Is Continue still maintained?+
In 2026 Continue was acquired by Cursor, and the original open-source repo is reported to be read-only with a final v2.0.0 release. The open-source code remains available but its standalone roadmap is uncertain; verify current status before adopting.
Sources
- Continue (official site) · accessed 2026-06-18
- Continue documentation · accessed 2026-06-18
- continuedev/continue (GitHub) · accessed 2026-06-18
- Continue pricing (official) · accessed 2026-06-18
Last reviewed 2026-06-18