What it is: Open-source AI code assistant for VS Code. Bring your own model. GPT-4, Claude, or local LLMs.

What It Does Best

Model flexibility. Switch between GPT-4, Claude, Llama. Use different models for different tasks. Total control.

Open-source transparency. No vendor lock-in. Customize behavior. Self-host if needed. Privacy-friendly.

Context providers. Pull in docs, GitHub issues, terminal output. AI sees full picture of what you're building.

Key Features

Multi-model support: GPT-4, Claude, Llama, and more

Autocomplete: Real-time code suggestions in VS Code

Chat interface: Ask questions about your codebase

Context providers: Integrate docs, issues, and terminal

Open-source: Fully customizable and extensible

Pricing

Continue: Free and open-source

API costs: Pay for the models you use

Local models: Free (run Llama, CodeLlama locally)

When to Use It

✅ Want control over your AI stack

✅ Privacy concerns with proprietary tools

✅ Experiment with different models

✅ Need offline coding with local models

✅ Prefer open-source tools

When NOT to Use It

❌ Want zero configuration (use Copilot instead)

❌ Don't want to manage API keys

❌ Prefer enterprise support

❌ Need JetBrains IDE support (VS Code only)

❌ Want fully managed solution

Common Use Cases

Privacy-sensitive work: Use local models for proprietary code

Model experimentation: Test different LLMs for your workflow

Customization: Build specific context providers for your project

Offline development: Code without internet using local models

Open-source contribution: Contribute to and extend the tool

Continue vs Alternatives

vs GitHub Copilot: Continue is open-source and model-agnostic

vs Cursor: Continue is plugin, Cursor is full editor

vs Codeium: Continue offers more customization, Codeium easier setup

Unique Strengths

Model freedom: Use any LLM you want

Open-source: Full transparency and extensibility

Local models: Run Llama and others completely offline

Context control: Customize what AI sees about your project

Visit Continue →

← Back to AI Coding Tools