Continue is a powerful and flexible open-source alternative to GitHub Copilot, offering extensive customization and model choice for developers who prioritize control and privacy.
The open-source autopilot for software development that can be deeply customized to your team's codebase.
Continue is an open-source AI coding assistant that functions as an IDE extension for VS Code and JetBrains. It allows developers to bring their own Large Language Models (LLMs)—whether cloud-based like GPT-4 and Claude 3, or local models via Ollama—directly into their development environment. This provides a high degree of customization and data privacy, as the entire system can be self-hosted.
Unlike simple autocomplete tools, Continue offers a comprehensive suite of features including in-line chat, code generation, debugging assistance, and automated refactoring. It excels at maintaining context by easily referencing files, documentation, and terminal issues. The tool is designed for individual developers and engineering teams who want a powerful, flexible, and private alternative to closed-source AI assistants like GitHub Copilot, giving them full control over their models and data.
Pros
Open-source and highly customizable.
Supports a wide range of LLMs, including local and self-hosted models.
Strong focus on privacy with robust self-hosting capabilities.
Deep IDE integration provides a native workflow.
Generous free tiers for both cloud and self-hosted versions.
Cons
Self-hosting requires technical expertise and infrastructure management.
As a newer tool, it may lack the polish of more mature competitors.
Performance is dependent on the chosen third-party or local LLM.
The vast number of configuration options can be overwhelming for beginners.
Key features
IDE extensions for VS Code & JetBrains
Connect to any LLM, including local and open-source models
Context-aware chat using '@' to reference code and files
Full-featured autocomplete that learns from your code
Create custom slash commands for repeatable tasks
Self-host the entire application for maximum privacy
Generate, refactor, and debug code with AI assistance
Natural language editing and code generation
Integrates with popular model providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google
Integrations
VS CodeJetBrains (IntelliJ, PyCharm, etc.)OpenAIAnthropicGoogle GeminiOllamaLM StudioTogether AIGroq
Target audience
Software developers and engineering teams seeking a customizable and private AI coding assistant.
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Key Metrics
Founded
2023
Headquarters
San Francisco, USA
Pricing Tiers
Open Source
Free
Free
Free
Team
$25/mo
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Join thousands of users and see how Continue can transform your workflow today.