Continue

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Your customizable, open-source AI coding assistant integrated directly into VS Code & JetBrains.

Overview

Continue is an open-source AI coding assistant that integrates directly into popular IDEs including VS Code and JetBrains products. It provides real-time coding assistance through a customizable interface that works alongside developers' existing workflows without requiring context switching to external tools or browsers.

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Insights

Core Features

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Technology

Built on a modular architecture that supports multiple AI backends including OpenAI GPT models, Anthropic Claude, and local models via Ollama or LM Studio. The tool operates through IDE extensions that maintain persistent connections to AI services while preserving code context and project structure.

Target Audience

Professional software developers, engineering teams, and individual programmers who work primarily in VS Code or JetBrains IDEs. Particularly valuable for developers seeking privacy-focused solutions, those working with proprietary codebases, and teams requiring customizable AI assistance tailored to their specific workflows.

Use Cases

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UX & Interface

Minimalist and non-intrusive interface that appears as a sidebar or inline suggestions within the code editor. Features a clean chat interface, subtle code completion hints, and customizable keyboard shortcuts. Designed to reduce context switching by keeping all AI interactions within the development environment.

Pricing

Completely free and open-source (MIT license). Users only pay for the AI model services they choose to connect (OpenAPI API costs, Anthropic usage fees, or local compute resources if using self-hosted models). No subscription or premium tiers for the Continue platform itself.

Strengths

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Weaknesses

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Comparison

Unlike proprietary solutions like GitHub Copilot or Amazon CodeWhisperer, Continue offers greater privacy control and customization. Compared to Tabnine, it provides more flexible model options. It stands out for developers who prioritize open-source solutions and want to avoid vendor lock-in while maintaining IDE integration quality comparable to commercial offerings.

Verdict

Continue represents an excellent choice for developers who value customization, privacy, and open-source philosophy. Its strength lies in flexibility and IDE integration rather than out-of-the-box simplicity. Recommended for technical users comfortable configuring their own AI backend connections and teams requiring maximum control over their AI coding assistance environment.