About Continue
Continue is an open-source AI coding assistant that aims to enhance the coding experience by integrating any Large Language Model (LLM) directly into popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like VS Code and JetBrains. The idea is simple yet powerful: by connecting an AI model to your coding environment, you get access to features such as code completions, inline editing, and even interactive chat capabilities. This is particularly appealing for developers looking to streamline their workflow and reduce the mundane tasks that often bog down productivity. However, it does require a bit of technical know-how to set up, especially since you'll need your own LLM API keys or local models to get started.
One of the standout features of Continue is its full customisability. You can tailor it to fit your specific coding style and project requirements, making it a versatile tool for both individual developers and teams. This flexibility means that you can adjust context providers, slash commands, and model routing to suit your particular development processes. Imagine being able to dictate how your AI assistant interacts with your codebase, adapting its suggestions based on the frameworks and languages you're working with. That level of control can genuinely boost your coding efficiency.
As for pricing, it's hard to complain when Continue is completely free and open-source. However, the catch is that you must have access to your own LLM, which could be a hurdle for those who want to dive straight in without delving into the complexities of setting up an AI model. This aspect makes it less suitable for beginners who might find the technical setup daunting. On the flip side, seasoned developers who are comfortable with configuring APIs will appreciate the flexibility and power that Continue brings to the table. It's a tool that shines when you know how to make it work for you but can be a bit intimidating for those just starting out.
In summary, Continue is a promising tool for developers who want to leverage AI to enhance their coding experience. Its open-source nature allows for extensive customisation, making it a strong candidate for teams and individuals who are willing to invest the time to set it up properly. However, if you're a complete novice or someone who prefers a plug-and-play solution, you might want to look elsewhere until you're ready to tackle the intricacies of LLMs and API integrations.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
When I first stumbled upon Continue, I was intrigued by the idea of an open-source AI code assistant that promised to integrate seamlessly with popular IDEs like VS Code and JetBrains. As a developer who often juggles multiple projects, the thought of having an AI buddy to help out with code completions and inline editing sounded like a dream. After diving into the setup process, I quickly realised that it wasn't just a walk in the park. You need to have your own LLM API keys or local models, which can feel like a hurdle if you're not already in the AI game. I managed to get it up and running, but I can see how this could be a deal-breaker for absolute beginners.
Once I got through the initial setup, I was genuinely impressed by the level of customisation available. Continue allows you to tweak how the AI interacts with your coding style and even adjust the commands it uses. This control is a double-edged sword; while it’s fantastic for tailoring the experience to my needs, it can also feel overwhelming at times. I found myself fiddling with settings and context providers more than I anticipated, but the payoff was worth it when I saw the AI start spitting out relevant code suggestions that actually matched my project's requirements. It felt like having a coding assistant that truly understood my workflow.
However, there were moments when the performance was inconsistent. Depending on the LLM I chose, the suggestions varied greatly in quality. Sometimes I'd get spot-on completions, while other times it felt like the AI was completely off-base. This inconsistency could be frustrating, especially when you're on a tight deadline and need reliable support. Plus, I noticed that the community support around Continue isn't as robust as some of its competitors, which made troubleshooting a bit of a headache.
When I stacked it up against GitHub Copilot, which I’ve used extensively, I found Continue lacks the polish and ease of use that Copilot delivers out of the box. Copilot is great for those who want something that just works without the need for extensive setup. But if you're willing to invest the time to set up Continue correctly and tinker with its features, you'll find a powerful ally in your coding journey.
Overall, Continue is a fantastic tool for developers who are comfortable navigating the technical aspects of AI integrations. It's perfect for teams looking for a tailored solution and individuals who want to experiment with AI coding assistants. However, if you're new to coding or prefer a straightforward setup, I’d recommend holding off until you're ready to dive into the complexities of LLM configurations. The flexibility and customisation options are impressive, but they come with a learning curve that might not suit everyone.
Getting started with Continue
In this guide, you'll learn how to set up Continue as your AI coding assistant, enabling you to get code completions, engage in interactive chat, and customise your coding environment. You'll be ready to enhance your coding efficiency in under five minutes.
Step 1: Sign up and set up
Step 2: Your first coding session
Step 3: Get better results
Pro tip
Take advantage of the “prompt history” feature found in the Continue panel. This allows you to see previous interactions with the AI, making it easier to refine your questions or revisit useful code suggestions.
Common mistake to avoid
A common mistake is neglecting to enter your LLM API key or configure a local model. Without this, Continue won't function properly, and you won't receive any AI assistance. Make sure to double-check your settings after installation.
The Verdict
Continue is a solid choice for developers who want an open-source AI coding assistant that offers extensive customisation and flexibility. It's perfect for those who are tech-savvy and willing to invest time in setup. However, beginners may find the initial hurdles insurmountable, so they might want to seek simpler alternatives until they are ready to tackle the intricacies of AI integrations.
Best For
- Experienced developers who are comfortable with technical setups and API configurations.
- Development teams looking for a highly customisable AI assistant tailored to their specific needs.
- Freelancers who work across various programming languages and projects.
- Technical leads wanting to integrate AI into their team's workflow without relying on commercial tools.
- Students who are interested in coding and want an interactive assistant to help them learn and navigate complex concepts.
At a Glance
Continue is an open-source AI coding assistant that connects any Large Language Model to your IDE, offering features like code completions, inline editing, and chat capabilities. While free to use, it requires your own LLM setup, making it ideal for developers who are comfortable with technical configurations but potentially daunting for beginners.
Strengths
- +The open-source nature of Continue means you can modify and adapt it to your specific needs, giving you a level of control that proprietary tools simply can't match.
- +Integration with popular IDEs like VS Code and JetBrains allows for a seamless workflow, meaning you won’t have to switch between tools while coding.
- +The customisation options are extensive, allowing teams to tailor the AI's suggestions and commands to fit their unique coding styles and project requirements.
- +The ability to connect any LLM, whether local or cloud-based, makes Continue a flexible choice for developers looking to experiment with different models.
- +This tool can significantly reduce the time spent on repetitive coding tasks, allowing developers to focus on more complex problems that require human insight.
Limitations
- -Setting up Continue requires a fair amount of technical know-how, particularly in obtaining and configuring your own LLM, which could be a barrier for less experienced developers.
- -The reliance on external LLMs means that performance can vary greatly depending on the model you're using, so you may not always get consistent results.
- -While the features are powerful, the lack of a built-in model means that you have to handle your own model management and updates, which could be inconvenient for some users.
- -The community around Continue is still growing, so you might find limited support or resources compared to more established coding assistants, making troubleshooting more challenging.
- -For those who prefer a straightforward, plug-and-play solution, the initial setup process could feel overwhelming and deter them from using the tool.
Use Cases
- -Developers looking to enhance their coding efficiency by using AI for code completions and suggestions in real-time as they write.
- -Teams that require custom AI solutions tailored to their specific frameworks and coding styles, allowing for consistent code quality across projects.
- -Freelancers who work on diverse projects and need a flexible tool that can adapt to various programming languages and APIs.
- -Technical leads who want to integrate AI capabilities into their team's workflow without relying on proprietary software solutions.
- -Students learning to code who seek an interactive assistant to help them understand and navigate complex coding concepts.
