Continue.dev

Open-source AI code assistant — bring your own model (local or cloud)

The best option for developers who want full control over which AI model powers their coding assistant. Works with local models via Ollama for complete privacy, or connect to any cloud provider. Ideal for privacy-conscious teams and self-hosters.

FREE TIER: Fully free; unlimited with local models via Ollama
COMPANY: Continue Dev, Inc.
CATEGORY: Developer Tools › Coding Assistants
OPEN SOURCE: Yes
PRIVACY: Can run 100% locally — best-in-class privacy
TAGS: codingopen-sourcelocal

QUICK START

Install the Continue extension in VS Code → Configure a model provider (Ollama for local, or paste an API key) → Use Cmd+L to chat or Tab for completions

BEST FOR

▸Developers prioritizing privacy via local AI models (e.g., Ollama).
▸Users who demand full control over their coding assistant's AI model.
▸Teams and self-hosters seeking an open-source, customizable code assistant.

NOT FOR

✕Developers seeking a zero-setup, fully managed cloud-only coding assistant.
✕Users unfamiliar or uncomfortable with local model setup (e.g., Ollama).

◈ TYPICALLY PAIRED WITH

Tools that appear alongside Continue.dev in AIArsenal's curated stacks.

Ollama

Run 100+ LLMs locally from the terminal — completely free

CLI Tools

Llama 3.x

Best all-around open LLM — 8B to 405B

Open-Source

Stable Diffusion