The open source AI coding agent.
# npm
npm install -g @kilocode/cli
# Or run directly with npx
npx @kilocode/cliThen run kilo in any project directory to start.
Kilo CLI includes two built-in agents you can switch between using the Tab key:
- build - Default, full access agent for development work
- plan - Read-only agent for analysis and code exploration
- Denies file edits by default
- Asks permission before running bash commands
- Ideal for exploring unfamiliar codebases or planning changes
Also included is a general subagent for complex searches and multi-step tasks.
This is used internally and can be invoked using @general in messages.
Use the --auto flag with kilo run to enable fully autonomous operation without user interaction. This is ideal for CI/CD pipelines and automated workflows:
kilo run --auto "run tests and fix any failures"Important: The --auto flag disables all permission prompts and allows the agent to execute any action without confirmation. Only use this in trusted environments like CI/CD pipelines.
If you're coming from the Kilo Code VS Code extension, your configurations are automatically migrated:
| Kilo Code Feature | Kilo CLI Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Custom modes | Converted to agents |
Rules (.kilocoderules, .kilocode/rules/) |
Added to instructions array |
Skills (.kilocode/skills/) |
Auto-discovered alongside .opencode/skill/ |
Workflows (.kilocode/workflows/) |
Converted to commands |
| MCP servers | Migrated to mcp config |
Default mode mappings:
code→buildagentarchitect→planagent
For detailed migration information, see:
For more info on how to configure Kilo CLI, head over to our docs.
If you're interested in contributing, please read our contributing docs before submitting a pull request.
Kilo CLI is a fork of OpenCode, enhanced to work within the Kilo agentic engineering platform.