Roo Code
The open-source, agentic VS Code extension with specialized modes for architecting, coding and debugging — bring any model. A flexible Claude Code and Cursor alternative.
Claude Code
CursorAbout Roo Code
Roo Code is an open-source, agentic AI extension for VS Code, born as a community fork of Cline and pushed toward power-user flexibility. Its signature feature is 'modes' — distinct personas like architect, coder and debugger — so the agent behaves differently for planning versus writing versus fixing.
Like the best open tools, you bring your own model and key, and you approve the agent's multi-file edits and commands. That means you get agentic development that adapts to the task while staying transparent and under your control.
It's Apache-2.0 licensed with a fast-growing community and frequent releases. For developers who want a highly configurable, mode-based open alternative to Claude Code and Cursor, Roo Code is a compelling pick.
Key features
- Specialized modes — Switch between architect, coder, debugger and custom modes so the agent fits the task.
- Agentic multi-file edits — Plans and applies changes across files and runs commands, with your approval.
- Bring your own model — Use any provider or local model — you supply the key and choose the engine.
- Transparent & configurable — See every diff, and tailor prompts, modes and permissions to your workflow.
The honest read
- Mode-based agents adapt to planning, coding and debugging
- Highly configurable for power users
- Bring your own model and key
- Apache-2.0 licensed with rapid releases
- Transparent, approve-before-act edits
- Lots of options can overwhelm newcomers
- You pay for your own model usage
- Tied to the VS Code ecosystem
- Younger and less settled than its parent, Cline
FAQ
Yes — Roo Code is free and open source under the Apache-2.0 license. You only pay for the model provider you connect.
Roo Code began as a fork of Cline and adds specialized 'modes' and deeper customization, aimed at power users who want more control.
Modes are distinct agent personas — like architect, coder and debugger — that change how the agent approaches a task, and you can define your own.
You can bring your own key for any major provider or run a local model.
Roo Code is a VS Code extension, so it runs in VS Code and compatible editors.
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