Continue is an open-source AI code assistant for VS Code and JetBrains, with a terminal CLI for terminal-native work. It lets developers create, share, and use custom AI code agents connected to any model provider, including local runtimes. Continue was acquired by Cursor; its Apache-2.0 codebase remains freely available, but the repository shipped a final 2.0.0 release and is now read-only.[1][2][3]
Quick verdict
Our assessment is that Continue merits evaluation for developers who want a model-agnostic, customizable AI coding assistant inside VS Code, JetBrains, or the terminal. Its acquisition by Cursor, final 2.0.0 release, and read-only status mean new adopters should plan to self-maintain a fork or treat it as a stable snapshot rather than a living project.[1][2][3]
Capabilities
Continue ships as VS Code and JetBrains extensions plus a terminal CLI (cn), so agent-assisted coding is available inside the editor and at the command line.[1]
Agent mode works through development tasks with AI, Chat mode answers questions and clarifies code sections, Edit mode modifies code without leaving the current file, and Autocomplete offers inline suggestions as you type.[1]
Continue connects to any model provider, including local runtimes, and customization is centralized in config.yaml with models, MCP servers, rules, and prompts.[1]
The docs cover codebase and documentation awareness, plan mode, running without internet, custom code RAG, and self-hosting a model, which makes the assistant adaptable to private codebases.[1]
Who it fits
We would evaluate Continue for developers who want freedom of model choice, including local and private runtimes, rather than being locked to one provider.[1]
Teams that want customizable in-editor agents with shared rules, prompts, and MCP tool servers will get the most out of its config.yaml model.[1]
Adopters comfortable maintaining their own fork of a stable, read-only codebase can still benefit, since the final release remains usable without upstream changes.[1][2]
Boundaries to check
Continue was acquired by Cursor and the continuedev/continue repository is no longer actively maintained; it is read-only for all users.[1][2]
The repository shipped a final 2.0.0 release, so adopters should expect no new features, fixes, or security updates from upstream.[1]
Continue's value depends on the model provider you connect: capability, cost, and latency follow your provider choice, and local runtimes shift those demands onto your own hardware.[1]
Coverage is limited to VS Code, JetBrains, and the terminal CLI; developers in other editors cannot use it as described.[1]
Fit and compatibility
Questions worth asking
Which editors does Continue support?
VS Code and JetBrains extensions plus a terminal CLI (cn). If you work in one of those editors or the terminal, Continue meets you there; other editors are not covered.[1]
What does Continue cost per month?
Can Continue be self-hosted?
There is no server to host: Continue runs as local editor extensions and a terminal CLI. Its docs describe running without internet and pairing with a self-hosted model, so a fully local setup is possible when you bring your own local runtime.[1]
What happened to Continue after the Cursor acquisition?
Can non-developers use Continue without writing code?
No. Continue is a developer tool for writing, chatting about, and editing code inside an editor or terminal. Non-developers looking for a general AI assistant should evaluate a different category.[1]
Sources and editorial review
Source research. Reviewed on October 9, 2026. Written by Sanjib Sah. AI assisted; reviewed by a human editor.
We have not run or tested this product.
- What is Continue? - Continue Docs
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Official docs landing: open-source AI code assistant for VS Code and JetBrains; Agent, Chat, Edit, Autocomplete modes; terminal CLI; any model provider including local runtimes; config.yaml with models, MCP servers, rules, prompts; guides for offline use, custom RAG, and self-hosted models.
- Continue - acquired by Cursor
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Official homepage: Continue joined Cursor; mission statement; open-source codebase remains freely available as a foundation for others.
- continuedev/continue repository
official · Observed October 9, 2026
Repository: open-source coding agent; 36.2k stars; no longer actively maintained and read-only; Final 2.0.0 Release; Apache-2.0 license.