Kimi Code Overview

What Is Kimi Code

Kimi Code is an AI programming service for coding scenarios, included in Kimi membership benefits.

You can think of it as an AI coding assistant: it can help you read code, edit files, run commands, and complete development tasks inside your development tools.

There are three main ways to use Kimi Code:

1. Use Kimi Code CLI in the terminal;
2. Use Kimi Code for VS Code in the VS Code editor;
3. Subscribers can connect to third-party development tools such as Claude Code, Roo Code, and OpenCode via an API Key. Note: CLI stands for Command-Line Interface.

Key Benefits

• Continuously upgraded foundation model: Stay aligned with Kimi’s latest flagship models and continuously gain cutting-edge code understanding, reasoning, and generation capabilities
• Broad compatibility: Works seamlessly with Kimi Code CLI, VS Code, Claude Code, and many other development tools
• Ultra-fast responses: Output speed up to 100 Tokens/s
• High request volume and concurrency: Supports about 300–1,200 requests every 5 hours, with maximum concurrency of 30

Get Started

Kimi Code lets members use their benefits in official clients and on third-party platforms, covering different development scenarios.

Use an Official Client

Choose the client that fits your workflow and install it in one step:

Method 1: Kimi Code CLI

Kimi Code CLI is an AI Agent that runs in the terminal and helps you complete software development tasks and terminal operations. It can read and edit code, run Shell commands, search and fetch webpages, and independently plan and adjust its actions during execution.

You can understand the terminal as a window where you operate your computer by entering text commands.

After installation, you can chat with the AI in the terminal and ask it to:

• Read code
• Modify files
• Run commands
• Search the web
• Help complete development tasks It is suitable for developers who are comfortable working in the terminal. Chat with the AI in the terminal and let it read code, edit files, run commands, search the web, and complete development tasks independently.

If you use macOS / Linux, copy and run the following in the terminal:

Bash

If you use Windows, open PowerShell, then copy and run:

Powershell

After installation, run kimi in the terminal to start.

Method 2: Kimi Code for VS Code

Suitable for developers who prefer using the VS Code editor. Work with the AI from the editor sidebar, with support for code completion, file editing, web search, and automated tasks.

Search for "Kimi Code" in the VS Code Marketplace to install it, or visit Visual Studio Marketplace.

If the extension does not appear after installation, restart VS Code or run "Developer: Reload Window" from the command palette (Mac: Cmd+Shift+P, Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+P).

Other editors such as JetBrains and Zed can connect through the CLI’s ACP protocol.

Method 3: Connect Third-Party Tools

After installing an official client or connecting a third-party tool, you need to complete authentication before you can use your Kimi Code credit.

OAuth Auto Authentication (Official Clients)

Users of Kimi Code CLI or the VS Code extension can connect automatically through OAuth authorization, with no need to manage an API Key manually.

Kimi Code: Run the /login command to automatically log in to the Kimi Code platform and complete the connection

Kimi Code for VS Code extension: After installation, use the login button in the sidebar to complete the connection

API Key (Third-Party Tools / Self-Built Applications)

Kimi Code benefits can be used in mainstream Coding Agents, such as Claude Code, Roo Code, and OpenCode. They can also work with general Agent frameworks such as OpenClaw and Hermes, allowing you to use Kimi’s AI capabilities freely in the tools you are already familiar with.

If you want to connect Kimi Code to a third-party development tool, you need to configure an API Key manually.

Service Endpoint

The Kimi Code API is compatible with both OpenAI and Anthropic protocols. Choose the corresponding Base URL as needed:

Get an API Key

Kimi members can create and manage API Keys in the Kimi Code console (up to 5; each key is displayed only once when created, so please keep it safe).

Model ID

When calling the Kimi Code API from a third-party tool, always use the model ID kimi-for-coding. For both the OpenAI-compatible protocol and the Anthropic-compatible protocol, set the model field in the request body to this value.

Note: kimi-for-coding is a fixed model ID. The backend will automatically update its corresponding display name based on the latest released model, so you can benefit from model upgrades without changing your client configuration.

Configure a Third-Party Tool

After obtaining an API Key, configure the corresponding Base URL and API Key in the tool’s environment variables to start using it. For configuration details, see Use Kimi Code in Third-Party Coding Agents.

Important: Keep the tool’s real identity identifier when using it. Tampering with the client identifier (User-Agent) will be considered a violation and may result in suspension of membership benefits.

Platform Comparison

Kimi Code membership benefits are designed specifically for coding scenarios. If you need to call LLM capabilities from your own product, or need team collaboration and usage management, visit Kimi Open Platform.

Next Steps

• Kimi Code CLI Quick Start – Install, log in, and have your first conversation
• Kimi Code for VS Code Quick Start – Install the extension, log in, and explore typical workflows
• Use Kimi Code in More Third-Party Tools – Claude Code, Roo Code, and more
• FAQ – Common issues with installation, login, and usage