Kimi Code Overview
What is Kimi Code
Kimi Code is an intelligent programming service for developers included in Kimi membership benefits. Built on Kimi's latest flagship models, it provides AI-assisted capabilities—such as code reading, file editing, and command execution—through product forms like the Desktop app, CLI, and VS Code extension. Subscribers can also obtain an API Key to integrate Kimi Code's model capabilities into third-party development tools and platforms.
Core Advantages
1. Models and inference
Flagship K3 model
Powered by our strongest flagship model K3 — 2.8 trillion parameters — excelling at long-horizon programming, front-end visual design, knowledge work, and complex reasoning.
1M-token context window
A million-token context loads an entire large codebase with cross-module dependencies in one pass, enabling whole-project understanding and refactoring.
260 tokens/s inference
Choose between the standard K2.8 Preview and the K2.7 Code HighSpeed tier, with output up to 260 tokens/s for a noticeably faster coding loop.
2. Ecosystem and extensibility
Professional data sources
Plug in professional-grade data sources to extend what AI coding can do.
Works with mainstream tools
Compatible with Kimi Code CLI, Claude Code, VS Code, and other mainstream agent tools — switch models seamlessly.
Early access to experimental features
Be first to try Kimi's latest model and inference capabilities as they land.
Getting Started
Kimi Code allows members to use their benefits in both the official client and third-party platforms, covering different development scenarios.
Using the Official Client
Choose the client that fits you and install with one click:
Kimi Code Desktop
For developers who prefer a graphical app. Open a local project folder in Kimi Code Desktop and let the Agent read code, edit files, run commands, and verify results through conversation. Available on macOS and Windows.
Kimi Code Desktop macOS · Apple Silicon
Kimi Code Desktop macOS · Intel
After installing, open the app and sign in with your Kimi account as prompted—no API Key management needed. See Desktop Quick Start for more.
Kimi Code CLI
For developers who prefer terminal operations. Chat with AI in the terminal, letting it read code, edit files, execute commands, search the web, and autonomously complete development tasks.
📢 CLI Upgraded
Kimi Code CLI has gone through a major version upgrade — moving from Python/uv to Node.js, bringing a simpler install experience, faster startup, and a redesigned terminal UI. The legacy version will no longer be maintained. See Version Upgrade for details and migration instructions, or refer to the legacy Python-based Kimi Code docs if needed.
After installation, run kimi in the terminal to start; on first use, log in to the Kimi Code platform with the /login command to complete the connection — no need to manually manage an API Key.
Kimi Code for VS Code
For developers who prefer the VS Code editor. Collaborate with AI in the editor sidebar, supporting code completion, file editing, web search, and automated tasks.
Search for "Kimi Code" in the VS Code Extensions marketplace to install, or visit Visual Studio Marketplace. After installation, complete the connection via the login button in the sidebar — no need to manually manage an API Key.
If the extension doesn't 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 via CLI's ACP protocol. See Using Kimi Code CLI in IDEs for details.
API Access
When integrating Kimi Code into third-party development tools, you need to manually configure an API Key to complete authentication.
Service Endpoint
The Kimi Code API is compatible with both OpenAI and Anthropic protocols. Different tools have different requirements for address configuration:
- Base URL: Some tools (e.g., Claude Code) only require the Base URL, and the tool will automatically append the subsequent path.
- Full Endpoint: Some tools (e.g., Trae) require the complete API request address.
Choose the corresponding address as needed:
| Protocol | Base URL | Common Endpoint Examples |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI Compatible (Chat Completions and Responses protocols) | China: https://api.kimi.com/coding/v1Overseas: https://api.kimi.ai/coding/v1 | https://api.kimi.com/coding/v1/chat/completionshttps://api.kimi.com/coding/v1/responses |
| Anthropic Compatible | China: https://api.kimi.com/coding/Overseas: https://api.kimi.ai/coding/ | https://api.kimi.com/coding/v1/messages |
Model IDs
Different model IDs correspond to different membership tiers and context windows. See Membership Benefits for details.
Both protocols accept the following 4 model IDs:
| Model ID | Description |
|---|---|
k3 | K3 — available to Moderato / Plus members and above; Allegretto / Pro members and above unlock the up-to-1M context window; supports low / high / max thinking effort levels. Best for large codebase analysis, multi-file refactoring, and long-document processing. |
k3-256k | K3 256K context version — available to Moderato / Plus members and above; supports low / high / max thinking effort levels. Within 256k context, it delivers the same results as K3. k3 (1M) consumes about twice as much quota as k3-256k. Ideal for everyday Q&A, code completion, routine feature development, and single-file or small-file edits — video input is not supported. |
kimi-for-coding | K2.8 Preview — available to Andante / Plus members and above; supports up to 1M context and low / high / max reasoning effort. |
kimi-for-coding-highspeed | K2.7 Code HighSpeed — available to Allegretto / Pro members and above. |
See Model configuration for model capabilities and setup details.
Obtaining an API Key
Kimi members can create and manage API Keys in the Kimi Code Console (up to 5 keys; each is shown only once upon creation—please keep it safe).
Configuring in Third-Party Tools
After obtaining an API Key, configure the corresponding Base URL and API Key in the environment variables of the respective tool to start using it. For detailed setup steps, see the corresponding tool guide:
Claude Code Anthropic's command-line coding assistant
OpenCode A terminal-based coding agent
Note: Please maintain the tool's real identity identifier when using. Tampering with the client identifier (User-Agent) is considered a violation and may result in suspension of membership benefits.
Platform Comparison
Kimi Code membership benefits are designed specifically for programming scenarios. If you need to call large model capabilities in your own product, or require team collaboration and usage management, please visit the Kimi Platform.
| Comparison Item | Kimi Code Platform | Kimi Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Base URL | OpenAI Compatible: China https://api.kimi.com/coding/v1Overseas https://api.kimi.ai/coding/v1Anthropic Compatible: China https://api.kimi.com/coding/Overseas https://api.kimi.ai/coding/ | China https://api.moonshot.cn/v1Overseas https://api.moonshot.ai/v1 |
| Billing | Membership subscription, monthly/annual payment, with rate limiting | Pay-as-you-go, top up and use |
| Best For | Terminal/IDE Agent programming, multi-file engineering tasks | Product integration, enterprise-level calls, multimodal application development |
Next Steps
- Kimi Code CLI Quick Start – Install, log in, and start your first conversation
- Kimi Code for VS Code Quick Start – Install the extension, log in, and typical workflows
- Using in More Third-Party Tools – Claude Code, OpenCode, Codex, and more
- Membership Benefits – Quota refresh and rate limits, quota sharing, Extra Usage, and more
- FAQ – Common issues with installation, login, and usage
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