RIP Amp Code? : Amp Code VS Code Extension is done, Here's the alternative for you.

Key Concepts

• AMP (AI coding agent): An AI coding assistant initially developed by Sourcegraph, now a standalone company (AMP Inc.), offering both a CLI tool and a VS Code extension.
• VS Code Extension: A plugin that integrates directly into the Visual Studio Code editor, providing features within the editor interface.
• CLI (Command Line Interface): A text-based interface for interacting with a computer, requiring users to type commands.
• Kilo Code: An open-source AI coding extension for VS Code, supporting a wide range of models and offering both extension and CLI functionality.
• Model Providers: Companies offering access to Large Language Models (LLMs) like OpenAI (GPT), Google (Gemini), Anthropic (Claude), etc.
• Telemetry: The automated collection of data about system usage for monitoring and analysis.

AMP Discontinues VS Code Extension & Kilo Code as an Alternative

This video discusses the recent announcement by AMP Inc. regarding the discontinuation of their VS Code extension. AMP, formerly a Sourcegraph project known as Kodi, had recently become its own company and introduced features like a code review agent and a free, ad-supported tier. However, Quinn Slack and Thorston Ball, on episode 10 of their podcast “Raising an Agent,” declared they are “killing” the extension, believing “the sidebar is dead” and focusing instead on a CLI and standalone experience.

This decision is framed as part of a broader trend of companies moving away from solely being plugins within other editors. The creator of the video acknowledges the convenience of having an AI coding agent directly within the VS Code sidebar, eliminating the need to switch between applications.

Kilo Code: A Robust Alternative

The video strongly advocates for Kilo Code as the best alternative to the discontinued AMP VS Code extension. Several key reasons are highlighted:

• VS Code Commitment: Kilo Code is dedicated to remaining a VS Code extension, unlike AMP’s shift away from the platform. This ensures long-term availability within the editor.
• Model Support: Kilo Code supports over 500 different models, including Claude 4 Sonnet, Opus, GPT-5, Mini, Gemini 2.5 Pro, Gemini 3, Gro, Deepseek, Quen, and local models via Lama. This contrasts with AMP’s limited model selection. Users can also provide their own API keys.
• Pricing & Data Privacy: Kilo Code offers $20 in free credits upon signup and does not display ads or use user data for training. It’s open-source, doesn’t employ telemetry, and avoids training on user data. AMP’s free tier included ads and data collection.
• Feature Set: Kilo Code boasts features like orchestrator, architect, code, and debug modes, a memory bank for project context, MCP server support with a marketplace, experimental autocomplete (Kilocomplete), and multi-file reading capabilities.
• Transparent Pricing: Kilo Code charges the raw API pricing from model providers without any markup or hidden fees, unlike Open Router. Regular promotions, such as a $10 top-up for $30 in credits, further enhance its value.

CLI Functionality & The Editor-Centric Workflow

Kilo Code also offers a CLI tool (Kilo CLI) for users who prefer a terminal-based workflow, mirroring AMP’s new direction. However, the video argues that the VS Code extension model remains highly valuable.

The creator emphasizes that “most developers still live in their editors,” and having an AI agent integrated directly into the coding environment – with access to files, the terminal, and the workspace – is a significant advantage. As stated in the video, “It’s not a limitation. It’s an advantage.” The video posits that AMP is making a mistake by abandoning the sidebar, as it represents a natural and productive way to interact with an AI coding assistant. Friction, introduced by switching to separate applications, is identified as the “enemy of productivity.”

Kilo Code’s Perspective & Resources

The video references a Kilo Code blog post (linked in the description) that reinforces the value of the VS Code extension model. The post highlights the power of having an AI agent within the context of the developer’s code and environment.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of the AMP VS Code extension presents a challenge for developers who relied on its convenience. However, Kilo Code emerges as a compelling alternative, offering a robust feature set, broad model support, transparent pricing, and a continued commitment to the VS Code ecosystem. The video ultimately champions an editor-centric workflow, arguing that the integration of AI directly within the coding environment maximizes productivity.