Zed AGENTIC AI Code Editor: Stop Using Cursor! This FASTEST AI Code EDITOR IS AMAZING!

Zed AI Editor: In-Depth Summary

Key Concepts:

• Zed: Open-source, Rust-based AI code editor.
• Agent Panel: Zed's interface for AI agentic tasks, allowing file editing, reading, and MCP server usage.
• MCP (Model Communication Protocol) Servers: Servers that provide models for AI tasks.
• Profiles: Customizable configurations within Zed that define which tools and MCP servers are available for specific tasks (e.g., writing, asking questions).
• Follow Mode: A feature that displays a diff view of files being edited by the AI agent in real-time.
• Max Mode: A feature that utilizes the maximum amount of thinking tokens and context for better generations, available when using Sonnet from the Zed AI provider.
• On Demand: An all-in-one AI operating system for creating AI agents and automation workflows.

1. Introduction to Zed

• Zed is presented as a fully open-source AI editor built from scratch in Rust, not a VS Code fork.
• It's created by the same people who made Atom.
• The editor is highlighted for its speed and low memory footprint compared to editors like Cursor, VS Code, or Windsurf, due to its Rust foundation instead of Electron.
• The video emphasizes Zed's performance, running at 120 FPS.
• Zed is positioned as a unique open-source alternative to VS Code in the current editor landscape.

2. Zed's AI Features and Agent Panel

• Zed launched AI features some time ago, but the recent agent panel release significantly enhances its capabilities.
• The agent panel allows Zed to perform agentic tasks, such as directly editing files, reading files, and using MCP servers.
• The agent panel is out of beta and the waitlist, making it accessible to users on Mac and Linux. Windows support is in early access.
• The agent panel is comparable to those in Windsurf, Cursor, Agent, Klein, and Rue Code.
• A key advantage of Zed is its open-source nature, allowing users to use their own API keys without mandatory subscriptions.
• Zed offers a subscription plan with 50 Zed-hosted prompts and 2,000 edit predictions on the free tier.
• A $20/month plan provides 500 prompts and usage-based billing beyond that, aligning with API costs. This plan also includes unlimited edit predictions and a 14-day trial without requiring a credit card.

3. On Demand Advertisement

• The video includes a brief advertisement for On Demand, an AI operating system for creating AI agents and automation workflows.
• On Demand allows users to build agents for social media posting, automated trading, and other tasks.
• It features an agent flow builder for assembling agents, model endpoints, fulfillment prompts, and chat prompts into workflows.
• Workflows can be scheduled at custom intervals.
• On Demand offers an advanced voice mode for creating voice agents.
• Outputs can be delivered via email, Slack, or actionable agents.
• The advertisement mentions free $50 credits for new users.

4. Setting Up and Using the Zed Agent Panel

• The video demonstrates how to access the new agent panel in Zed.
• The older thread panel is still accessible but is considered obsolete.
• The agent panel interface includes past threads and a prompt input.
• Users can reference specific files or contexts in their prompts.
• The "Follow" mode displays a diff view of files being edited in real-time. This feature was added based on feedback.
• "Max Mode" is available when using Sonnet from the Zed AI provider, allowing for more thinking tokens and context.
• Users can select the model they want to use from a dropdown menu.
• API keys and providers can be configured in the config option, including support for Olma.
• MCP servers can be added manually or through Zed's marketplace, with easy plug-and-play installation. Context 7 is mentioned as an example.
• The "Profiles" feature allows users to create and customize configurations with specific tools and MCP servers.
• Profiles can be forked or edited to select desired tools and MCP servers.
• Using the agent panel involves entering a prompt, and the AI agent can identify linting errors.
• The "Follow" mode displays files being edited, and users can approve changes.
• Multiple agentic tasks can run simultaneously in the background.
• Zed also includes inline assist and autocompletion features.

5. Conclusion and Recommendation

• Zed is presented as a fast, capable, and open-source AI code editor that is not a VS Code fork.
• Its tight integration with AI features makes it a compelling choice.
• The video recommends Zed as the preferred AI editor due to its speed, low memory footprint, and comprehensive features.
• The speaker expresses a personal preference for Zed and encourages viewers to try it.

6. Notable Quotes

• "Zed is probably the only open-source editor that you can use if you don't want to use VS Code because the editor landscape built from scratch is pretty much deserted these days."
• "It even runs at 120 FPS like it's a game which is kind of awesome if you ask me."
• "This basically makes Zed the only AI code editor that is extremely fast has all the capabilities that you'd want and is not forked from VS Code."

7. Synthesis/Conclusion

The video provides a detailed overview of Zed, an open-source AI code editor, emphasizing its speed, low memory usage, and comprehensive AI features enabled by the agent panel. It highlights Zed's unique position as a non-VS Code fork in the AI editor landscape and recommends it as a compelling alternative, particularly for users who value open-source solutions and performance. The video also includes a practical demonstration of setting up and using the agent panel, showcasing its customization options and capabilities.