Zed's NEW Agent Mode: RIP Cursor & Windsurf! This OPENSOURCE AI Editor JUST LEVELED UP!
By AICodeKing
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Zed Editor's New Agentic Mode: A Detailed Overview
Key Concepts:
- Zed: Open-source, Rust-based code editor with built-in AI features.
- Agentic Mode: AI system that can independently determine which files to read/write based on a prompt.
- Profiles: Customizable configurations that control which tools the AI has access to (e.g., read-only, code writer).
- MCP (Model Compute Provider) Server: Allows integration of various AI models (e.g., Llama, DeepSeek, Anthropic, Gemini, Mistral).
- Ninja Chat: An all-in-one AI platform that provides access to top AI models like GPT-4o, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, and Gemini 2.0 Flash.
1. Introduction to Zed and its AI Capabilities:
- Zed is an open-source editor created by the developers of Atom, built from scratch in Rust.
- It's designed with AI in mind, offering features like inline assistance and a chat panel.
- Zed is known for its speed and low memory consumption, rendering at approximately 120 fps.
- The video focuses on Zed's new "agentic mode," which allows the AI to autonomously handle tasks based on a single prompt.
2. The Need for Agentic Capabilities:
- Traditional AI coding tools require explicit instructions for each step.
- Agentic mode enables the AI to "vibe code," meaning it can figure out the necessary actions (reading/writing files) based on a high-level prompt.
- This is similar to tools like Klein or Windsurf, but Zed's implementation aims for better performance and integration.
3. Zed's Agentic Mode: Early Access and Features:
- The presenter received early access to Zed's agentic mode and highlights its rapid development.
- The new UI in the assistant panel allows users to type prompts and attach context manually (files, URLs).
4. Profiles: Controlling AI Access and Permissions:
- Profiles are a key feature for managing the AI's capabilities.
- Two default profiles: "code writer" (full access) and "read-only" (limited access).
- Profiles control which tools the AI can use (e.g., viewing diagnostics, fetching content, listing directories, writing code).
- Users can create custom profiles in the settings file, with a graphical interface planned for future updates.
5. Model Selection and MCP Servers:
- Zed allows users to select the AI model they want to use (Anthropic, OpenAI, Llama, DeepSeek, Gemini, Mistral).
- Users receive $10 of credit initially and can top up at standard rates.
- Integration with MCP servers allows users to connect to various AI model providers, similar to Klein's marketplace.
6. Demonstration: Initializing a Next.js App and Creating an Image Cropper:
- The presenter demonstrates Zed's agentic mode by asking it to initialize a Next.js app and create a simple image cropper tool.
- Zed successfully initializes the project, creates necessary files, and structures the application.
- The presenter notes that the lack of streaming responses is a downside but expects it to be added in future updates.
7. Git Integration and Version Control:
- Zed primarily uses Git for version control.
- Users can view code changes in the diff view, stage changes, and commit them directly from the editor.
- A non-Git option is also under development.
8. Performance and Advantages of Zed's Agentic Mode:
- Zed's agentic mode is described as "snappier" than tools like Windsurf or Cursor.
- It consumes less memory than VS Code.
- The tight integration of AI from the ground up results in faster response times.
- The presenter praises Zed's transparent pricing, open-source nature, and the ability to use custom API keys or local models.
9. Ninja Chat: An All-in-One AI Platform:
- Ninja Chat is introduced as a platform providing access to multiple AI models (GPT-4o, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, Gemini 2.0 Flash) for $11/month.
- Features include an AI playground for comparing model responses and a mind map generator.
- The basic plan includes 1,000 messages, 30 images, and 5 videos monthly.
- Discount codes "king25" (25% off any plan) and "king40yearly" (40% off annual subscriptions) are provided.
10. Conclusion:
- The presenter is highly impressed with Zed's new agentic mode, praising its performance, features, and integration.
- They express a strong likelihood of switching to Zed once it's more fleshed out.
- Zed's open-source nature, transparent pricing, and support for various AI models make it a compelling option for developers seeking AI-powered coding assistance.
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