kimi-code
Kimi Code CLI — The Starting Point for Next-Gen Agents
Kimi Code CLI is a terminal-based AI coding agent developed by MoonshotAI that autonomously reads and edits code, executes shell commands, searches files, and fetches web content. It ships as a single binary with no Node.js dependency, offers a purpose-built terminal UI optimized for long agent sessions, and supports video input for visual context. The agent integrates with editors via the Agent Client Protocol (ACP), works with MCP servers conversationally, and dispatches specialized subagents (coder, explore, plan) for focused parallel tasks.
Key Features
Use Cases
- 01Autonomous code generation and refactoring across project directories
- 02Converting screen recordings into working code by analyzing video input
- 03Exploring unfamiliar codebases with the agent explaining directory structure and dependencies
- 04Driving AI coding sessions directly from Zed or JetBrains IDEs without leaving the editor
- 05Running parallel tasks with specialized subagents while maintaining a clean main conversation thread
- 06Authenticating and configuring MCP servers through natural-language chat instead of manual JSON editing
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kimi-code — FAQ
What is Kimi Code CLI?+
Kimi Code CLI is an AI coding agent that runs in your terminal, capable of reading and editing code, executing shell commands, searching files, fetching web content, and choosing next steps autonomously. It works out of the box with Moonshot AI's Kimi models and supports other compatible providers.
How do I install Kimi Code CLI?+
On macOS or Linux, run the official install script via curl. On Windows, use PowerShell to download and execute the install script. No Node.js installation is required; the agent ships as a single binary. Windows users must install Git for Windows first.
Which editors and clients work with Kimi Code CLI?+
Kimi Code CLI supports any Agent Client Protocol (ACP) compatible editor, including Zed and JetBrains IDEs. You point your editor at the 'kimi acp' subcommand to drive sessions over stdio.
Do I need an API key to use Kimi Code CLI?+
Yes. On first launch, run /login inside the CLI and choose either Kimi Code OAuth or a Moonshot AI Open Platform API key to authenticate.
Is Kimi Code CLI free to use?+
The CLI itself is open-source under the MIT License. Usage costs depend on your authentication method—Kimi Code OAuth or Moonshot AI API key—and the pricing of the underlying AI models you consume.
Can Kimi Code CLI work with MCP servers?+
Yes. Kimi Code CLI includes an AI-native /mcp-config command that lets you add, edit, and authenticate Model Context Protocol servers conversationally, without manually editing JSON configuration files.
How do I install kimi-code?+
Open the source repository on GitHub and follow its README. kimi-code is a agent — MCP Agents Market links you directly to the official repo.
Is kimi-code free?+
kimi-code is an open-source project hosted on GitHub. Check the repository for its license and any usage requirements.