Editor VerdictAI + Editor
Best open-source route to bring custom models into your existing IDE, but you own more setup and glue than with Cursor.
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Continue is an open-source coding assistant that plugs into VS Code and JetBrains IDEs. It is the right mental model when you want agent and chat workflows without switching to a fully forked AI IDE, especially if you route to local or self-hosted models. Configuration flexibility is the product: providers, context, and slash-style workflows are customizable. That same flexibility is the cost—teams without appetite for glue work will feel friction. On the Cursor surface Continue is a watch for control-seeking developers and a non-goal for people who want an opinionated all-in-one AI IDE that just works on day one.
Reviewed July 2026
Feature AssessmentAI-generated
Where it excels, where it doesn't
VS Code and JetBrains extensions
Custom model providers
Chat and edit workflows
Open-source core
Trade-offs
Honest assessment
What works well
- +Open source with bring-your-own model flexibility
- +Stays inside VS Code or JetBrains rather than forcing a fork
- +Good fit for local or self-hosted model policies
What falls short
- −Setup and provider glue fall on the team
- −Polish and defaults trail productized AI IDEs
- −Support model is community-plus-vendor, not full suite IDE
Alternatives