Introducing Roo Code: The Open-Source VS Code Extension for AI-Powered Coding

Roo Code is an open-source VS Code extension that transforms your coding workflow with AI. As a video on AI IDEs was being made, the name "Roo Code" kept popping up, and it's an open-source project where you can bring your own API keys.

What is Roo Code?

Roo Code is an open-source VS Code extension that can transform VS Code into an AI powerhouse Roo Code is an open-source VS Code extension that can transform VS Code into an AI powerhouse, rivaling Cursor. What's cool is that it's an open-source project where you bring your own API keys, and it's very welcoming to community PRs, meaning it has some pretty unique features.

Installing Roo Code

Installing Roo Code through VS Code extensions To install Roo Code, you can go through VS Code extensions, and as you can see, it adds a rocket icon. After installation, you need to provide it with an API key. You can use OpenRouter, which is a single API where you can use a load of different models like Claude, OpenAI, DeepSE, Gemini, and more.

Using Roo Code

Using Roo Code with OpenRouter With your API key pasted in, you can start using Roo Code. There are a ton of cool settings in the extension that you can explore. You can see the stock out-of-the-box experience, which is a pretty standard interface for these AI IDEs. You can type in your prompt, use the @ symbol to add context, and control the prompt mode.

Customizability of Roo Code

Customizing Roo Code Roo Code comes with three modes out of the box: Code, Architect, and Ask. You can customize the entire behavior of Roo Code by modifying the mode definitions, available tools, and custom instructions. You can even create your own modes and modify the existing ones.

Creating a Mode

Creating a new mode in Roo Code You can create a new mode by clicking the plus icon and giving your mode a name. You can choose where you want it saved, set up the role definition, available tools, and custom instructions.

Using the Architect Mode

Using the Architect mode in Roo Code The Architect mode is for high-level system and design insights. You can give it a prompt to create a Hacker News clone using Next.js, and it will create a project plan for you.

Auto-Approve Feature

Auto-approve feature in Roo Code Roo Code has an auto-approve feature that allows you to automatically approve editing files and commands. This feature can save you time and make your workflow more efficient.

Browser Automation

Browser automation in Roo Code Roo Code has a browser automation feature that allows you to launch a browser and test your application. This feature is very useful for testing and debugging your application.

Cost and Customizability

Cost and customizability of Roo Code Roo Code is very customizable, and you can change the model, temperature, and other settings to suit your needs. However, the cost of using Roo Code can be high, especially if you use Claude. But you can switch to Gemini, which is 37 times cheaper.

Conclusion

Conclusion Roo Code is a very powerful and customizable AI-powered coding assistant. It has many features, including browser automation, auto-approve, and customizable modes. However, the cost of using Roo Code can be high, especially if you use Claude. But overall, Roo Code is a great tool for developers who want to improve their productivity and efficiency.