RIP Amp Code? : Amp Code VS Code Extension Is Done, Here's the Alternative for You.

Why It Matters

The removal forces VS Code users to adopt new AI tools, reshaping market dynamics and impacting developer productivity.

Key Takeaways

• AMP is discontinuing its VS Code extension, focusing on CLI.
• Developers must migrate to alternative AI extensions like Kilo Code.
• Kilo Code offers over 500 models and no ad-supported free tier.
• Kilo Code maintains VS Code integration, avoiding future extension disappearance.
• CLI option remains, but sidebar workflow preserves developer productivity.

Summary

AMP, the AI coding agent originally from Sourcegraph, announced it will permanently discontinue its VS Code extension, opting to concentrate on a standalone CLI and web experience. The decision was disclosed on the company’s “Raising an Agent” podcast, where founders Quinn Slack and Thorsten Ball called the sidebar “dead.”

The move signals a broader shift away from embedded editor plugins toward independent tools. While AMP recently added features like a code‑review agent and a free ad‑supported tier, it now believes the VS Code sidebar no longer represents the future of AI‑assisted development.

For developers reliant on the extension, the video recommends Kilo Code as a replacement. Kilo Code remains a VS Code extension, supports over 500 models—including Claude 4, GPT‑5, Gemini 3—and offers $20 in free credits without ads or data collection. Its open‑source Apache 2.0 license, transparent pricing, and complementary CLI give users flexibility.

The discontinuation forces VS Code users to evaluate alternatives, potentially accelerating adoption of more versatile AI assistants. Maintaining editor integration preserves workflow efficiency, while the rise of open‑source options like Kilo Code could reshape the competitive landscape for AI coding tools.

Original Description

https://blog.kilo.ai/p/sourcegraph-amp-code-shuts-down-vs-code-extension

In this video, I talk about Amp's sudden announcement to kill their VS Code extension and why they think the sidebar is dead. I also break down why Kilo Code is the best alternative for developers who still want an AI agent inside their editor.

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Key Takeaways:

🚫 Amp has announced they are discontinuing their VS Code extension to focus on CLI/Standalone tools.

📉 The creators of Amp believe the "sidebar is dead," but many developers disagree with this pivot.

✅ Kilo Code is the best open-source alternative, supporting VS Code and offering a CLI tool.

🤖 Kilo Code supports 500+ models including Claude 4, GPT-5 Mini, Gemini 3, Grok, and local models via Ollama.

💰 Unlike Amp, Kilo Code has no ads, no data training, and offers raw API pricing with no markup.

🛠️ Kilo Code features include Architect/Orchestrator modes, Memory Bank, and MCP server support.

🖥️ Keeping an AI agent in the editor reduces friction compared to switching to external apps.