Continue

Continue is an open-source extension for VS Code and JetBrains editors that adds chat, inline edits and code completion. Its distinguishing feature for local use is that you choose the model: it can point at a runner such as Ollama or LM Studio on your own machine as easily as at a hosted API.

Configuration lives in a file, where you list models for different jobs, for example a small fast model for autocomplete and a larger one for chat. You can add context sources such as open files, documentation or the terminal, and share setups across a team.

It suits developers who want an assistant without sending code to an outside service, or who work under rules that forbid it. Local models are smaller than the largest hosted ones, so expect simpler suggestions and review generated code as carefully as any other change.