RooCode

What Is Roo Code

Roo Code is an open-source autonomous coding agent that integrates directly into Visual Studio Code. It acts as a developer assistant that can read, write, debug, and evolve software with minimal human intervention. Roo Code maintains context across sessions and can execute terminal commands, interact with browser elements, and manage complex code workflows.

Originally built as an evolution of Roo Cline, Roo Code extends the capabilities of coding agents by offering deeper integration with the development environment and more customization for real-world use.

How To Use Roo Code

1. Install the VS Code extension
   Roo Code can be added from the Visual Studio Code marketplace.
2. Configure your AI provider or model
   You can connect Roo Code to models through OpenAI, OpenRouter, Google Gemini, or other supported endpoints.
3. Define modes and roles
   Roo Code supports different modes such as Code mode, Architect mode, Ask mode, Debug mode, and Orchestrator mode, each designed for specific workflows.
4. Work in your editor
   Roo Code operates inside your code editor. It can open files, apply diffs, run commands, and interact with the browser when needed.
5. Iterate, debug, and refine
   Roo Code supports iterative development. You can ask it to refine, fix, or optimize generated code across multiple steps while it maintains memory and context.
6. Monitor and evaluate
   Roo Code includes an Evals feature that tests large language models across programming tasks so you can choose the best model for your needs.

Roo Code Key Features

• In-editor integration: Work directly within VS Code without leaving your workflow.
• Autonomous coding and debugging: Roo Code can propose, execute, and correct code changes automatically.
• Multi-mode behavior: Modes such as Architect or Debug let Roo Code adapt to different development stages.
• Terminal and browser control: Execute shell commands, capture logs, and run browser-based actions.
• Model evaluation (Evals): Test and compare models on real coding tasks before deployment.
• Open source and extensible: Customize behavior, extend tools, and contribute to the growing community.
• Bring Your Own Key (BYOK): Connect your own API keys for cost and model control.
• Performance enhancements: Features like context compression, indexing, caching, and loop detection improve reliability and speed.

Roo Code Use Cases

• AI co-development: Use Roo Code as a collaborative coding partner to generate, refactor, or review code.
• Bug hunting and debugging: Let Roo Code analyze errors, propose fixes, and test solutions automatically.
• Architectural planning: Use Architect mode to design modules, APIs, or system structures.
• Interactive prototyping: Quickly build and iterate on applications within your editor.
• Browser and UI testing: Automate front-end workflows, capture screenshots, and analyze logs.
• Model evaluation experiments: Benchmark and compare AI models using the built-in Evals tool.

Roo Code FAQ

Is Roo Code free or paid?
Roo Code is open source and free to use. You only pay for the API usage of your selected model provider.

Does Roo Code store my code or data?
No. Roo Code operates locally within your editor and does not store your code or data externally.

Which models work with Roo Code?
Roo Code supports multiple model providers including OpenAI, OpenRouter, and Google Gemini.

Is Roo Code suitable for production systems?
Yes. Roo Code can be used for real development workflows when configured properly and reviewed by developers.

How does Roo Code compare to Copilot or Cursor?
Unlike tools that only provide code suggestions, Roo Code acts as an autonomous agent capable of reasoning about complete tasks, managing multi-step actions, and interacting with your environment directly.

Why We Featured Roo Code on Add AI Agents

At Add AI Agents, we focus on tools that transform AI into true collaborators. Roo Code stands out for bringing autonomous coding intelligence directly into the developer workflow. It assists with reasoning, debugging, and iterative coding while keeping developers in full control of the process. For anyone looking to enhance productivity with intelligent automation inside their IDE, Roo Code is a top choice.