Moonshot AI has launched Kimi Code CLI, an open-source coding agent that runs within the terminal. The instrument reads and edits code, runs shell instructions, searches information, and fetches internet pages. It then chooses its subsequent step primarily based on the suggestions it receives. The venture is MIT-licensed and lives on GitHub..
Kimi Code CLI is the successor to the older kimi-cli. The brand new agent is written in TypeScript and distributed by way of npm. It really works out of the field with Moonshot AI’s Kimi fashions. It can be configured to make use of different suitable suppliers.
What’s Kimi Code CLI
Kimi Code CLI is an AI agent for software program growth and terminal operations. It could implement new options, repair bugs, and full refactors. It could additionally discover an unfamiliar codebase and reply structure questions. Batch file processing, builds, and chained take a look at runs are supported too.
The execution mannequin is feedback-driven. The agent plans steps, modifies code, runs checks, and studies its actions. Learn-only operations run routinely by default. For file edits or shell instructions, the agent asks for affirmation first. This approval move retains dangerous actions below developer management.
The CLI itself is free and MIT-licensed. Mannequin entry requires Kimi Code OAuth or a Moonshot AI Open Platform API key.
Key Options
Moonshot lists a number of options geared toward lengthy, targeted agent classes:
- Single-binary distribution. One command installs it, with no Node.js setup required.
- Quick startup. Moonshot says the TUI is prepared in milliseconds.
- Goal-built TUI. The interface is tuned for prolonged agent classes.
- Video enter. Drop a display screen recording or demo clip into the chat.
- AI-native MCP configuration. Add and authenticate Mannequin Context Protocol servers by way of
/mcp-config. - Subagents for parallel work. Dispatch built-in
coder,discover, andplansubagents in remoted contexts. - Lifecycle hooks. Run native instructions to gate instrument calls, audit selections, or set off notifications.
Set up and First Run
Two set up paths exist. The official script wants no pre-installed Node.js.
On macOS or Linux, run the set up script:
curl -fsSL https://code.kimi.com/kimi-code/set up.sh | bash
On Home windows, use PowerShell:
irm https://code.kimi.com/kimi-code/set up.ps1 | iexThe worldwide npm set up requires Node.js 24.15.0 or later:
npm set up -g @moonshot-ai/kimi-codeConfirm the binary, then open a venture and begin the interactive UI:
kimi --version
cd your-project
kimiOn first launch, kind /login contained in the UI. You’ll be able to select Kimi Code OAuth or a Moonshot AI Open Platform API key. To run one instruction with out the UI, use kimi -p "your job". To renew the earlier session, add -C.
Use Circumstances
- Understanding a venture: Ask for an structure overview and a module dependency diagram.
- Implementing a function: Describe the signature, choices, and acceptance standards up entrance.
- Fixing a bug: Give the symptom, copy steps, and anticipated conduct collectively.
- Writing checks and refactoring: Extract repeated patterns, then run checks to substantiate conduct.
- One-off automation: Analyze logs and output name counts with p50 and p99 latencies.
- Scheduled duties: Ask the agent to set reminders or recurring checks by way of cron.
Plan mode is obtainable by Shift-Tab or kimi --plan. It outputs a analysis plan earlier than touching information. For secure batch work, --yolo or /yolo skips approval prompts. The /fork command creates an experimental department you’ll be able to abandon. The /compact command compresses context to liberate tokens. For giant investigations, the principle agent can dispatch subagents in parallel.
How Kimi Code CLI Compares
Kimi Code CLI joins a number of established terminal coding brokers. The desk under compares it with three of them. Competitor particulars replicate mid-2026 and may change shortly.
| Attribute | Kimi Code CLI | Claude Code | OpenAI Codex CLI | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | Moonshot AI | Anthropic | OpenAI | |
| Backing mannequin | Kimi fashions | Claude fashions | GPT-5.3-Codex | Gemini 2.5 Professional |
| Language / runtime | TypeScript | Node.js | Rust | TypeScript |
| Set up | Script or npm (Node.js ≥ 24.15.0) | Native installer or npm | npm / native | npm single binary |
| MCP help | Sure (/mcp-config) |
Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Subagents | Sure (coder, discover, plan) |
Sure | Sure | No (sequential) |
| Plan mode | Sure (Shift-Tab) |
Sure | Sure | Sure |
| IDE integration | ACP (Zed, JetBrains) | VS Code, JetBrains | VS Code, IDEs | VS Code (Code Help) |
| License | MIT | Proprietary | Open supply | Apache 2.0 |
All 4 brokers help the Mannequin Context Protocol. They differ on backing mannequin, language, license, and orchestration. Kimi Code CLI and Codex CLI each ship native subagents. Gemini CLI runs duties sequentially with out subagent help.
Key Takeaways
- Kimi Code CLI is an MIT-licensed terminal coding agent from Moonshot AI.
- It’s written in TypeScript and installs by way of script or npm.
- Constructed-in
coder,discover, andplansubagents run in remoted contexts. - MCP servers are configured conversationally by
/mcp-config, not uncooked JSON. - It succeeds kimi-cli and migrates present configuration and classes.
Marktechpost’s Visible Explainer
Kimi Code CLI · Information
01 / 09
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Michal Sutter is a knowledge science skilled with a Grasp of Science in Knowledge Science from the College of Padova. With a stable basis in statistical evaluation, machine studying, and information engineering, Michal excels at reworking complicated datasets into actionable insights.
