Continue

#My Take

Continue is the “DIY” option—and I mean that as a compliment.

I spent two hours configuring it. Different models for different tasks: fast local model for autocomplete (instant, free), Claude for chat (thoughtful, paid), GPT-4 for code review (thorough). The result? A setup that beats any single-model tool for my workflow.

The catch: You need to want this level of control. If you just want AI coding to work out of the box, use Cursor or Copilot. If you want to run entirely locally, use custom models, or have specific privacy requirements—Continue is your tool.

The autocomplete is underrated. With the right model (I use deepseek-coder locally), it’s as fast as Copilot and costs nothing per completion.

Bottom line: Power user’s paradise, but the learning curve is real. Give yourself an afternoon to set it up properly—or you’ll bounce off and miss what makes it great.

#Overview

Continue is for developers who want complete control over their AI coding experience. It’s not just open-source—it’s designed from the ground up for maximum customization and privacy.

#Model Agnostic

Continue works with virtually any LLM:

# config.yaml examples
models:
  - name: Claude
    provider: anthropic
    model: claude-3-sonnet

  - name: Local Codellama
    provider: ollama
    model: codellama:13b

  - name: Custom API
    provider: openai-compatible
    baseUrl: https://your-api.com/v1

#Offline Capability

For teams with strict data requirements, Continue can run entirely offline:

1. Install Ollama
2. Download a local model (Codellama, Mistral, etc.)
3. Point Continue at localhost
4. Zero data leaves your machine

#Configuration as Code

Every aspect of Continue is configurable via YAML:

• Model selection for chat and autocomplete
• Context providers (codebase, documentation, URLs)
• Slash commands
• Custom system prompts
• Keyboard shortcuts

#Who Should Use Continue

Continue is perfect for:

1. Privacy-conscious organizations
2. Teams with custom or fine-tuned models
3. Developers in air-gapped environments
4. Those who want full control over their tools