# Roo Code

> An AI dev team inside your VS Code editor, with modes for coding, planning, and debugging

- Category: AI Coding / Autonomous Coding Agents
- Language: TypeScript
- Licence: Apache-2.0
- Repository: https://github.com/RooCodeInc/Roo-Code
- Website: https://roocode.com
- Canonical page: https://ai-tldr.dev/tools/roo-code/

## In short

Roo Code is an open-source AI coding agent that runs as an extension inside your VS Code editor. Instead of just suggesting lines, it can generate code from plain-language descriptions, refactor and debug existing code, write documentation, and answer questions about your codebase. It sits in the Autonomous Coding Agents category of the AI Coding tools and is open-source, written in TypeScript and licensed Apache-2.0.

## Overview

Roo Code is an open-source AI coding agent that runs as an extension inside your VS Code editor. Instead of just suggesting lines, it can generate code from plain-language descriptions, refactor and debug existing code, write documentation, and answer questions about your codebase.

What sets it apart is its set of modes. You switch between Code mode for everyday edits and file operations, Architect mode for planning systems and migrations, Ask mode for quick explanations, and Debug mode for tracing issues to their root cause. You can also build custom modes tailored to your team or workflow.

Roo Code supports MCP servers, so you can connect it to external tools and data sources. It is licensed under Apache 2.0 and originated from the Cline project.

## What it does

- Generates code from natural-language descriptions and specs
- Switchable modes: Code, Architect, Ask, Debug, and custom modes
- Refactors and debugs existing code, and traces issues to their root cause
- Writes and updates documentation, and answers questions about your codebase
- Connects to MCP servers to extend what the agent can do
- Custom modes you can build for your own team or workflow

## Getting started

Roo Code installs as a VS Code extension. Once installed, you pick a mode and describe what you want in natural language.

1. Install the extension

   Install Roo Code from the VS Code Marketplace, then open it inside your editor. The official documentation covers configuration in detail.

2. Pick a mode

   Choose the mode that fits the task: Code for everyday edits and file operations, Architect for planning systems and migrations, Ask for quick answers and explanations, or Debug for tracing issues. You can also create custom modes.

3. Describe your task

   Tell Roo Code what you want in plain language, such as generating code from a spec, refactoring a function, or explaining part of your codebase, and review the changes it proposes.

## When to use it

- Generating new code from a plain-language description or spec without leaving the editor
- Planning a system design or migration in Architect mode before writing any code
- Debugging an existing problem by tracing logs and isolating the root cause
- Asking questions about an unfamiliar codebase and getting quick explanations or documentation