Roo Code

What is Roo Code about?

Roo Code brings a full‑stack AI development team directly into your editor. It understands natural‑language prompts, manipulates your workspace, executes terminal and browser actions, and can be tailored with custom personalities (Custom Modes) to suit any role—from a code generator to a QA auditor.

How to use Roo Code?

1. Install the extension from the VS Marketplace or via the VSIX package.
2. Connect an AI provider (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, or any OpenAI‑compatible endpoint) through the Settings UI.
3. Open the Roo Code chat (⌘+Shift+P → "Roo Code: Open Chat").
4. Enter natural‑language commands – e.g., “Create a React component that fetches data from /api/items.”
5. Interact: queue multiple messages, use slash commands for reusable prompts, or switch to a predefined mode (Code, Architect, Debug, Ask, etc.).

Key Features of Roo Code

• Natural‑language coding: generate, refactor, or document code instantly.
• File system access: read/write any project file.
• Terminal integration: run shell commands without leaving the editor.
• Browser automation: perform web searches, fetch URLs, and interact with pages.
• Custom Slash Commands: create shortcuts for frequent tasks.
• Message Queueing: stack commands while the agent is processing.
• Custom Modes: define unlimited personas for specialized workflows.
• Model flexibility: works with any OpenAI‑compatible or custom model via MCP.
• Auto‑approval settings: streamline repetitive actions.

Use Cases of Roo Code

• Rapid prototyping: generate boilerplate code and project scaffolding.
• Bug fixing: describe symptoms, let the agent locate and patch issues.
• Documentation: automatically produce READMEs, inline comments, or API docs.
• Architecture planning: use Architect Mode to outline system designs.
• Testing & QA: create test suites, run linters, or perform security audits via custom modes.
• Data extraction: automate browser‑based data collection and inject results into code.

FAQ from Roo Code

Q: Which editors does Roo Code support?\nA: Currently only Visual Studio Code (including VS Code Insiders and Cursor).

Q: How do I connect my own AI model?\nA: Open Settings → "Roo Code: API Provider" and supply the endpoint URL and API key. Any OpenAI‑compatible service works.

Q: Do I need an internet connection?\nA: Yes for cloud models. You can also run local models via the "Local Models" feature.

Q: Can I use Roo Code offline?\nA: By configuring a locally hosted model (e.g., Ollama) and disabling remote calls, Roo Code can operate without internet.

Q: How do I create a Custom Mode?\nA: Use the "Modes" UI to add a new mode, provide a description and optional system prompt, then switch to it from the chat.

Q: Is my code sent to the AI provider?\nA: Only the content included in your prompts is transmitted. Review the provider’s privacy policy for details.

Q: How do I install the extension manually?\nA: Build the VSIX with pnpm vsix and install via code --install-extension <path>.vsix.

English • Català • Deutsch • Español • Français • हिंदी • Bahasa Indonesia • Italiano • 日本語

한국어 • Nederlands • Polski • Português (BR) • Русский • Türkçe • Tiếng Việt • 简体中文 • 繁體中文

Roo Code is an AI-powered autonomous coding agent that lives in your editor. It can:

• Communicate in natural language
• Read and write files directly in your workspace
• Run terminal commands
• Automate browser actions
• Integrate with any OpenAI-compatible or custom API/model
• Adapt its “personality” and capabilities through Custom Modes

Whether you’re seeking a flexible coding partner, a system architect, or specialized roles like a QA engineer or product manager, Roo Code can help you build software more efficiently.

Check out the CHANGELOG for detailed updates and fixes.

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🎉 Roo Code 3.25 Released

Roo Code 3.25 brings powerful new features and significant improvements to enhance your development workflow!

• Message Queueing - Queue multiple messages while Roo is working, allowing you to continue planning your workflow without interruption.
• Custom Slash Commands - Create personalized slash commands for quick access to frequently used prompts and workflows, with full UI management.
• Enhanced Gemini Tools - New URL context and Google Search grounding capabilities provide Gemini models with real-time web information and enhanced research abilities.

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What Can Roo Code Do?

• 🚀 Generate Code from natural language descriptions
• 🔧 Refactor & Debug existing code
• 📝 Write & Update documentation
• 🤔 Answer Questions about your codebase
• 🔄 Automate repetitive tasks
• 🏗️ Create new files and projects

Quick Start

1. Install Roo Code
2. Connect Your AI Provider
3. Try Your First Task

Key Features

Multiple Modes

Roo Code adapts to your needs with specialized modes:

• Code Mode: For general-purpose coding tasks
• Architect Mode: For planning and technical leadership
• Ask Mode: For answering questions and providing information
• Debug Mode: For systematic problem diagnosis
• Custom Modes: Create unlimited specialized personas for security auditing, performance optimization, documentation, or any other task

Smart Tools

Roo Code comes with powerful tools that can:

• Read and write files in your project
• Execute commands in your VS Code terminal
• Control a web browser
• Use external tools via MCP (Model Context Protocol)

MCP extends Roo Code's capabilities by allowing you to add unlimited custom tools. Integrate with external APIs, connect to databases, or create specialized development tools - MCP provides the framework to expand Roo Code's functionality to meet your specific needs.

Customization

Make Roo Code work your way with:

• Custom Instructions for personalized behavior
• Custom Modes for specialized tasks
• Local Models for offline use
• Auto-Approval Settings for faster workflows

Resources

Documentation

• Basic Usage Guide
• Advanced Features
• Frequently Asked Questions

Community

• Discord: Join our Discord server for real-time help and discussions
• Reddit: Visit our subreddit to share experiences and tips
• GitHub: Report issues or request features

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Local Setup & Development

1. Clone the repo:

git clone https://github.com/RooCodeInc/Roo-Code.git

2. Install dependencies:

pnpm install

3. Run the extension:

There are several ways to run the Roo Code extension:

Development Mode (F5)

For active development, use VSCode's built-in debugging:

Press F5 (or go to Run → Start Debugging) in VSCode. This will open a new VSCode window with the Roo Code extension running.

• Changes to the webview will appear immediately.
• Changes to the core extension will also hot reload automatically.

Automated VSIX Installation

To build and install the extension as a VSIX package directly into VSCode:

pnpm install:vsix [-y] [--editor=<command>]

This command will:

• Ask which editor command to use (code/cursor/code-insiders) - defaults to 'code'
• Uninstall any existing version of the extension.
• Build the latest VSIX package.
• Install the newly built VSIX.
• Prompt you to restart VS Code for changes to take effect.

Options:

• -y: Skip all confirmation prompts and use defaults
• --editor=<command>: Specify the editor command (e.g., --editor=cursor or --editor=code-insiders)

Manual VSIX Installation

If you prefer to install the VSIX package manually:

1. First, build the VSIX package:

   pnpm vsix
   

2. A .vsix file will be generated in the bin/ directory (e.g., bin/roo-cline-<version>.vsix).
3. Install it manually using the VSCode CLI:

   code --install-extension bin/roo-cline-<version>.vsix
   

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We use changesets for versioning and publishing. Check our CHANGELOG.md for release notes.

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Disclaimer

Please note that Roo Code, Inc does not make any representations or warranties regarding any code, models, or other tools provided or made available in connection with Roo Code, any associated third-party tools, or any resulting outputs. You assume all risks associated with the use of any such tools or outputs; such tools are provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis. Such risks may include, without limitation, intellectual property infringement, cyber vulnerabilities or attacks, bias, inaccuracies, errors, defects, viruses, downtime, property loss or damage, and/or personal injury. You are solely responsible for your use of any such tools or outputs (including, without limitation, the legality, appropriateness, and results thereof).

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Contributing

We love community contributions! Get started by reading our CONTRIBUTING.md.

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Contributors

Thanks to all our contributors who have helped make Roo Code better!

mrubens	saoudrizwan	cte	daniel-lxs	samhvw8	hannesrudolph
KJ7LNW	a8trejo	MuriloFP	ColemanRoo	canrobins13	stea9499
jr	joemanley201	System233	nissa-seru	jquanton	roomote-agent
NyxJae	d-oit	elianiva	chrarnoldus	qdaxb	xyOz-dev
punkpeye	wkordalski	SannidhyaSah	sachasayan	Smartsheet-JB-Brown	monotykamary
cannuri	feifei325	zhangtony239	shariqriazz	vigneshsubbiah16	pugazhendhi-m
lloydchang	liwilliam2021	dtrugman	hassoncs	PeterDaveHello	Szpadel
lupuletic	kiwina	Premshay	psv2522	olweraltuve	diarmidmackenzie
ChuKhaLi	NaccOll	aheizi	nbihan-mediware	noritaka1166	RaySinner
afshawnlotfi	dleffel	StevenTCramer	Ruakij	pdecat	kyle-apex
emshvac	brunobergher	Lunchb0ne	SmartManoj	vagadiya	slytechnical
dlab-anton	arthurauffray	upamune	NamesMT	taylorwilsdon	sammcj
p12tic	gtaylor	aitoroses	benzntech	ross	mr-ryan-james
heyseth	taisukeoe	avtc	eonghk	GOODBOY008	kcwhite
ronyblum	teddyOOXX	thill2323	vincentsong	yongjer	zeozeozeo
ashktn	franekp	yt3trees	seedlord	QuinsZouls	anton-otee
axkirillov	bramburn	olearycrew	catrielmuller	devxpain	snoyiatk
GitlyHallows	jcbdev	Chenjiayuan195	julionav	KanTakahiro	kevint-cerebras
SplittyDev	mdp	napter	philfung	dqroid	dairui1
chris-garrett	bbenshalom	bannzai	ershang-fireworks	f14XuanLv	janaki-sasidhar
forestyoo	hatsu38	hongzio	im47cn	shoopapa	axmo
asychin	amittell	Yoshino-Yukitaro	Yikai-Liao	zxdvd	s97712
vladstudio	vivekfyi	HahaBill	tmsjngx0	TGlide	Githubguy132010
tgfjt	maekawataiki	DeXtroTip	qingyuan1109	refactorthis	robertheadley
samir-nimbly	sensei-woo	shaybc	shivamd1810	shohei-ihaya	shubhamgupta731
student20880	takakoutso	user202729	cdlliuy	zetaloop	PretzelVector
nevermorec	jues	jwcraig	kinandan	kohii	lhish
lightrabbit	olup	mecab	mlopezr	moqimoqidea	mosleyit
nobu007	oprstchn	village-way	philipnext	pokutuna	pfitz
ExactDoug	celestial-vault	linegel	ertan2002	edwin-truthsearch-io	EamonNerbonne
dbasclpy	dflatline	Deon588	dleen	CW-B-W	chadgauth
thecolorblue	bogdan0083	benashby	Atlogit	atlasgong	AntiMoron
andrewshu2000	andreastempsch	alasano	HadesArchitect	alarno	nexon33
adilhafeez	adamwlarson	adamhill	AMHesch	adambrand	abumalick
AlexandruSmirnov	samsilveira	01Rian	RSO	RandalSchwartz	SECKainersdorfer
R-omk	pwilkin	Sarke	PaperBoardOfficial	OlegOAndreev	niteshbalusu11
Naam	kvokka	ecmasx	mollux	marvijo-code	markijbema
mamertofabian	monkeyDluffy6017	libertyteeth	shtse8	Rexarrior	kevinvandijk
KevinZhao	ksze	AyazKaan	Juice10	snova-jorgep	Fovty
Jdo300	hesara

License

Apache 2.0 © 2025 Roo Code, Inc.

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Enjoy Roo Code! Whether you keep it on a short leash or let it roam autonomously, we can’t wait to see what you build. If you have questions or feature ideas, drop by our Reddit community or Discord. Happy coding!