According to a recent LinkedIn post from Kilo Code, the company has developed a native plugin for JetBrains IDEs rather than reusing its existing VS Code webview. The post highlights that the plugin is built in Kotlin/Swing on the IntelliJ Platform SDK to better align with JetBrains-specific behaviors such as keymaps, focus handling, theming, layout, and file interactions.
The LinkedIn post indicates that the first GA release on the JetBrains Marketplace supports Kilo Code’s core AI coding workflow. Key capabilities mentioned include chat, slash commands, file mentions, model selection, agent settings, MCP server configuration, and attachments, providing a familiar experience to existing VS Code users across IntelliJ IDEA, WebStorm, PyCharm, GoLand, Rider, and other JetBrains IDEs.
The post also notes that some advanced features tied to VS Code APIs are still being ported, suggesting ongoing development investment in cross-IDE parity. For investors, this expansion into JetBrains’ ecosystem may broaden Kilo Code’s addressable user base among professional developers and could strengthen its competitive position in AI-assisted coding tools.
By integrating more deeply with JetBrains’ native environment, the product positioning appears aimed at higher adoption and retention versus lighter-weight integrations. If the JetBrains plugin gains traction, it could support future monetization opportunities and enhance Kilo Code’s strategic relevance in the growing market for AI developer tooling.