What it is
Roo Code is an AI-powered coding assistant for the editor, distributed through the VS Code Marketplace. It can generate code from natural language, refactor and debug code, write documentation, answer questions about a codebase, and use MCP servers. Its behavior adapts through modes: Code, Architect, Ask, Debug, and Custom Modes. The README's disclaimer states that the Roo Code Extension was shut down on May 15th.
Who it's for
- Developers looking for the history of or documentation for Roo Code
- Users seeking alternatives, since the README points to ZooCode and Cline
- Former paying users with billing questions (contact billing@roocode.com)
Pros & cons
Pros
- Pro:Multiple built-in modes (Code, Architect, Ask, Debug) cover coding, planning, explanation and debugging
- Pro:Custom Modes let teams build specialized modes for their workflow
- Pro:Supports MCP servers and can automate repetitive tasks
- Pro:Released under the Apache 2.0 license
Cons
- Con:The README states the Roo Code Extension was shut down on May 15th
- Con:Provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" with no warranties; users assume all risks from the tools and outputs
- Con:The README gives no installation or setup commands
Images
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