Moonshot AI has released the Kimi Code CLI, an open source terminal-based agent. The tool reads and edits code, executes shell commands, searches files, and downloads web pages. It then chooses its next step based on the feedback it receives. This project is licensed by MIT and resides on GitHub.
Kimi Code CLI is a successor to the old kim-cli. The new agent is written in TypeScript and distributed via npm. Works out of the box with Moonshot AI’s Kimi models. It may also be configured to use other compatible providers.
What is Kimi Code CLI
Kimi Code CLI is an AI agent for software development and terminal operations. It can implement new features, fix bugs, and complete a refactor. It can also examine the nonstandard codebase and answer architectural questions. Batch file processing, building, and nested testing are also supported.
The operating model is driven by feedback. The agent organizes steps, modifies code, performs tests, and reports its actions. Read-only functions run automatically. For file editing or shell commands, the agent asks for authentication first. This authorization flow keeps risky actions under the developer’s control.
The CLI itself is free and licensed by MIT. Accessing the model requires a Kimi Code OAuth or Moonshot AI Open Platform API key.
Main Features
Moonshot lists several features intended for long, focused agent sessions:
- One binary distribution. One command installs it, no Node.js setup required.
- Fast startup. Moonshot says TUI is ready in milliseconds.
- A purpose-built TUI. The interface is optimized for extended agent sessions.
- Video input. Post a screen recording or demo clip in the chat.
- Native MCP configuration for AI. Add and verify Model Context Protocol servers by using
/mcp-config. - Subagents for the same job. Built-in Dispatch
coder,exploreagainplansubagents in isolated cases. - Lifecycle hooks. Run local commands to log tool calls, check resolutions, or trigger notifications.
Installation and Initial Operation
There are two ways to install. The official script does not require Node.js pre-installed.
On macOS or Linux, use the install script:
curl -fsSL | bash
On Windows, use PowerShell:
irm | iexA global npm installation requires Node.js 24.15.0 or later:
npm install -g @moonshot-ai/kimi-codeVerify the binary, then open the project and start the interactive UI:
kimi --version
cd your-project
kimiAt first launch, type /login within the UI. You can choose Kimi Code OAuth or Moonshot AI Open Platform API key. To run a single command outside of the UI, use kimi -p "your task". To resume a previous session, add -C.
Use Cases
- Understanding the project: Request an architectural overview and module dependency diagram.
- Using the feature: Define signature, options, and pre-acceptance conditions.
- Debugging: Provide branding, production steps, and expected behavior together.
- Writing tests and refactoring: Eliminate repetitive patterns, and conduct tests to verify behavior.
- One default: Analyze logs and output call counts for p50 and p99 delays.
- Organized activities: Ask the agent to set reminders or recurring checks with cron.
Program mode is available with Shift-Tab or kimi --plan. It removes the research program before touching the files. For safe batch work, --yolo or /yolo bypass authorization commands. I /fork command creates a test branch that you can leave. I /compact the command compresses the context to free the tokens. For larger investigations, the main agent can send subagents in parallel.
How does the Kimi Code CLI compare?
Kimi Code CLI joins several established coding agents. The table below compares three of them. The details of the competitor show mid-2026 and can change quickly.
| Attribute | For me the CLI Code | Claude Code | OpenAI Codex CLI | Gemini CLI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer | Moonshot AI | Anthropic | OpenAI | |
| Support model | Kimi models | Claude’s models | GPT-5.3-Codex | Gemini 2.5 Pro |
| Language / operating time | TypeScript | Node.js | Rust | TypeScript |
| Enter | Script or npm (Node.js ≥ 24.15.0) | Native installer or npm | npm / native | npm one binary |
| MCP support | Yes (/mcp-config) |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Subagents | Yes (coder, explore, plan) |
Yes | Yes | No (consecutive) |
| Editing mode | Yes (Shift-Tab) |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IDE integration | ACP (Zed, JetBrains) | VS Code, JetBrains | VS Code, IDEs | VS Code (Help Code) |
| License | MIT | Ownership | Open source | Apache 2.0 |
All four agents support the Model Context Protocol. They differ in support model, language, licensing, and orchestration. Kimi Code CLI and Codex CLI both ship native subagents. Gemini CLI runs jobs sequentially without subagent support.
Key Takeaways
- Kimi Code CLI is an MIT-licensed coding agent from Moonshot AI.
- It is written in TypeScript and installed via script or npm.
- It’s built in
coder,exploreagainplansubagents work in isolated areas. - MCP servers are configured via chat
/mcp-confignot raw JSON. - It succeeds kimi-cli and migrates existing configuration and sessions.
Marktechpost Visual Explainer
Me Code CLI · Guide
01 / 09
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Michal Sutter is a data science expert with a Master of Science in Data Science from the University of Padova. With a strong foundation in statistical analysis, machine learning, and data engineering, Michal excels at turning complex data sets into actionable insights.
