Kimi Code CLI
Kimi Code is Moonshot AI's terminal coding agent: it reads the project, edits files and runs commands. Installs with one script, no Node.js needed.
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Broad access
Why this level
- Runs shell commands and edits project files
- Installs plugins, MCP servers and data sources from the marketplace
- Sends code and prompts to Moonshot AI servers when using Kimi models
Install
Manual install
curl -fsSL https://code.kimi.com/kimi-code/install.sh | bashmacOS and Linux. No Node.js needed.
Access and checks
How we reviewBroad accessThe tool can change data, run commands or handle secrets.
- Runs shell commands and edits project files
- Installs plugins, MCP servers and data sources from the marketplace
- Sends code and prompts to Moonshot AI servers when using Kimi models
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
Kimi Code (the `kimi` command) is a coding agent from Moonshot AI, the company behind Kimi. It reads and edits code, runs shell commands, searches files and fetches web pages. It works with Kimi models and other compatible providers. The agent ships as a single binary. It includes MCP setup via `/mcp-config`, a plugin marketplace with skills, MCP servers and data sources showing a trust level for each, coder, explore and plan subagents, lifecycle hooks and video input. Through ACP (`kimi acp`) it plugs into Zed and JetBrains editors.
Who it is for. Developers who want a terminal agent on Kimi models or already pay for a Kimi subscription.
Good fit when
- You want a terminal agent on Kimi models
- You already have a Kimi Plus or higher subscription
- You want a single-binary agent without Node.js or Python
Not a fit when
- Your code must not leave company servers
- You cannot let an agent run commands on your main machine
Example request
Run kimi in the project folder, study the code structure and propose a refactoring plan for the payments moduleLimitations
You need to sign in: a Kimi account on Plus or higher, or a Moonshot AI platform API key. Requests to Kimi models go to Moonshot AI servers.
The agent runs shell commands and installs plugins, so review what it executes. Windows requires Git for Windows.
How to disable. Exit the `kimi` session. Plugins and MCP servers are disabled in the agent settings; remove the agent by deleting its binary.
FAQ
Is Kimi Code free?
The agent itself is MIT-licensed. To use it you need a Kimi account on Plus or higher, or a Moonshot AI platform API key billed per token.
How do I install Kimi Code?
On macOS and Linux run `curl -fsSL https://code.kimi.com/kimi-code/install.sh | bash`, on Windows run `irm https://code.kimi.com/kimi-code/install.ps1 | iex` in PowerShell. No Node.js needed; check with `kimi --version`.
How do I sign in to Kimi Code?
Run `kimi` in the project folder and use `/login`: sign in with a Kimi account or enter a Moonshot AI platform API key.
How is Kimi Code different from kimi-cli?
Kimi Code replaces the older Python kimi-cli, which is no longer developed. The new agent ships as a single binary.
Does Kimi Code support MCP?
Yes, MCP servers are added with `/mcp-config`, and the plugin marketplace includes ready MCP servers and skills.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
The README covers install on macOS, Linux and Windows, `/login`, MCP setup, the plugin marketplace, subagents, hooks and ACP editor integration.