Continue is an open-source AI coding assistant that integrates with VS Code and JetBrains IDEs to provide code completion, chat assistance, and multi-file editing using any LLM provider — including local models via Ollama for complete privacy. Unlike closed AI coding tools, Continue lets developers choose their preferred AI model, configure context window settings, and customize behavior for their specific workflow. Developers who want the flexibility to use open-source models, self-hosted AI, or multiple providers through a single IDE integration use Continue as their privacy-preserving, model-agnostic alternative to GitHub Copilot.