AI Code Assistant

Zed

Zed is a fast, open-source code editor with multiplayer collaboration, integrated dev tools, and native AI-assisted editing.

What is Zed?

Zed is a next-generation code editor for developers who want native performance, real-time collaboration, and built-in AI-assisted workflows. It includes core editing features, terminal and debugger support, language server integration, extensions, themes, and options for hosted or bring-your-own AI providers.

Zed vs Similar AI Tools

Pricing ModelFree, FreemiumFree, FreemiumFreeFree
Free Credits
Key Features
  • Fast, native code editing
  • Multiplayer collaboration
  • Agentic editing and AI assistance
  • Voice-controlled AI coding sessions
  • Multi-model support (Codex, Claude, Cursor, Gemini)
  • Approval workflows for sensitive actions
  • Zero-config auto-discovery of services by analyzing codebases (Go, Node, Python, Rust, Java, Docker, K8s, Helm, Terraform, OpenAPI, GraphQL, Proto)
  • Interactive 2D dependency graph for visualizing software architecture and relationships
  • Automated compliance scorecards for services based on documentation, ownership, containerization, and API specs
  • Autocompletion with descriptions on `/` and `$`
  • Go to definition and find references
  • F2 rename with editor undo (folder, frontmatter, and references update as one edit)
Pros
  • Very fast, native-feeling editor
  • Strong multiplayer collaboration features
  • Enables coding from mobile devices
  • Voice control reduces context switching
  • Extremely lightweight (<30MB RAM) single binary with no external dependencies
  • Zero configuration required for basic functionality; auto-discovery works out of the box
  • Eliminates silent errors from stale skill references
  • Provides IDE-grade refactoring for agent skills
Cons
  • Advanced AI usage can add token costs
  • Some enterprise controls like SSO/SAML/SCIM are not yet available
  • Requires reliable voice recognition
  • Limited to supported AI models
  • Requires Go build to compile from source; no pre-built binaries readily available
  • Auto-discovery may not fully capture complex enterprise service architectures
  • Only supports markdown files in specific directories
  • Requires manual editor configuration
Best For
  • Developers who want a fast modern editor
  • Teams that collaborate in real time
  • Developers who frequently code away from their desk
  • Teams wanting to review code changes on mobile
  • Platform engineering teams looking for a lightweight service catalog
  • Developers wanting to visualize microservice dependencies
  • Developers managing AI agent skill libraries
  • Teams using Claude, Codex, or similar agent systems

How to use Zed?

  1. 1Download Zed from the official site for your operating system.
  2. 2Install and open your project or workspace.
  3. 3Sign in or connect your own API keys if you want AI features.
  4. 4Use the editor, terminal, debugger, and language tooling as needed.
  5. 5Invite collaborators to work together in multiplayer sessions.
  6. 6Browse docs and extensions to customize the workflow.

Zed Key Features

  • Fast, native code editing
  • Multiplayer collaboration
  • Agentic editing and AI assistance
  • Edit predictions
  • Integrated terminal
  • Debugger support via DAP
  • Language Server Protocol support
  • Outline and diagnostics views
  • Dev Containers support
  • Extensions and themes
  • Vim mode
  • Weekly releases

Zed Use Cases

  • Collaborative software development
  • AI-assisted coding and refactoring
  • Local or hosted LLM-powered editing workflows
  • Debugging across multiple languages
  • Terminal-first development
  • Open-source editor customization
  • Team coding sessions
  • Project navigation and symbol browsing

Zed Pricing & Free Credits

Zed currently operates on a Free, Freemium model.

Free TierFree Credits

Personal

$0 forever

Free plan for the code editor, including 2,000 accepted edit predictions and unlimited use with your own API keys or external agents.

Paid Plans

Pro

$10 per month

Includes unlimited edit predictions, $5 of monthly token credits, hosted AI models, and a two-week free trial.

Business

$30 per seat per month

Team plan with org-level AI policies, data governance, spend visibility, role-based access controls, and unlimited edit predictions.

Personal

$0 forever

Free plan for the code editor, including 2,000 accepted edit predictions and unlimited use with your own API keys or external agents.

Pro

$10 per month

Includes unlimited edit predictions, $5 of monthly token credits, hosted AI models, and a two-week free trial.

Business

$30 per seat per month

Team plan with org-level AI policies, data governance, spend visibility, role-based access controls, and unlimited edit predictions.

Zed Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Very fast, native-feeling editor
  • Strong multiplayer collaboration features
  • Built-in AI and agentic editing support
  • Open source with active development
  • Works with hosted AI or your own keys
  • Useful developer tooling in one app

Cons

  • Advanced AI usage can add token costs
  • Some enterprise controls like SSO/SAML/SCIM are not yet available
  • Best experience may depend on setup and extension needs

What is Zed best for?

  • Developers who want a fast modern editor
  • Teams that collaborate in real time
  • Users who want AI coding features built into their editor
  • Open-source tooling enthusiasts
  • Developers who prefer bring-your-own-key AI workflows

Zed FAQ

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