Zed introduces the fastest and open-source code editor built in Rust under GPL version 3. It integrates AI features directly into the editing experience, offering developers a practical tool for coding tasks.

AI-Driven Editing with the Agent Panel

Zed’s Agent Panel allows users to interact with AI agents using natural language. Developers can ask the agent to query a codebase, make edits, or write new code. The agent searches the codebase without needing prior setup, and users can review changes in an editable diff interface that supports multicursor editing and language server integrations.

This functionality is useful for both small edits and navigating unfamiliar codebases, saving time on manual searches. The agent runs in the background, notifying users when tasks are complete, even if Zed is minimized or another project is open.

Open Source and Privacy-Focused

Zed’s entire codebase, including its AI features, is open-source, letting developers inspect how the Agent Panel works. Privacy is prioritized, so conversations with the agent are not stored on Zed’s servers unless users opt in by providing feedback via thumbs-up or thumbs-down buttons. For actions like running terminal commands, Zed requests confirmation to ensure safety.

Flexible and Customizable Tools

Users can select from language models like Claude 3.7 Sonnet or Gemini 2.5, accessible via a Zed account or personal API keys. Zed’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) enables agents to use tools like databases or web frameworks, as shown in a demo by Elixir creator José Valim with the Phoenix framework.

Developers can customize agent capabilities through profiles, Write (full tool access), Ask (read-only tools), and Minimal (chat-only). These profiles allow users to tailor the agent’s permissions for specific tasks.

Pricing and Availability

Zed is free without AI features, and non-AI functionality requires no signup. AI features are available through a free plan (50 prompts per month) or a Pro plan (500 prompts for $20 per month). Users can also use their own API keys or Ollama at no cost to Zed. Stable releases are available for macOS and Linux, with Windows support in progress and a full release planned for later in 2025. For more details visit the official website.