--- tags: - dev - Kilo --- If you want to build an app from scratch with Kilo Code, here’s how to use the different modes and instruct them: ## Where to Start - **Start in Orchestrator Mode** if your project is complex or involves multiple steps (like building a full app). Orchestrator Mode will help break down your big goal into smaller, specialized subtasks and assign them to the right modes automatically[1][2]. ## When to Use Each Mode - **Orchestrator Mode:** Use this to manage the overall workflow. It coordinates tasks, delegates subtasks (like planning, coding, debugging), and keeps your main conversation focused on high-level progress[1][2]. - **Architect Mode:** Use when you need to design your system, plan features, or make architectural decisions. Architect Mode helps you create plans, diagrams, and documentation, but won’t modify your codebase directly[1][3][4]. - **Coder (Code) Mode:** Use for hands-on implementation—writing code, building features, and making changes to your files. This mode has full access to your project and is ideal for actual development work[3][5][4]. - **Debugger Mode:** Use when you need to find and fix bugs. Debugger Mode specializes in troubleshooting, running diagnostics, and resolving errors in your codebase[3][5][4]. ## How to Instruct Each Mode - **Switch Modes:** You can switch modes via the dropdown menu, slash commands (e.g., `/architect`, `/code`), or keyboard shortcuts (e.g., ⌘ + . on Mac, Ctrl + . on Windows/Linux)[3]. - **Direct Instructions:** When in a mode, just type your instructions or questions in the chat input. For example: - In Architect Mode: “Design a scalable backend for a note-taking app.” - In Code Mode: “Implement the user authentication feature.” - In Debug Mode: “Fix the bug causing login failures.” - **Orchestrator Mode:** Describe your overall goal (e.g., “Build a note organizer app with search and tagging”). Orchestrator will suggest how to break it down and automatically switch to the right modes for each subtask[1][2]. ## Typical Workflow 1. **Start in Orchestrator Mode**: Describe your app idea and main requirements. 2. **Architect Mode**: Kilo will switch to Architect Mode to help plan and design the app. 3. **Code Mode**: After planning, Kilo will move to Code Mode to implement the plan. 4. **Debug Mode**: Once features are built, switch to Debug Mode to test and fix any issues. 5. **Repeat as Needed**: You can manually switch modes or let Orchestrator handle transitions for you[1][3][2]. This approach lets you focus on your goals while Kilo Code uses the best tools for each stage of development. Sources [1] Orchestrator Mode is here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20MmJNeOODo [2] Orchestrator Mode: Coordinate Complex Workflows | Kilo Code Docs https://kilocode.ai/docs/basic-usage/orchestrator-mode [3] Using Modes | Kilo Code Docs https://kilocode.ai/docs/basic-usage/using-modes [4] Kilo Code + VS Code is the Ultimate AI Coding Agent For Beginners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7aQhb-PK08 [5] Architect, Code, Debug, Ask: Kilo Code's AI Modes Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS4vQfX528w [6] Architect, Code, Debug, Ask: Kilo Code's AI Modes Explained https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kilo-code_architect-code-debug-ask-kilo-codes-activity-7321248999125012480-fAJl [7] Kilo Code - Introducing Orchestrator Mode https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kilo-code_how-kilo-codes-orchestrator-mode-changed-activity-7325537004715196416-eNKD [8] How Kilo Code's Orchestrator Mode Changed My ... https://substack.com/home/post/p-162706015 [9] Kilo Code 4.19.1: Orchestrator Mode is here! https://blog.kilocode.ai/p/kilo-code-4191-orchestrator-mode [10] Kilo in 100 Seconds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfuCYNaPWTQ [11] Kilo Code 4.19.1: Orchestrator Mode is here! : r/kilocode https://www.reddit.com/r/kilocode/comments/1kbhiba/kilo_code_4191_orchestrator_mode_is_here/ [12] Kilo Code AI Agent (Cline / Roo features combined) https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=kilocode.Kilo-Code [13] Kilo Code on Instagram: "Orchestrator Mode is now available https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJIRxYBKstn/ [14] Kilo Code - Open source AI agent VS Code extension https://kilocode.ai [15] I deploy an app created using kilocode - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/kilocode/comments/1l33ysy/i_deploy_an_app_created_using_kilocode/ [16] Build Your Own Text Editor https://viewsourcecode.org/snaptoken/kilo/ [17] Kilo Code, The AI Coding Genius That Outshines Cline & ... https://apidog.com/blog/kilo-code/ [18] Kilo: A text editor in less than 1000 LOC with syntax highlight and ... https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44034459 [19] Does Kilo Code have an auto model selection like Perplexity? - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/kilocode/comments/1knpit0/does_kilo_code_have_an_auto_model_selection_like/ [20] r/kilocode - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/kilocode/ [21] give it your prompt and watch it… | Kilo Code https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kilo-code_orchestrator-mode-is-now-available-give-activity-7323802816861376512-sILR [22] KILO CODE BUILD ANY WEB APP - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD_HdBaTvQk [23] Kilo Code Documentation | Kilo Code Docs https://kilocode.ai/docs/ [24] Kilo Code - Coding agents - TAAFT https://theresanaiforthat.com/ai/kilo-code/ [25] Best VSCode Coding Setup? Kilo Code + Sonnet 3.7 (With FREE ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UbmP08SxsY [26] Debug with GitHub Copilot - Visual Studio Code https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/copilot/guides/debug-with-copilot