# Roo Code — AI Coding Agent with Custom Modes

> Fork of Cline with custom agent modes, boomerang orchestration, and multi-model routing. Create specialized AI agents for coding, review, and architecture tasks.

## Install

Save the content below to `.claude/skills/` or append to your `CLAUDE.md`:

## Quick Use

Install from VS Code Marketplace:
1. Open VS Code → Extensions → Search "Roo Code"
2. Install and set your API key
3. Choose a mode: Code, Architect, Ask, or create custom modes

## What is Roo Code?

Roo Code is a VS Code extension forked from Cline that adds custom agent modes and boomerang orchestration. Instead of one AI agent doing everything, you define specialized modes (Architect, Coder, Reviewer) that hand off work to each other — creating a team of AI agents within your IDE.

**Answer-Ready**: Roo Code is a VS Code AI coding agent (Cline fork) with custom agent modes, boomerang task orchestration, and multi-model routing. Create specialized AI agents for architecture, coding, review, and documentation tasks. 10k+ GitHub stars.

**Best for**: Developers who want multiple specialized AI agents in VS Code. **Works with**: Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini, DeepSeek, any OpenRouter model. **Setup time**: Under 3 minutes.

## Core Features

### 1. Built-In Agent Modes

| Mode | Purpose | Default Model |
|------|---------|--------------|
| Code | Write and edit code | Claude Sonnet |
| Architect | Design systems, plan features | Claude Opus |
| Ask | Answer questions, explain code | Claude Haiku |
| Debug | Diagnose and fix bugs | Claude Sonnet |

### 2. Custom Modes
Create your own specialized agents:

```json
{
  "slug": "reviewer",
  "name": "Code Reviewer",
  "roleDefinition": "You are a senior code reviewer. Focus on security, performance, and maintainability.",
  "groups": ["read"],
  "customInstructions": "Never suggest changes without explaining why. Rate severity: critical/major/minor."
}
```

### 3. Boomerang Orchestration
Modes can delegate tasks to each other:

```
Architect Mode: "Design a REST API for user management"
  → Creates spec
  → Delegates to Code Mode: "Implement this API spec"
    → Code Mode writes the code
    → Returns to Architect Mode for review
  → Delegates to Reviewer Mode: "Review the implementation"
```

### 4. Model Routing
Assign different models to different modes for cost optimization:

```
Architect → Claude Opus (highest quality for design)
Code → Claude Sonnet (best speed/quality for coding)
Ask → Claude Haiku (fast and cheap for questions)
```

### 5. Permission Groups
Control what each mode can do:

| Group | Capabilities |
|-------|-------------|
| read | Read files, list directories |
| edit | Create, edit, delete files |
| command | Run terminal commands |
| browser | Browse web pages |
| mcp | Use MCP servers |

## Differences from Cline

| Feature | Cline | Roo Code |
|---------|-------|----------|
| Agent modes | Single mode | Multiple custom modes |
| Task delegation | Manual | Boomerang orchestration |
| Model routing | One model | Per-mode model assignment |
| Permission control | Global | Per-mode groups |

## FAQ

**Q: Is Roo Code free?**
A: The extension is free and open-source (Apache 2.0). You pay for LLM API calls.

**Q: Can I migrate from Cline?**
A: Yes, Roo Code is API-compatible with Cline. Your settings and MCP configs transfer directly.

**Q: How many custom modes can I create?**
A: Unlimited. Common setups include 4-6 specialized modes.

## Source & Thanks

> Created by [Roo Code Team](https://github.com/RooVetGit). Licensed under Apache 2.0.
>
> [RooVetGit/Roo-Code](https://github.com/RooVetGit/Roo-Code) — 10k+ stars

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## 快速使用

VS Code 扩展商店搜索 "Roo Code"，安装后选择模式开始使用。

## 什么是 Roo Code？

Roo Code 是 Cline 的分支，增加了自定义代理模式和回旋任务编排。可以定义专门的模式（架构师、编码器、审查员）相互协作。

**一句话总结**：Roo Code 是 VS Code AI 编码代理（Cline 分支），支持自定义代理模式、回旋任务编排和多模型路由，10k+ GitHub stars。

**适合人群**：需要多个专业 AI 代理协作的开发者。**支持**：Claude、GPT-4o、DeepSeek、OpenRouter。

## 核心功能

### 1. 内置代理模式
Code（编码）、Architect（架构）、Ask（问答）、Debug（调试）。

### 2. 自定义模式
创建专门的代理角色，定义权限和指令。

### 3. 回旋编排
模式之间自动委托任务，形成 AI 团队协作。

### 4. 多模型路由
不同模式使用不同模型，优化成本。

## 常见问题

**Q: 免费吗？**
A: 扩展免费开源，LLM API 按量付费。

**Q: 能从 Cline 迁移吗？**
A: 可以，API 兼容，配置直接迁移。

## 来源与致谢

> [RooVetGit/Roo-Code](https://github.com/RooVetGit/Roo-Code) — 10k+ stars, Apache 2.0

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/baddacd0-3bbf-4076-96d5-f6cb2d54d145
Author: Skill Factory