# 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

<!-- ZH -->


## Quick Start

Search "Roo Code" in the VS Code Extensions marketplace, install, and pick a mode to get started.

## What is Roo Code?

Roo Code is a fork of Cline that adds customizable agent modes and boomerang task orchestration. You can define specialized modes (Architect, Coder, Reviewer) that collaborate with each other.

**In one sentence**: Roo Code is a VS Code AI coding agent (Cline fork) with custom agent modes, boomerang task orchestration, and multi-model routing — 10k+ GitHub stars.

**For**: Developers who need multiple specialized AI agents working together. **Supports**: Claude, GPT-4o, DeepSeek, OpenRouter.

## Core Features

### 1. Built-In Agent Modes
Code, Architect, Ask, Debug.

### 2. Custom Modes
Create specialized agent roles with defined permissions and instructions.

### 3. Boomerang Orchestration
Modes automatically delegate tasks to each other, forming an AI team.

### 4. Multi-Model Routing
Different modes use different models to optimize cost.

## FAQ

**Q: Is it free?**
A: The extension is free and open source; LLM API calls are pay-as-you-go.

**Q: Can I migrate from Cline?**
A: Yes — the API is compatible and configuration transfers directly.

## Source & Thanks

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

---
Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/roo-code-ai-coding-agent-custom-modes-baddacd0
Author: Roo Code