Kiro is an AI-powered Integrated Development Environment (IDE) developed by a team at Amazon Web Services (AWS), built upon the open-source foundation of Code OSS, the codebase underlying Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Launched in public preview in 2025, Kiro is designed to enhance software development by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) agents into the coding workflow, positioning itself as an advanced tool for developers seeking to streamline both creative and routine programming tasks. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Kiro introduces a novel approach to software development through its spec-driven methodology, AI agent automation, and event-driven hooks, aiming to transform the traditional coding process into a more structured and efficient workflow.
Overview
Kiro represents a significant evolution in the landscape of Integrated Development Environments by embedding AI-driven functionalities directly into the coding process. Unlike traditional IDEs that primarily provide code editing, debugging, and compilation tools, Kiro leverages AI to act as a collaborative partner, or “AI pair programmer,” capable of translating high-level ideas into production-ready code while automating repetitive tasks. This positions Kiro alongside other AI-enhanced coding tools like Warp, OpenAI’s Codex, and Cursor, which have popularized the concept of “vibe coding”—a term describing an intuitive, less rigid approach to coding where developers articulate ideas in natural language, and AI translates them into functional code.
Kiro distinguishes itself through its spec-driven development process, which prioritizes structured planning before code generation. Instead of immediately producing code from a user’s prompt, Kiro generates a detailed specification document (“spec”) that outlines requirements, design considerations, and tasks. This spec serves as a living document that developers can review, refine, and update throughout the development process, ensuring alignment between the initial idea and the final implementation. By emphasizing planning and task decomposition, Kiro aims to bridge the gap between informal “vibe coding” and the creation of robust, production-viable code.
Features
Spec-Driven Development
At the core of Kiro’s functionality is its spec-driven development model. When a developer submits a prompt—such as a feature request or a high-level idea—Kiro’s AI agents analyze the input and produce a structured specification. This document breaks down the request into actionable tasks and sub-tasks, providing a clear roadmap for implementation. Developers have the opportunity to audit and refine the spec before code generation begins, ensuring that the AI’s interpretation aligns with their intent. This process not only enhances transparency but also reduces errors by formalizing requirements early in the development cycle.
The spec remains dynamic, allowing updates as the project evolves. This iterative approach ensures that changes in scope or requirements can be seamlessly integrated, maintaining alignment between the developer’s vision and the AI-generated output. By formalizing the transition from idea to implementation, Kiro addresses a common challenge in AI-assisted coding: ensuring that generated code meets production standards.
AI Agent Integration
Kiro’s AI agents are designed to handle both creative and mundane tasks, functioning as a virtual collaborator. These agents can generate code, suggest optimizations, and automate routine processes such as writing documentation, formatting code, or performing error checks. Unlike traditional code completion tools, Kiro’s agents operate within the context of the entire project, leveraging file and document context to produce relevant and cohesive outputs. This context-awareness enables Kiro to deliver more accurate suggestions and automate complex workflows that span multiple files or modules.
Event-Driven Hooks
A standout feature of Kiro is its use of hooks, event-driven automations triggered by specific actions within the IDE, such as saving a file, committing code to a repository, or running a build. Hooks enable developers to automate a wide range of tasks, including:
- Generating or updating documentation.
- Running security scans or linters to identify vulnerabilities or code quality issues.
- Updating APIs or configuration files in response to code changes.
- Executing tests or deploying code to a staging environment.
By allowing developers to define custom hooks, Kiro provides a flexible framework for tailoring the IDE to specific workflows, enhancing productivity and reducing manual overhead. For example, a developer can configure a hook to automatically generate API documentation whenever a new endpoint is added, streamlining the maintenance of large codebases.
Model Context Protocol and Steering Rules
Kiro supports the Model Context Protocol, a framework that enables integration with specialized tools and services. This protocol allows Kiro to interact with external systems, such as version control platforms or cloud services, enhancing its compatibility with modern development pipelines. Additionally, Kiro incorporates steering rules to govern AI behavior, ensuring that generated outputs align with project-specific guidelines, such as coding standards or architectural preferences.
Embedded Chatbot
Kiro includes an embedded chatbot mode, enabling developers to ask questions or seek clarification within the IDE. Unlike standalone chatbots, Kiro’s chatbot is context-aware, drawing on the project’s files and documentation to provide precise and relevant answers. This feature is particularly useful for debugging, exploring APIs, or understanding complex codebases, as it reduces the need to switch between the IDE and external resources.
Compatibility with VS Code Ecosystem
Built on Code OSS, Kiro inherits compatibility with the VS Code ecosystem, including support for VS Code settings and extensions available through the Open VSX marketplace. This ensures that developers can leverage existing plugins and configurations, making Kiro a familiar yet enhanced environment for those accustomed to VS Code. Additionally, Kiro supports a wide range of programming languages, including Python, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, C#, Go, Rust, PHP, Ruby, Kotlin, and others, making it versatile for diverse development needs.
Availability and Platforms
Kiro is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with specific support for Ubuntu through a 64-bit DEB package or a standalone binary compatible with most Linux distributions. The IDE requires an internet connection and a sign-in via one of four supported providers (e.g., Google, GitHub) to access its features. During its public preview phase, launched in 2025, Kiro is free to use with generous usage limits, allowing developers to explore its capabilities without financial commitment. Upon exiting preview, Kiro will introduce a tiered pricing model, including a free tier with limited features and paid Pro and Pro+ plans for advanced functionality.
Kiro’s installation process is straightforward, with a step-by-step tutorial provided to guide users through its workflow and key features. However, the IDE’s online-only nature may limit its use in offline environments, a consideration for developers in low-connectivity settings.
Language Support
As of its 2025 preview, Kiro supports prompts, specs, and hooks in English only, though Amazon has announced plans to expand language support in future updates. This limitation applies to the natural language processing capabilities of the AI agents, not to the programming languages supported for code generation. Kiro’s broad programming language support ensures compatibility with most modern software development projects, catering to a wide range of industries and use cases.
Development and Context
Kiro is developed by a team within Amazon Web Services (AWS), reflecting Amazon’s broader investment in AI-driven tools to enhance developer productivity. The rise of AI coding assistants, such as OpenAI’s Codex and Cursor, has spurred a competitive landscape where employers increasingly expect smaller development teams to achieve greater output through AI augmentation. Kiro’s developers position it as a response to this trend, emphasizing its ability to make developers “more productive” by automating routine tasks and providing intelligent code generation.
The concept of spec-driven development, pioneered by Kiro, addresses a critical challenge in AI-assisted coding: the risk of generating code that fails to meet production requirements. By introducing a structured planning phase, Kiro ensures that AI-generated code is not only functional but also aligned with project goals, reducing the need for extensive revisions. This approach has been described by the Kiro team as a shift from “vibe coding to viable code,” highlighting its focus on practicality and reliability.
Reception and Future Prospects
Since its public preview in 2025, Kiro has garnered attention for its innovative approach to AI-driven development. Its integration of spec-driven workflows, event-driven hooks, and context-aware AI agents has positioned it as a formidable competitor in the AI coding tool market. Developers have praised its seamless integration with the VS Code ecosystem and its ability to automate repetitive tasks, though some have noted the online-only requirement as a potential drawback.
Looking ahead, Kiro’s planned expansion of language support and the introduction of paid tiers suggest a commitment to broadening its accessibility and functionality. As AI continues to reshape the software development landscape, Kiro’s emphasis on structured, collaborative workflows may set a new standard for how developers interact with AI tools.
Conclusion
Kiro represents a significant advancement in the integration of AI into software development, combining the familiarity of VS Code with cutting-edge AI capabilities. Its spec-driven development model, event-driven hooks, and context-aware AI agents offer a powerful toolkit for developers seeking to enhance productivity and code quality. While still in its preview phase as of 2025, Kiro’s innovative features and Amazon’s backing position it as a promising player in the evolving field of AI-assisted programming.