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sidebar_label: Overview
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# API Providers Overview

**Bottom line**: Kilo Code, like any agentic AI coding tool, needs AI model providers to function. You can use our [built-in provider](/providers/kilocode) (easiest) or connect your own API keys from **30+ providers**.

## Kilo Code Extension vs. API Provider

### The Extension

- VS Code tool you install from the marketplace
- Handles UI, file operations, and workflow management
- [Open source](https://github.com/Kilo-Org/kilocode)
- Connects to any AI provider

### Kilo Code API Provider

- **Built-in option** that comes with the extension
- Google sign-in with free credits included
- No API key management required
- Access to frontier coding models
- [Competitive pricing](https://kilocode.ai/pricing)

**Key point**: The extension works with any provider—our API service is just the "batteries included" option.

## Getting Started: Two Paths

### Option 1: Built-in Provider (Recommended)

✅ **Fastest setup**

- Sign in with Google or GitHub at kilocode.ai
- Free credits included for your first top-up
- Zero API key management
- Latest models available

→ [Complete setup guide](/providers/kilocode)

### Option 2: Your Own Provider

**More control, more setup**

1. Choose from 30+ supported providers
2. Get API key from your provider
3. Configure in Kilo Code settings

## Why Use Multiple Providers?

- **Cost**: Compare pricing across providers
- **Models**: Access different AI capabilities
- **Reliability**: Backup options for outages
- **Features**: Some providers offer exclusive models
- **Regional**: Better performance in certain locations

## What's in This Section

### [Connecting Your First AI Provider](/getting-started/connecting-api-provider)

**For beginners**: Step-by-step setup including:

- Recommended providers
- How to get API keys
- Initial VS Code configuration
- Starting your first AI chat

### [API Configuration Profiles](/features/api-configuration-profiles)

**For power users**: Advanced management including:

- Multiple provider configurations
- Model switching strategies
- Secure API key management
- Task-specific optimizations

## Security Note

All API keys use VS Code's Secret Storage—never stored in plain text. Industry-standard security practices protect your credentials.

**Ready to start?** → [Connect your first provider](/getting-started/connecting-api-provider) or jump to [advanced profiles](/features/api-configuration-profiles).