Amp

Amp is a coding agent for terminal and editor workflows. Run from CLI, connect supported editors, or share threads via the web UI.

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Overview

Amp is a coding agent for terminal and editor workflows. It is designed to use leading models directly, with a focus on unconstrained token usage, strong model selection, and a workflow that changes with the models instead of preserving old behavior for its own sake.

The product centers on threads, model modes, and subagents. You can run it from the CLI, connect it to supported editors, share threads through the web UI, and use plugins to add tools or policy inside a workspace.

Features

Multi-model routing

Amp can use several model families and chooses among them based on the mode or task, including GPT-5.5, Opus 4.8, and fast models.

Task-specific modes

The product is built around three modes: `deep` for extended reasoning, `smart` for broad autonomy, and `rush` for small well-defined tasks.

Thread-based workflows

Amp threads can be saved and shared, and the manual recommends one thread per task to keep work organized.

CLI plus editor integrations

The CLI is the main entry point, with IDE integrations for JetBrains, Neovim, VS Code-based editors, and Zed.

Extensible plugin system

The site says Amp can be extended with plugins that hook into events, add tools, standardize policy, and then be deployed into a workspace.

Passkey-protected remote control

The security reference states that teams can enforce passkey-authenticated sessions for web and mobile remote control.

Use Cases

Terminal-based implementation work
Use Amp in a terminal session when you want an agent to make code changes, run commands, and keep working from a shared thread.
IDE-assisted development
Use the editor integrations when you want Amp alongside an existing codebase in JetBrains, Neovim, VS Code-based editors, or Zed.
Complex tasks and analysis
Use the deep mode for complex debugging, planning, or design work that needs longer reasoning and more context handling.
Parallelized refactors
Use subagents for broader refactors or repetitive transformations, such as converting several files or splitting work across focused subtasks.
Remote thread oversight
Use the web UI and mobile remote control when a team needs to follow or steer a running thread from outside the local terminal.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Uses multiple leading model families rather than tying the product to one model.
Offers distinct modes for deep reasoning, general autonomy, and fast smaller tasks.
Supports terminal use, editor integrations, and thread sharing across web and mobile.
Includes plugins for adding tools, events, and workspace policy.
Provides concrete starter prompts and workflow guidance in the manual.

Cons

The documentation says Amp intentionally drops backcompat and legacy features, so it may change in ways that require adjustment.
The public material does not give a simple pricing table on the pages reviewed, so cost details are not easy to compare from the site copy alone.
Some integrations are documented by editor family rather than by every individual product, so support details can be uneven.

FAQ

How do you get started with Amp?

Amp is installed through `ampcode.com/install`, then you run `amp` in the terminal. The manual also describes IDE connections and notes that Amp can be used from the CLI and web UI.

What kinds of tasks is Amp meant for?

Amp is positioned for coding tasks in a terminal or editor, including fixing errors, running tests, reviewing API designs, finding code paths, planning changes, and using subagents for larger tasks.

What agent modes does Amp offer?

Amp’s manual describes three modes: `deep` for extended reasoning on complex problems, `smart` for unconstrained state-of-the-art model use, and `rush` for fast, low-token tasks. It also mentions a less recommended `large` mode.

Can you share work across a team?

The site says Amp lets you save and share threads, and the manual says workspace thread sharing helps people in the same workspace learn from each other.

Which platforms and editors does Amp support?

Amp supports Mac, Linux, WSL, and Windows installation paths, and the manual lists JetBrains, Neovim, VS Code-based editors, and Zed for editor integration.