Moonshot AI Unveils Kimi CLI: A Dual-Mode Command Line Tool

Developers now have a powerful new tool at their disposal with the launch of Kimi CLI, an open-source command-line interface (CLI) developed by Moonshot AI. The tool introduces a dual-mode interaction system, blending traditional Shell operations with an intelligent AI agent mode, aiming to revolutionize coding workflows directly within the terminal.

Bridging the Gap Between Shell and AI

The standout feature of Kimi CLI is its seamless switching between traditional command-line operations and an AI-powered assistant mode. By pressing Ctrl-K, users can instantly toggle into intelligent mode, where the tool interprets natural language instructions, auto-completes commands, debugs errors, and even generates scripts—all while maintaining the efficiency of classic terminal workflows.

Native ACP Protocol Support Enhances Flexibility

Beyond standalone terminal use, Kimi CLI supports the Agent Communication Protocol (ACP), enabling integration with graphical clients like IDE plugins or desktop applications. This interoperability breaks down barriers between visual and command-line development environments, fostering a unified AI-assisted coding experience.

Open-Source Philosophy and Future Plans

As Moonshot AI’s first venture into open-source developer tools, Kimi CLI emphasizes augmenting rather than replacing existing workflows. The team plans to refine features such as multi-language support, context retention, and security sandboxing based on community feedback. The project is already available on GitHub for contributions and testing.

Key Points:

• Dual-mode design: Switch between Shell and AI agent modes effortlessly.
• Natural language processing: Generate scripts or debug errors using plain English.
• ACP compatibility: Works harmoniously with graphical development tools.
• Open-source initiative: Encourages developer collaboration for future enhancements.

The tool is positioned as a paradigm shift in AI-assisted programming—where intelligence operates silently alongside developers rather than disrupting their flow.

Project Repository: GitHub - MoonshotAI/kimi-cli