Zed is a code editor written in Rust, focused on performance and immediate response. Beyond editing, it acts as a host for agents: the agent panel connects to different agents through the Agent Client Protocol (ACP), instead of locking the user into a single assistant.
What it’s for
- Editing code with fast response on large projects
- Talking to agents inside the editor and applying changes as diffs
- Connecting external ACP-compatible agents, including command-line agents
- Using MCP servers to give the agent tools and context
- Working together on the same buffer in real time (multiplayer)
How it works
- The editor is native and designed for low latency, with its own rendering
- The agent panel accepts agents over ACP; the agent receives project context and returns reviewable edits
- Review happens in diffs, and you decide what to apply
- Collaboration features let other people edit the same file
Where it runs
- Desktop application on macOS, Linux and Windows
- Local editor, with the agent running alongside the project
- Integration with external agents over ACP
Availability and licensing
- Open source under GPL-3.0-or-later, with parts under Apache-2.0
- The full editor is distributed for desktop
- It does not require its own model: the agent is chosen among compatible ones
Strengths
- Performance and immediate response as an editor
- Neutral stance toward model and agent vendor
- Open protocol (ACP) for hosting agents
- Real-time collaboration
Things to note
- It is a distinct platform from VS Code-based IDEs; VS Code ecosystem extensions are not compatible
- The agent depends on the providers and models you connect
- Capabilities and maturity vary across supported platforms