Dino
An AI coding agent that keeps you in the loop
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What is Dino?
Dino is your AI coding partner that thinks with you, not for you. It is a smart, conversational tool built for collaboration rather than blind delegation. Unlike AI agents that aim to replace developers, Dino augments human capabilities, amplifying your ability to build better software faster.
Key features include multi-provider support where you can use any AI provider with your own API key, conversational code writing refactoring and debugging, a token-efficient architecture that keeps you fast and lightweight, chat history to save and resume conversations across sessions, and a GitHub PR-style diff viewer with inline comments and selective accept for diff review. All changes live in a staging layer so you review before applying to disk, making it safe by design.
Dino is for software developers, programmers, and anyone who uses VS Code and wants an AI partner that enhances their workflow without taking over. It requires VS Code 1.80.0 or higher and an API key for your chosen AI provider. The tool does not collect or share your code or conversations, ensuring privacy.
Pro features include attaching images and files to share context with screenshots and documents, conversation branching to branch off and iterate in new directions, and editing past messages to refine earlier instructions without starting over. There are no modes to switch or context to hand-pick - just open and start working.
Dino pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Free tier includes core features: multi-provider support, conversational coding, chat history, diff review, staging layer, and privacy. Pro tier includes: attach images & files, conversation branching, and edit past messages. Users need their own API key for any AI provider. Specific pricing amounts not disclosed on website.
Dino pros
- Multi-provider support with your own API key
- Write code conversationally
- Refactor code conversationally
- Debug code conversationally
- Token-efficient architecture
- Fast and lightweight performance
- Save chat history across sessions
- Resume conversations across sessions
- GitHub PR-style diff viewer
- Inline comments in diff viewer
- Selective accept for diffs
- Staging layer before applying to disk
- Safe by design changes
- Privacy - no code collection
- No modes to switch
- No context to hand-pick
- Simple to use interface
- Attach images for Pro users
- Attach files for Pro users
- Conversation branching for Pro
- Edit past messages for Pro
Dino cons
- Requires VS Code 1.80.0 or higher
- Needs API key for AI provider
- Pro features require paid plan
- Image attachment only for Pro
- Conversation branching only for Pro
- Edit past messages only for Pro
- Not a standalone application
- Only works in VS Code
- Depends on external AI provider
- Staging layer may add workflow step
Frequently asked questions about Dino
What is Dino?
Dino is your AI coding partner that thinks with you, not for you. It is smart, conversational, and built for collaboration rather than blind delegation. Unlike AI agents that aim to replace you, Dino augments you by amplifying your capabilities to build better software faster.
What VS Code version do I need?
You need VS Code 1.80.0 or higher to use Dino.
Do I need to pay for an AI provider?
Yes, you need your own API key for your chosen AI provider. Dino supports multi-provider support so you can use any AI provider with your API key.
How do I install Dino?
Install the extension from the Visual Studio Marketplace, then open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P on Mac or Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows/Linux), run 'Dino: Open Tab', configure your AI provider, and start coding.
What is the diff review feature?
The diff review feature is a GitHub PR-style diff viewer with inline comments and selective accept, allowing you to review changes before applying them to disk.
Is my code private with Dino?
Yes, Dino does not collect or share your code or conversations. Privacy is built into the design.
What are Pro features?
Pro features include: attach images & files to share context with screenshots and documents, conversation branching to branch off and iterate in new directions, and edit past messages to refine earlier instructions without starting over.
How do changes get applied to my code?
All changes live in a staging layer first. You review them before applying to disk, making Dino safe by design.
Can I save and resume conversations?
Yes, Dino has chat history features that allow you to save and resume conversations across sessions.
Is there a shortcut to open Dino?
Yes, press Cmd+Shift+D on Mac or Ctrl+Shift+D on Windows/Linux to open a new Dino tab directly without using the Command Palette.