T
What is Trae?
Trae is an AI IDE from ByteDance built around an agent that can plan and implement changes across your codebase while you stay in control. It offers a familiar VS Code-like experience with chat, autocomplete, and multi-step agent modes.
Key features
- AI-native IDE with chat and autocomplete
- Agent mode for multi-file changes
- Codebase-aware context
- Familiar VS Code-style interface
- Free tier with capable models
How to get started
- Download Trae from trae.ai
- Open your project
- Ask the agent to build or change a feature
- Review and accept the diffs
Use cases
- AI pair-programming in an IDE
- Multi-file feature changes
- Understanding a codebase
- Fast prototyping
Trae vs. alternatives
| Tool | How it compares |
|---|---|
| Trae | An AI-native IDE with an agent that builds features alongside you. |
| Cursor | The leading AI-native IDE with deep agent features. |
| Windsurf | Agentic IDE with a flow-based workflow. |
FAQ
Is Trae free to use?
Trae's plans: Free, plus paid Pro. Pricing and free-tier limits change over time, so check the official site above for the latest details.
What is Trae used for?
An AI-native IDE with an agent that builds features alongside you.
Who is Trae best for?
Trae is a good fit for aI pair-programming in an IDE, or multi-file feature changes.
What are the alternatives to Trae?
Commonly compared alternatives include Cursor and Windsurf, see the comparison above for how they differ.
Related tools
Last reviewed: 2026-08 · Reviewed by AIKetra editors · How we evaluate tools
C
W