ACP standardizes communication between code editors and AI coding agents. Local agents commonly use JSON-RPC over stdio, while the protocol also supports emerging remote workflows.
AI coding agents and editors are tightly coupled, forcing developers to choose between their preferred tools or spend weeks on custom integration work.
By providing a standardized protocol for agent-editor communication, similar to how the Language Server Protocol (LSP) standardized language server integration. Agents that implement ACP work with any compatible editor, and editors that support ACP gain access to the entire ecosystem of ACP-compatible agents.
ACP assumes that the user is primarily in their editor, and wants to reach out and use agents to assist them with specific tasks. Built on proven JSON-RPC communication patterns.
Agents run as sub-processes of the code editor, ensuring secure and efficient communication.
Re-uses JSON representations from MCP where possible, with custom types for agentic coding UX elements.
Default format for user-readable text is Markdown, providing rich formatting without HTML complexity.
{
"jsonrpc": "2.0",
"method": "agent/prompt",
"params": {
"content": "Refactor this function",
"context": {
"file": "src/utils.ts",
"selection": {
"start": { "line": 10, "character": 0 },
"end": { "line": 25, "character": 0 }
}
}
},
"id": 1
}Solve integration overhead, compatibility issues, and developer lock-in with our standardized protocol.
See how developers and organizations are using ACP to build better AI-assisted coding experiences without vendor lock-in.
AI agents can analyze code patterns, suggest improvements, and automatically refactor code while maintaining compatibility with your preferred editor's workflow and keybindings.
Generate comprehensive test suites and documentation directly within your editor, with agents that understand your project structure and coding conventions.
Work seamlessly across multiple programming languages with agents that can translate patterns, suggest equivalent implementations, and maintain consistency across your polyglot codebase.
Implement AI-powered security scanning and code review processes that integrate directly into your development workflow, catching vulnerabilities before they reach production.
Enable consistent AI assistance across your entire development team, regardless of individual editor preferences, ensuring uniform code quality and development practices.
Build specialized agents for your unique development workflows, from database migrations to API generation, all integrated seamlessly into your existing editor environment.
The ecosystem now spans editors, IDEs, desktop clients, CLIs, and a growing registry of authenticated agents.
Compare client surfaces, agent availability, adapters, and capability support.
Everything you need to implement ACP in your editor or build your own AI coding agent.
Whether you're building an editor integration or developing an AI agent, we have the resources to get you started quickly.
Start building with the Agent Client Protocol today. Join the growing ecosystem of developers creating the future of AI-assisted coding.
Everything you need to know about the Agent Client Protocol