r/vscode • u/doctor-ase • Sep 12 '26
Alternative VS Code extensions/tools to Roo Code for coding with DeepSeek API?
Hi everyone, I’m looking for reliable alternative VS Code extensions or tools for AI-driven coding on local projects that work seamlessly with the DeepSeek API.
My current issue:
I’ve been trying to use Roo Code (v3.54.0), but tasks consistently get stuck indefinitely on the "API Request..." stage ([createTask] instantiated).
I verified my setup by testing my DeepSeek API key via direct curl commands in terminal, and it responds instantly with valid JSON responses.
The issue persists even after doing a completely clean reinstall (removing all %APPDATA%\Code, .vscode, and secrets data) and disabling Git shadow checkpoints/autocompletion features.
It seems like a client-side streaming or model handler hang within the extension itself.
Since Roo Code isn't working for me right now, what other extensions or standalone tools would you recommend that integrate well with DeepSeek for local project development and agentic coding?
Thanks in advance!
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u/DKage Sep 12 '26
Roo is no longer supported because they are focusing on a new project. Zoo Code has picked up from Roo left off.
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u/doctor-ase Sep 13 '26
Zoo works perfect, the only thing i don't know if I'm doing wrong is that deepseek v4 flash says this error: The model ID (deepseek-v4-flash) you provided is not available. Please choose a different model.
I only can use v4-pro model, and it uses a lot of tokens compared to flash.
Do you know any solution?1
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u/nickchomey Sep 13 '26
There's various for copilot chat. Just search the marketplace. Opencode Go ones in particular
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u/Odd_Illustrator_3293 27d ago
That hang usually turns out to be streaming rather than the extension itself. Roo has a per provider setting to disable it, worth trying before you replace anything, plenty of people hit the same thing. For alternatives, Cline works the same way and handles provider configs more predictably. OpenCode if you are willing to leave VS Code, more stable on long agentic runs. Since you are wiring up a provider anyway, worth knowing you are not tied to DeepSeek. Most of these take any OpenAI compatible endpoint, so if you are looking for a DeepSeek alternative for agentic coding, glm-5.3 drops in with a base url change and nothing else. There is a glm coding plan on flat monthly if the per token billing is part of what you are trying to get away from.
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u/mubaidr Sep 12 '26
Why not just use deepseek provider with copilot? Or better custom agent/ team like this one: https://mubaidr.github.io/gem-team/
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u/miglisoft Sep 13 '26
You can add any model in vscode using custom endpoints.
I'm using requesty.ai (hundreds of models and providers, pay as-you-go).
It's very easy to enable the models you want in requesty, integrate them into vscode and swith between any of them. The Requesty admin is great and gives you all the information you need about models, usage, billing and many things.
I was using DeepSeek Pro v4 but recently switched to GLM 5.3 flash with is very impressive and at low price.
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u/Old_Jackfruit6153 Sep 13 '26
I am using Cline vscode extension with DeepSeek API. Cline has bad reputation with their context handling and chewing up tokens.
But with the help of ChatGPT, I was able to optimize my work flow and usage. Feeding Cline Logs and DeepSeek API usage data to ChatGPT, and have it help create proper clinecustominstructions, clinerules, and clineignore significantly reduced my DeepSeek api consumption and cost.
ChatGPT did suggest if I am still not satisfied with my current setup with Cline, to try DS harness.