Connect Groq to VS Code + Continue

Last verified: 2026-08-24 · Model: llama-3.1-8b-instant

1. Install VS Code and Continue

1. Download VS Code for your OS and install it.
2. Open VS Code, go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X / Cmd+Shift+X).
3. Search for Continue and install the official extension.
4. Reload VS Code when prompted.

2. Get a Groq API key

1. Create a free account at console.groq.com.
2. Open API Keys and create a new key.
3. Copy the key for the config below.

3. Configure Continue for Groq chat

1. Open the Continue sidebar in VS Code.
2. Click the gear icon to open config.json.
3. Paste this config and replace YOUR_GROQ_API_KEY:

{
  "models": [
    {
      "title": "Groq llama-3.1-8b-instant",
      "provider": "openai",
      "model": "llama-3.1-8b-instant",
      "apiKey": "YOUR_GROQ_API_KEY",
      "apiBase": "https://api.groq.com/openai/v1"
    }
  ]
}

4. Save the file and restart VS Code.
5. Open Continue chat and select Groq llama-3.1-8b-instant.
6. Send a test message.

You can enable Tab autocomplete later in Continue settings if your provider supports it.

Troubleshooting

• 401 Unauthorized — verify the API key in config.json and restart VS Code.
• Model not listed — check that model is exactly llama-3.1-8b-instant.
• Rate limit — see Groq limits (30 RPM).

Limits checked against official docs on 2026-08-23. Rates change without notice. Not affiliated with providers unless noted. Verify before production use.

Other providers

See the free API comparison for OpenRouter, Gemini, Cerebras, and more.

← Free API guides · Get started