# Zed

An editor with native agents, external agent runtimes, and terminal threads.

Revision: 2026-09-13.4 · Review: unreviewed

Commissioned by a Nimbalyst maintainer; not an independent comparison.

## Applicability

Unpinned public documentation as of 2026-09-13. Documentation review only.

## Claims

- **yes · documented**: Runs multiple threads across projects and worktrees. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Documents parallel work against Git worktrees. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Supports external agents through ACP. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Supports terminal-backed agent threads. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Provides agentic edits and inline editing. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Agent Panel supports reviewing changes. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Generates commit messages in its Git panel. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Native agent uses configured MCP servers. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Native agent uses project instructions. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Native agent uses profiles and skills. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Supports hosted models and provider API access. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Documents local model access. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Documentation claim for the cited product surface; not runtime-tested. See source locator and dossier limitations.
- **yes · documented**: Displays active-thread token consumption. [Zed · agent panel](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/agent-panel) Scope: External-agent support varies by integration. Documentation only; not runtime-tested.
- **yes · documented**: Accepts or rejects individual change hunks. [Zed · agent panel](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/agent-panel) Scope: Agent review pane and optional inline review. Documentation only; not runtime-tested.
- **yes · documented**: Opens agent threads as Markdown. [Zed · agent panel](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/agent-panel) Scope: Export direction through the thread-as-Markdown action. Documentation only; not runtime-tested.
- **partial · documented**: Creates a new thread from the current conversation summary. [Zed · agent panel](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/agent-panel) Scope: Summary-seeded continuation, not an exact transcript clone. Documentation only; not runtime-tested.
- **yes · documented**: Extensions add languages, themes and server integrations. [Zed · extension development](https://zed.dev/docs/extensions/developing-extensions) Scope: Supported extension contribution types; procedural components use Rust/Wasm. Documentation only; not runtime-tested.
- **yes · documented**: Accepts provider API access alongside hosted models. [Zed · overview](https://zed.dev/docs/ai/overview) Scope: Configured provider credentials; not all agents share the same authentication. Documentation only; not runtime-tested.

## Open questions

- Native, ACP, and terminal agents have different configuration paths.
- Model access does not imply every external agent supports the same tools.

## Verification plan

1. Pin a product release or repository commit and record the host environment.
2. Create a disposable repository with a passing baseline test.
3. Run a bounded change with two agents where supported; record permissions and logs.
4. Record a failed attempt, actual outcome, and artifacts without secrets.
5. Have another person reproduce the result before labeling it reproduced.

Last checked: 2026-09-13. Recheck by: 2026-10-13.

Content rights: Unlicensed prototype; redistribution decision pending.