CLion 2026.1 is here, and it’s packed with exciting new features that will revolutionize your development experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the key updates, including support for GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and other agents via the Agent Client Protocol (ACP), easy opening of custom and VS Code projects, and more.
Unlocking AI Potential with CLion 2026.1
One of the most significant updates in CLion 2026.1 is the ability to use more agents directly in the AI chat, turning CLion into an open ecosystem for your AI tools and workflows. This means you can now work with agents like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Codex, and many others supported via the Agent Client Protocol (ACP). No more jumping between tools or getting locked into a single provider that doesn’t fit every use case.
Getting Started with AI Agents in CLion
To get started with AI agents in CLion, follow these simple steps:
- Open Settings | Tools | AI Assistant | Agents or select Install From ACP Registry… in the AI chat agent picker menu.
- Find the agent you want to use.
- Click Install.
Other Notable AI Features
CLion 2026.1 also includes other notable AI features, such as:
- The ability to connect your personal OpenAI or Anthropic account through Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) – without needing a separate JetBrains AI subscription.
- Context-aware suggestions that deliver small, digestible code hints as you edit, with clear diffs that are easy to review and apply – without consuming your AI credits.
Build Tools and Project Formats
CLion 2026.1 also offers an easy way to set up or fine-tune code insight for all types of projects – including those based on unsupported project formats – and for non-project files, too. This feature simplifies migration from VS Code for users who already work with C/C++ properties, making the transition to CLion even smoother.
Easy Opening of Custom and VS Code Projects
CLion 2026.1 now allows you to easily open custom and VS Code projects with c_cpp_properties.json. This feature makes it easier to work with projects that don’t have a standard project format.
TCP Connections to Debuggers
CLion 2026.1 also includes TCP connections to debuggers that support the Debug Adapter Protocol (DAP). This feature allows you to debug your code more efficiently and effectively.
Enhanced Bazel Support
CLion 2026.1 includes enhanced Bazel support with new tools. This feature makes it easier to work with Bazel projects and improves your overall development experience.
Conclusion
CLion 2026.1 is a significant update that unlocks AI potential and improves the development experience. With support for GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and other agents via the Agent Client Protocol (ACP), easy opening of custom and VS Code projects, and more, this release is a must-have for any developer. Download CLion 2026.1 today and experience the future of development.
