// COMPARISON
Kognyt vs Illuminated Cloud
Illuminated Cloud knows Apex syntax. Kognyt knows your org.
Illuminated Cloud is an excellent IntelliJ plugin for Apex and Lightning language support. Kognyt adds Platform Intelligence in MCP and Org Context through Kognyt for VS Code, going beyond syntax into relationships, dependencies, and best practices across your Salesforce org.
Illuminated Cloud excels at Apex syntax support within IntelliJ. Kognyt focuses on Salesforce context that works with AI tools across surfaces. If you stay in IntelliJ, MCP is the fastest entry point. If you work in VS Code or Cursor, Kognyt for VS Code goes deeper.
// FEATURE COMPARISON
Side by side
| Feature | Kognyt | Illuminated Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| IntelliJ integration | ||
| Apex code completion | Via AI tools | |
| Metadata browsing | ||
| Cross-object relationship intelligence | ||
| Governor limit best practices | ||
| Tribal knowledge / anti-pattern detection | ||
| AI tool integration (MCP) | ||
| Works with multiple IDEs | IntelliJ only |
// WHY KOGNYT
The Kognyt advantage
Org-Level Intelligence
Kognyt builds a semantic model of your entire org — objects, fields, automations, permissions, and how they relate. Not just syntax, but meaning.
IDE Agnostic
The MCP server works with Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code Copilot, and any MCP-compatible tool. Your intelligence is not locked to one IDE.
Tribal Knowledge Engine
Best practices, governor limit patterns, and anti-patterns codified from senior developers — surfaced proactively as you work.
Dependency Analysis
Understand field dependencies, automation chains, and permission impacts before making changes. See the full picture, not just the file.
// FAIR PLAY
Where Illuminated Cloud excels
We believe in honest comparisons. Here is what Illuminated Cloud does well.
- Deep IntelliJ IDE integration
- Excellent Apex syntax support
- Metadata browser and explorer
- Mature product with long track record
Try Kognyt for free
Keep your current IDE and add Salesforce Platform Intelligence through Kognyt MCP. If you move through VS Code or Cursor, Kognyt for VS Code adds connected-org context.