> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.aikido.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.aikido.dev/ai-and-dev-tools/ide-plugins-overview/features/difference-between-aikido-cloud-scanning-and-ide-scanning.md).

# Difference Between Aikido Cloud Scanning and IDE Scanning

Aikido offers security scanning in two places: inside the developer’s editor and in the cloud platform. Both scan code and dependencies, but with different depth and context.

### Cloud Scans

* Run SAST, SCA and IaC checks across full repositories and connected cloud environments.
* Analyse complete codebases, dependency graphs and configuration files rather than only what is open in the editor.
* Provide richer context, for example reachability, deployment paths, and whether an issue affects production.
* Use advanced auto triage to cut down false positives and highlight real risk.
* Suitable for full-scope audits, CI pipelines and organisation-wide posture.

### IDE Scans

* Run SAST and SCA directly in the editor for fast feedback while coding.
* Limited to the current project and the files or manifests present in the workspace.
* Shallower analysis because it needs to be fast and local.
* Less context about how the code is built or deployed, so more findings require manual validation.
* Helpful for preventing issues before commit, but not a replacement for full cloud-based scanning.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.aikido.dev/ai-and-dev-tools/ide-plugins-overview/features/difference-between-aikido-cloud-scanning-and-ide-scanning.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
