Responding to messages

Kiro CLI provides a convenient way to respond to specific parts of Kiro's previous message through the /reply command. It opens an editor with Kiro's last response quoted with > prefixes, allowing you to easily address individual points or provide structured feedback. The command uses your system's default editor, and falls back to vi if no editor is configured

• Retrieves last response: Finds the most recent assistant message from the conversation
• Formats with quotes: Each line is prefixed with > for clear attribution
• Opens editor: Your default editor opens with the quoted content
• Edit and respond: Add your responses below or interspersed with the quoted text
• Submit: When you save and close the editor, your response is submitted

• Pre-populated content: Editor opens with Kiro's response already quoted
• Quote format: Each line prefixed with > for clear visual distinction
• Flexible editing: Add content anywhere - below quotes, between lines, or interspersed
• Auto-submission: Content is automatically submitted when editor closes successfully

When Kiro asks several clarifying questions, use /reply to address each one:

> What programming language are you using?
Python

> What framework are you working with?
Django

> What specific error are you encountering?
I'm getting a 404 error when trying to access my API endpoints.

When Kiro provides a detailed explanation, respond to specific parts:

> Here are three approaches you could take:
> 1. Use a database migration
> 2. Update the model directly
> 3. Create a custom management command

I'd like to go with option 1. Can you show me how to create the migration?

> Make sure to backup your data first.
Already done - I have a full backup from this morning.

When Kiro suggests multiple changes, organize your responses clearly:

> I recommend these improvements:
> - Add error handling for network requests
> - Implement input validation
> - Add logging for debugging

Agreed on all points. For the error handling:
- Should I use try/catch blocks or a decorator pattern?

For logging:
- What level of detail do you recommend?

The command provides clear feedback about its operation:

• Success: "Content loaded from editor. Submitting prompt..."
• No changes: "No changes made in editor, not submitting."
• No message: "No assistant message found to reply to."
• Editor error: "Error opening editor: [specific error details]"

• No assistant message: Shows warning if no previous Kiro response is found
• Editor failures: Reports editor process failures with specific error details
• Empty content: Detects when no changes are made and skips submission
• Unchanged content: Compares with initial text to avoid submitting unmodified quotes

• Use /reply when Kiro's response contains multiple points that need individual attention
• Keep your responses clear and organized when addressing quoted sections
• Focus on sections that need clarification rather than responding to every quoted line
• Use the quote structure to maintain context in longer conversations

View related pages

• Learn about Context Management for better responses
• Explore Slash Commands for quick actions
• Check Conversations to save and manage chats
• Review Prompts for effective questioning