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ATJS Catalyst

ATJS Catalyst

ATJS

|
2 installs
| (1) | Free
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Installation
Launch VS Code Quick Open (Ctrl+P), paste the following command, and press enter.
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Catalyst – Your AI Coding Mentor

Catalyst is a Visual Studio Code extension that aims to bridge the gap between AI-assisted coding and genuine understanding. With the rise of AI-generated code snippets, developers often copy-paste solutions without fully grasping how they work.

Catalyst makes that learning process engaging by:

  • Detecting pasted vs. handwritten code
  • Reacting with a dynamic, expressive mascot
  • Explaining the pasted code using an AI model
  • Quizzing the user to reinforce understanding

Mission

We believe that AI should support learning — not replace it. Catalyst helps ensure developers truly understand what they’re writing by:

  • Detecting copy/pasted code patterns vs. handwritten input
  • Providing clear explanations for pasted code
  • Generating personalized quizzes to test your comprehension
  • Adapting to your learning style and providing study plans

All while being accompanied by a helpful and expressive mascot!


Meet Your Coding Companion

The Catalyst mascot changes its expression based on your coding behavior:

Idle - Not typing for a while focus

Stern - Mostly pasting code mad

Happy - Mostly writing code happy


Features

  • Dynamic Emotion Detection A 200px avatar watches your coding style and reacts based on your % of pasted vs. handwritten code.

  • Code Explanation Paste a block of code and receive an instant, AI-powered breakdown of what it does and why it matters.

  • Quizzes After an explanation, take a quiz to reinforce your understanding — including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and coding questions.

  • Learning History & Study Plans Coming soon: track your past explanations and quiz results to build a personalized study roadmap.


How It Works

  1. Install the extension in VS Code.
  2. Paste code into your editor — Catalyst detects it and generates an explanation.
  3. Interact with the avatar and take a short quiz.
  4. Improve your understanding and reduce reliance on copy/paste and upskill yourself with custom generated study plan.
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