Echo Code — AI-Assisted Python Debugging for Visually Impaired Programmers
Echo Code is a Visual Studio Code extension that brings AI-powered tutoring, speech feedback, and accessible code navigation to all developers — especially visually impaired programmers.
Originally built for Python debugging, Echo Code has evolved into a language-agnostic assistant that now supports Python, C++, and general programming files across most languages.
Features
Student/Developer Mode
Allows the user to switch from a developer mode to a student mode where some features are locked.
Automatic Python Error Detection
Automatically detects errors using Pylint when a Python file is saved.
Reads Critical Errors Aloud
Uses text-to-speech to read only essential errors (e.g., syntax errors, undefined variables).
Output Panel Logging
Displays all detected errors in the VS Code Output Panel for visual reference.
Simplified Error Messages
Provides clear, concise explanations without overwhelming beginners.
Summarize Functions, Programs, and Classes
Automatically generates brief summaries for programs along with individual functions and classes using AI, delivered via text-to-speech (TTS).
AI Code Tutoring Annotations
Provides inline annotations explaining common coding mistakes and suggesting improvements.
functions for generating big O(n) annotations
Interactive Chat Tutor
An AI-powered tutor that reads your active file and answers questions or provides exercises specific to its content. Open it with Ctrl+Alt+C and ask about your code directly.
Voice Input for Tutor Chat
Use your microphone to ask questions instead of typing them. Trigger voice input with a shortcut or mic button in the chat panel.
Auto-Detection of Missing Tools
Automatically prompts users to install Pylint if it’s not found.
Function Navigation via Hotkeys
Use Ctrl+Alt+Up/Down Arrow to navigate between function definitions, with automatic speech announcing the current function.
Assignment Tracker System
Allows blind users to upload .txt, .pdf, or .docx assignment files and uses AI to extract clear task lists:
Tasks are read aloud one-by-one.
Tasks can be marked complete with a hotkey.
Tasks are saved to a file and displayed in the output panel.
Integration with GitHub Copilot
Leverages GitHub Copilot and Copilot Chat for enhanced AI-powered coding assistance.
Line Reader
Allows the user to see what is put on the line exactly and generate a brief summary that also checks for issues
Character Reader
Alerts the user to what key is being pressed while typing and alerts to where their cursor is.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Command | Description |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Ctrl+Alt+A | code-tutor.Annotate | Generates the annotations. |
| Ctrl+Alt+S | code-tutor.speakNextAnnotation | Reads the next annotation, including line number and suggestion. |
| Ctrl+Alt+Q | code-tutor.readAllAnnotation | Reads all the annotations in the queue. |
| Ctrl+Alt+Down | echocode.jumpToNextFunction | Jumps to the next function in the file. |
| Ctrl+Alt+Up | echocode.jumpToPreviousFunction | Jumps to the previous function. |
| Ctrl+Alt+E C | echocode.summarizeClass | Summarizes the current class. |
| Ctrl+Alt+E F | echocode.summarizeFunction | Summarizes the current function. |
| Ctrl+Alt+E P | echocode.summarizeProgram | Summarize full program. |
| Ctrl+Alt+E W | echocode.whereAmI | Describes the scope the user is in. |
| Ctrl+Alt+U | echocode.increaseSpeechSpeed | Increases speech rate. |
| Ctrl+Alt+D | echocode.decreaseSpeechSpeed | Decreases speech rate. |
| Ctrl+Alt+X | echocode.stopSpeech | Stops current speech playback. |
| Ctrl+Alt+O | echocode.loadAssignmentFile | Uploads an assignment file for task tracking. |
| Ctrl+Alt+T | echocode.readNextTask | Reads the next task aloud. |
| Ctrl+Alt+M | echocode.markTaskComplete | Marks the current task as complete. |
| Ctrl + Alt + N | code-tutor.analyzeBigO | Queue up the big O annotations |
| Ctrl + Alt + B | code-tutor.iterateBigOQueue | Read next big O recommendation outloud |
| Ctrl + Alt + H | code-tutor.readEntireBigOQueue | Read all big O recommendations one at a time |
| Ctrl+Alt+C | echocode.openChat | Opens the EchoCode Tutor chat interface. |
| Ctrl+Alt+V | echocode.voiceInput | Starts voice input to ask the chat a question. Future feature |
| f1 | Reads out the hotkey options by letting you choose 1-7 depending on the option |
| Ctrl+Alt+L | echocode.readCurrentLine | Tells the user what is on the line exactly |
| Ctrl+Alt+K | echocode.describeCurrentLine | Generates and tells a user what is on the line |
| Ctrl+Alt+I | echocode.copyFileNameForImport | Generates an import function for Python and C++ to be pasted for connecting multiple files at the cursor 🆕 |
| Ctrl+Shift+I | echocode.pasteImportAtCursor | Pastes the import function for Python and C++ at the cursor 🆕 |
| Ctrl+Alt+; | echocode.createFile | Creates a new file in the current folder 🆕 |
| Ctrl+Alt+F | echocode.createFolder | Creates a new folder in the workspace 🆕 |
| Ctrl+Alt+P | echocode.navigateToNextFile | Moves to the next file in the current folder 🆕 |
| Ctrl+Alt+[ | echocode.moveToNextFolder | Navigates to the next folder in the workspace 🆕 |
| Ctrl+Alt+] | echocode.moveToPreviousFolder | Navigates to the previous folder in the workspace 🆕 |
| Ctrl+Alt+G | echocode.compileAndParseCpp / echocode checkPythonErrors | Compiles C++ or checks Python syntax, reading errors and fixes aloud 🆕 |
| Ctrl+Alt+9 | echocode.StudentAndDevMode / echocode StudentDevMode | Switches mode depending on the users preference
Installation & Requirements
Before using Echo Code, ensure the following are installed:
