Expertline VS Code Extension

Overview

Expertline is a powerful VS Code extension that integrates with the Expertline platform to help developers find the most optimized code solutions. This extension provides expert recommendations and AI-powered alternatives by analyzing your selected code and presenting comprehensive comparisons with pros, cons, complexity ratings, and community endorsements.

Expertline Platform

Visit the main Expertline website to:

• Explore Topics: Browse expert-curated coding topics and best practices
• View Posts: Access detailed posts with community endorsements
• Discover Solutions: Find optimized approaches for your specific use cases
• Join Community: Connect with industry experts and fellow developers

Key Features

Dual Analysis Modes

• Expert Mode: Community-vetted solutions with endorsements and author information
• AI Mode: AI-generated alternatives using Google Gemini with contextual analysis

Comprehensive Comparisons

• Detailed Analysis: Pros, cons, complexity ratings, and code examples
• Community Insights: Endorsement counts, opposition rates, and author credibility
• Relevant Topics: Tagged topics for easy categorization and discovery
• Reference Links: Direct access to original posts and documentation

Modern UI/UX

• Responsive Design: Optimized for all screen sizes
• VS Code Integration: Native UI components with consistent theming
• Interactive Elements: Clickable topic tags and reference links
• Real-time Feedback: Status messages and progress indicators

Smart Automation

• Auto Mode: Automatically analyzes code when selected
• Manual Mode: Full control over analysis timing and context
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Quick access with Alt+X
• Context Menu: Right-click integration for seamless workflow

Installation

Prerequisites

• VS Code: Version 1.104.0 or higher
• Internet Connection: Required for API access

Production Installation

(Coming soon - VS Code Marketplace)

How to Use

Quick Start

1. Select Code: Highlight any code snippet in your VS Code editor
2. Activate Extension: Press Alt+X or right-click → "Find Expertline"
3. Choose Mode: Select Expert Mode or AI Mode
4. Add Context (Optional): Provide additional requirements or context
5. Analyze: Click "Find Alternatives" or enable Auto Mode
6. Review Results: Browse the comprehensive comparison table

Mode Comparison

Auto Mode

Enable Auto Mode for automatic analysis when you select new code:

• Instant Analysis: No manual trigger needed
• Smart Detection: Ignores placeholder text
• Seamless Integration: Works with your normal coding workflow

API Integration

The extension communicates with the Expertline platform API at https://expertline.xamples.xyz/api/compare:

Request Format

{
  "code": "selected code snippet",
  "details": "additional context",
  "categories": [],
  "maxAlternatives": 3,
  "mode": "expert"
}

Response Structure

{
  "mode": "expert",
  "comparisons": [
    {
      "name": "Solution Name",
      "summary": "Brief description",
      "pros": ["advantage1", "advantage2"],
      "cons": ["disadvantage1", "disadvantage2"],
      "complexity": "low|medium|high",
      "codeBlock": "implementation code",
      "referenceLink": "/posts/post-id",
      "referenceType": "post",
      "isBaseline": true,
      "originalPost": {
        "username": "author",
        "categories": ["topic1", "topic2"],
        "endorse": 20,
        "oppose": 1,
        "endorseRate": 0.95
      }
    }
  ]
}

Customization

Themes

The extension automatically adapts to your VS Code theme:

• Light Theme: Clean, professional appearance
• Dark Theme: Easy on the eyes for extended use
• High Contrast: Accessibility-friendly options

Settings

Configure the extension behavior through VS Code settings:

{
  "expertline.autoMode": false,
  "expertline.defaultMode": "expert",
  "expertline.maxAlternatives": 3
}

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Extension not responding

• Ensure internet connection is active
• Check if Expertline API is accessible
• Restart VS Code and try again

Auto Mode not working

• Verify code selection is valid (not placeholder text)
• Check if Auto Mode is enabled in the UI
• Try manual mode as fallback

API errors

• Confirm network connectivity
• Check VS Code Developer Console for detailed errors
• Verify API endpoint is accessible

Clipboard issues

• Some environments may restrict clipboard access
• Use the copy button in the table instead of keyboard shortcuts

Getting Help

1. Check the Console: Open VS Code Developer Tools for detailed error messages
2. Verify Network: Ensure https://expertline.xamples.xyz is accessible
3. Report Issues: Create an issue on GitHub with error details

License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

• Expertline Team: For providing the powerful API and platform
• VS Code Team: For the excellent extension development framework
• React Community: For the robust webview UI framework
• Contributors: Thanks to all who help improve this extension

Support

• GitHub Issues: Report bugs and request features
• Expertline Platform: https://expertline.xamples.xyz - Main website for topics, posts, and community
• Documentation: Check this README and inline code comments
• Community: Join discussions on the Expertline platform

Roadmap

Upcoming Features

• [ ] VS Code Marketplace: Official extension distribution
• [ ] Offline Mode: Cached analysis for common patterns
• [ ] Custom Providers: Support for additional AI providers
• [ ] Team Collaboration: Share and discuss code alternatives
• [ ] Performance Metrics: Analysis speed and accuracy tracking
• [ ] Integration APIs: Connect with other development tools

Version History

v0.0.1 (Current)

• Initial release with Expert and AI modes
• Comprehensive comparison tables
• Auto and manual analysis modes
• VS Code native UI integration
• Responsive design and modern styling
• Real-time status messages and feedback