Hedwig - AI Coding Mentor
Hedwig is an intelligent VS Code extension that guides you through coding projects like a mentor, not a code generator. Instead of writing code for you, Hedwig helps you learn, plan, and verify your progress with AI-powered insights.
Key Features
Smart Project Planning
- Visual timeline showing your project roadmap as a card-based layout
- AI-generated plans with structured, step-by-step guidance for any coding task
- Clear separation between project overview and actionable steps
Interactive Checklist
- Task tracking with a premium, segmented progress bar
- AI verification that inspects your code and automatically checks off completed tasks
- Verified badges showing which items Hedwig has confirmed as complete
Intelligent Chat
- Context-aware responses that understand your workspace and active files
- Reasoning display showing Hedwig's thought process
- Code explanations via right-click context menu
Premium UI
- Modern design with glassmorphism and smooth animations
- Dark mode optimized with high-contrast elements
- Responsive interactions with zero latency
Getting Started
1. Install the Extension
Search for "Hedwig" in the VS Code Extensions marketplace and click Install.
2. Set Your API Key
Hedwig uses OpenRouter for AI models. Get a free API key at openrouter.ai.
- Press Cmd+Shift+P (Mac) or Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux)
- Type "Hedwig: Set API Key"
- Paste your OpenRouter API key
3. Start Coding
- Click the Hedwig owl icon in the sidebar
- Ask Hedwig to help you build something
- Switch between Plan, Checklist, and Chat tabs to see your roadmap, track progress, and ask questions
Configuration
Hedwig uses two AI models for optimal performance:
- Main Model (hedwig.modelName): DeepSeek R1 for deep reasoning and planning
- Fast Model (hedwig.fastModelName): Liquid LFM 1.2B for quick verification tasks
You can customize these in VS Code settings.
How Hedwig Works
- Ask for Help: Describe what you want to build in the Chat tab
- Review the Plan: Hedwig creates a structured roadmap in the Plan tab
- Follow the Checklist: Work through tasks at your own pace
- Verify Progress: Click "Verify Progress" to let Hedwig check your work
- Learn and Iterate: Ask questions and get explanations as you code
Why Hedwig?
Unlike code generators that write everything for you, Hedwig:
- Teaches you to code, rather than doing it for you
- Guides your learning with structured plans
- Verifies your work to build confidence
- Explains concepts when you need help
Perfect for learners, students, and developers who want to improve their skills while building real projects.
Commands
- Hedwig: Open Chat - Open the Hedwig sidebar
- Hedwig: Set API Key - Configure your OpenRouter API key
- Hedwig: Clear Memory - Reset conversation history
- Hedwig: Explain Selection - Get an explanation of selected code
- Hedwig: Fix Errors in File - Ask Hedwig to help debug errors
Keyboard Shortcuts
- Cmd+H (Mac) / Ctrl+H (Windows/Linux) - Open Hedwig Chat
Contributing
Hedwig is open source. Contributions, issues, and feature requests are welcome.
License
MIT License - see LICENSE file for details
