SideChick
Parallel execution for your brain.
You hired an AI to write code, but what do you do while it thinks? SideChick turns AI generation time into skill-building time. Whenever your AI assistant starts executing a task, SideChick pops up a seamless, parallel challenge in your editor. Solve a quick LeetCode problem or debug a broken MERN app while you wait. Maximize your downtime and never lose your momentum.
The idea
AI pair programmers are fast. You should be too.
SideChick intercepts your session the moment an AI tool kicks in and opens a challenge flow in parallel. Pass it, and the AI is yours. Dismiss it, and your streak resets. Simple.
Two challenge modes
DSA mode
Pick a LeetCode problem, solve it in VS Code, submit for a real verdict.
- Fetches a real LeetCode problem via the GraphQL API
- Renders the full problem statement inside a VS Code themed webview
- Gives you a Monaco editor with starter code when LeetCode provides it
- Submits using your
LEETCODE_SESSION and csrftoken
- Polls for the verdict and shows a pass or fail overlay
Dev mode
Open a broken project in a fresh VS Code window and fix it before the AI does.
- Opens a bug-fix challenge in a new VS Code window
- Prefers remote admin-uploaded challenges from the backend
- Falls back to bundled local problems if the backend is empty
- Hides the test folder by default so you cannot peek
- Evaluates with
npm test
Score backend
SideChick ships with a lightweight Express + SQLite backend that:
- Stores users and challenge results
- Returns solved counts and streaks
- Serves remote Dev problem archives
- Supports admin-only uploads for new Dev problems
Commands
| Command |
What it does |
Sidechick: Start Challenge |
Opens the mode picker and starts a challenge |
Sidechick: Configure LeetCode Auth |
Stores your LC session cookie and csrf token |
Sidechick: Start MERN Bug Mode |
Directly opens a Dev mode bug-fix challenge |
Notes
- Dev mode always opens in a new VS Code window
- DSA mode runs inside the custom challenge panel in the current window
- The webview and panel use the SideChick icon and monochrome branding
Two challenge modes
DSA mode
Pick a LeetCode problem, solve it in VS Code, submit for a real verdict.
- Fetches a real LeetCode problem via the GraphQL API
- Renders the full problem statement inside a VS Code themed webview
- Gives you a Monaco editor with starter code when LeetCode provides it
- Submits using your
LEETCODE_SESSION and csrftoken
- Polls for the verdict and shows a pass or fail overlay
Dev mode
Open a broken project in a fresh VS Code window and fix it before the AI does.
- Opens a bug-fix challenge in a new VS Code window
- Prefers remote admin-uploaded challenges from the backend
- Falls back to bundled local problems if the backend is empty
- Hides the test folder by default so you cannot peek
- Evaluates with
npm test
Score backend
SideChick ships with a lightweight Express + SQLite backend that:
- Stores users and challenge results
- Returns solved counts and streaks
- Serves remote Dev problem archives
- Supports admin-only uploads for new Dev problems
Commands
| Command |
What it does |
Sidechick: Start Challenge |
Opens the mode picker and starts a challenge |
Sidechick: Configure LeetCode Auth |
Stores your LC session cookie and csrf token |
Sidechick: Start MERN Bug Mode |
Directly opens a Dev mode bug-fix challenge |
Notes
- Dev mode always opens in a new VS Code window
- DSA mode runs inside the custom challenge panel in the current window
- The webview and panel use the SideChick icon and monochrome branding
