A VS Code extension that watches your terminal automatically, detects programming errors, and explains them in simple beginner-friendly language using a local AI model. It tells you what went wrong, why it happened, how to fix it, and how serious the error is — all without leaving your editor. Since
Installation
Launch VS Code Quick Open (Ctrl+P), paste the following command, and press enter.
Chikput is a VS Code extension that watches terminal commands, detects likely programming errors, and explains them in simple beginner-friendly language with your chosen AI provider.
Features
Captures terminal output using VS Code shell integration
Detects likely errors automatically when a command finishes
Includes active editor code when available
Uses Ollama by default
Supports OpenAI, Claude, and Gemini with user-provided API keys
Lets you re-run the latest explanation from the Command Palette
Commands
Chikput: Explain Last Terminal Error
Chikput: Set AI Provider
Chikput: Set Provider API Key
Extension Settings
chikput.provider: ollama, openai, claude, or gemini
chikput.autoExplainTerminalErrors: auto-run explanation after terminal errors
chikput.includeActiveEditorCode: include active editor code in the prompt
chikput.maxTerminalCharacters: limit terminal text sent to the provider
chikput.maxCodeCharacters: limit code context sent to the provider
chikput.ollama.baseUrl: local Ollama server URL
chikput.ollama.model: Ollama model name
chikput.openai.model: OpenAI model name
chikput.claude.model: Claude model name
chikput.gemini.model: Gemini model name
Setup
Start the extension with F5
If you want Ollama, make sure your Ollama server is running locally
If you want OpenAI, Claude, or Gemini:
Save the key with Chikput: Set Provider API Key
Pick the provider with Chikput: Set AI Provider
Run a terminal command that produces a real error
Notes
Automatic capture depends on VS Code terminal shell integration
