ACE for VS Code
🔐 CLOSED BETA - This extension requires an ACE account to work.
→ Join the Waitlist to get your API token and start using ACE.
Without an account, the extension cannot connect to the ACE server.
Automatic Context Engine - Pattern learning for GitHub Copilot that captures what works and retrieves it when needed.
By Code Engine GmbH
Features
- 🤖 @ace Chat Participant - Ask Copilot to search patterns, capture learning, and more
- 🔧 Language Model Tools -
ace_search, ace_learn, ace_status, ace_get_playbook
- 📁 Multi-Root Workspace Support - Each folder gets its own ACE configuration
- 📊 Status Panel - Real-time playbook statistics
- ⚙️ Configure Panel - Easy server and project setup
- 🤖 Agent Files - Generate
.github/agents/ for CI/CD AI assistants
Quick Start
Step 1 is required - The extension won't work without an ACE account!
- Sign up for ACE - Get your API token (required!)
- Install from VS Code Extensions marketplace
- Open Command Palette (
Cmd+Shift+P on Mac, Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows/Linux)
- Run
ACE: Configure - opens setup panel
- Enter your credentials and select your project
- Run
ACE: Update Agent Files - generates .github/agents/ for CI/CD AI assistants
- Start using @ace in GitHub Copilot Chat!
Using ACE with Copilot
Agent Mode (Recommended)
For automatic pattern retrieval before tasks, select the ace-expert agent in Copilot Chat:
- Open GitHub Copilot Chat (
Cmd+I or Ctrl+I)
- Click the agent selector dropdown (top of chat panel)
- Select ace-expert from the list
- Start coding - ACE tools are now available to Copilot automatically!
When ace-expert is selected, Copilot can automatically call ace_search before implementing and ace_learn after completing work.
Chat Commands
Alternatively, use @ace commands directly in any Copilot chat:
@ace Chat Participant
Use the @ace chat participant in GitHub Copilot Chat:
| Command |
Description |
@ace /search <query> |
Search for relevant patterns in the playbook |
@ace /patterns [section] |
View playbook patterns by section |
@ace /status |
Show playbook statistics |
@ace /learn |
Capture patterns from the current session |
@ace /top |
Show highest-rated patterns |
@ace /bootstrap |
Initialize playbook from codebase |
@ace /clear --confirm |
Clear all patterns |
ACE provides 4 tools that GitHub Copilot can use automatically:
| Tool |
Description |
ace_search |
Search playbook for relevant patterns before implementing |
ace_learn |
Capture patterns and lessons learned from work |
ace_status |
Show playbook statistics |
ace_get_playbook |
Retrieve patterns filtered by section or quality |
Commands
| Command |
Description |
| ACE: Configure |
Opens webview panel to configure server URL, API token, and select project |
| ACE: Show Playbook Status |
Opens webview panel showing playbook statistics |
| ACE: Bootstrap Playbook |
Initialize patterns from existing codebase (git history, docs) |
| ACE: Capture Learning |
Manually trigger learning capture |
| ACE: Clear Playbook |
Clear all learned patterns |
| ACE: Update Agent Files |
Generate/update .github/agents/ files |
| ACE: Quick Actions |
Quick access to common ACE actions |
How It Works
ACE creates a self-improving learning cycle where each session benefits from previous work:
| Step |
Action |
Description |
| 🚀 |
Start Task |
You begin work in VS Code |
| ⬇️ |
|
|
| 📖 |
Retrieve Patterns |
Copilot calls ace_search → Fetches learned strategies |
| ⬇️ |
|
|
| ⚡ |
Execute |
Copilot completes task using patterns |
| ⬇️ |
|
|
| 💡 |
Capture Learning |
Copilot calls ace_learn → Playbook grows smarter |
| ⬇️ |
|
|
| 🔄 |
Next Session |
Enhanced patterns available → Back to Start! |
Playbook Sections
- strategies_and_hard_rules - Architectural patterns, coding principles
- useful_code_snippets - Reusable code patterns with context
- troubleshooting_and_pitfalls - Known issues, gotchas, solutions
- apis_to_use - Recommended libraries, frameworks, integration patterns
Multi-Root Workspace Support
In multi-root workspaces, each folder can have its own ACE configuration:
- Config panel shows folder name in title and header
- Per-folder settings saved to
.vscode/settings.json
- Folder picker appears when multiple folders are open
- All chat commands are folder-aware
Configuration
Workspace Settings
Configure in VS Code Settings (Cmd+,) or .vscode/settings.json:
| Setting |
Description |
Default |
ace.projectId |
ACE Project ID (format: prj_xxxxx) |
"" |
ace.orgId |
ACE Organization ID (format: org_xxxxx) |
"" |
ace.serverUrl |
ACE API Server URL |
https://ace-api.code-engine.app |
ace.automation.level |
Automation level: manual, smart, aggressive |
smart |
ace.automation.minEditsBeforeSuggest |
Minimum edits before suggesting learning |
10 |
ace.automation.idleMinutesBeforeSuggest |
Idle minutes before suggesting learning |
3 |
ace.automation.showStatusBar |
Show ACE status in status bar |
true |
ace.automation.gitAutoCapture |
Auto-suggest learning on commits |
false |
Agent Files
ACE can generate .github/agents/ files for CI/CD AI assistants. Run ACE: Update Agent Files to create:
.github/agents/ace-playbook.md - Playbook patterns for AI agents.github/.ace-version.json - Version tracking for smart updates
Requirements
- VS Code (v1.102.0+)
- GitHub Copilot Chat extension
- ACE account at ace.code-engine.app
- API token from the ACE dashboard
Links
License
MIT - Code Engine GmbH
