A learning-centric IDE plugin designed to empower novice programmers in reading and understanding programming error messages (PEMs) with confidence and autonomy. Research-only IDE plugin for University of Zurich learners, helping novices understand programming error messages (PEMs).
Installation
Launch VS Code Quick Open (Ctrl+P), paste the following command, and press enter.
A learning centric VS Code extension that helps novices read and understand Programming Error Messages (PEMs). It captures runtime errors, attaches lightweight context, and sends them to the IRA backend for guidance and analysis.
Research-only availability
IRA is an experimental tool operated for University of Zurich research studies. Support is limited to UZH learners and staff who participate in the study.
Install for the class
Download the .vsix file provided by the instructors.
In VS Code open the Extensions panel, click the three dots, choose Install from VSIX…, and select the file.
Open Settings and search IRA.
IRA: Coordinator Endpoint set to your class backend URL, for example https://<your-vm-domain-or-ip>.
IRA: Api Key leave empty unless your instructor provides one.
Restart VS Code.
Usage
Open a Python file.
Run the command IRA: Run Python and Log Runtime Errors from the Command Palette.
When the program throws an error, the extension logs the PEM and sends it to the coordinator endpoint you configured.
Settings
ira.coordinatorEndpoint string. Base URL of the IRA coordinator service.
ira.apiKey string. Optional API key for the coordinator.
Availability & support
Designed for research conducted by the University of Zurich (UZH).
Only UZH-affiliated learners and facilitators are supported at this time.
Requirements
VS Code 1.103.0 or newer.
Python configured in your workspace so your file can run.
Known limitations
This class build focuses on Python error collection.
Network access to the coordinator must be available from the student device.
Release notes
0.1.0-class.1
Initial class build. Error capture for Python, configuration for coordinator endpoint, production build with esbuild.
