VS_CODE-Chat_Extension

A Visual Studio Code extension that integrates AI-powered chat capabilities directly into your editor, enhancing your coding experience with intelligent assistance.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Installation
• Usage
• Configuration
• Dependencies
• Examples
• Troubleshooting
• Contributors

Introduction

The VS_CODE-Chat_Extension brings conversational AI directly into Visual Studio Code. By leveraging models like Gemini and Gemma, it allows developers to interact with their codebase through natural language, facilitating tasks such as code generation, modification, explanation, and intelligent file-level operations.

Features

• AI-Powered Chat Interface: Interact with AI to assist with development tasks inside VS Code.
• Multi-Model Support: Switch between AI models like Gemini and Gemma based on your requirements.
• Tool-Driven Code Interaction: Use AI toolCalls to modify code files directly via structured commands.
• RAG-Based Contextual Indexing: Retrieve relevant file context using a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipeline.
• Version Fetching Capabilities: Automatically fetch framework/library versions for up-to-date code assistance.
• System Prompt Customization: Tailor AI behavior using modifiable system prompts.
• Session History: Retain past interactions to maintain conversation flow and context.

Installation

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/Ahilash05/VS_CODE-Chat_Extension.git
   

2. Navigate to the Project Directory:

   cd VS_CODE-Chat_Extension
   

3. Install Dependencies:

   npm install
   

4. Launch in VS Code:

   • Open the folder in Visual Studio Code.
   • Press F5 to start a new Extension Development Host.

Usage

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P).

2. Search and select Chat: Open Chat Interface.

3. Type your queries or tasks. For example:

   • Ask for code explanations.
   • Request code snippets.
   • Modify code directly with toolCalls.

Configuration

• System Prompt: Modify the systemPrompt.js file to change how the assistant behaves.

• Model Configuration: Customize how Gemini and Gemma are invoked via geminiWrapper.js and gemmaWrapper.js.

• Extension Settings: Adjust behaviors in the extension settings panel of VS Code if supported.

Dependencies

• Visual Studio Code

• Node.js

• Other dependencies as listed in package.json:

  • e.g., @google/generative-ai, file I/O libraries, and indexing tools.

Examples

Code Generation

• User: “Generate a React login form with state handling.”
• AI: Provides a full component code snippet.

Code Explanation

• User: “Explain what this reducer function does.”
• AI: Breaks down the logic and flow.

Code Modification via toolCalls

• User: “Rename all instances of oldFunction to newFunction in this file.”
• AI: Uses structured toolCalls to safely modify the file contents.

File Context Retrieval (RAG)

• When a user query references a function not in the current editor view, the system:

  • Uses a RAG-based approach to search through indexed project files.
  • Retrieves relevant snippets and context before crafting a response.

Version Fetching

• User: “Use the latest version of Express in this code.”
• AI: Automatically fetches the latest version of the package and updates the package.json or code accordingly.

Troubleshooting

• Extension Doesn’t Start:

  • Ensure you ran npm install and opened the project properly.
  • Check output in Developer Tools (Help > Toggle Developer Tools).

• No Response from Chat:

  • Verify internet access and API credentials for models (if required).
  • Ensure correct model wrappers are configured.

• Files Not Being Modified:

  • Confirm file permissions in your workspace.
  • Check the toolCalls logic for errors or permission issues.

Contributors

• Ahilash05

Let me know if you’d like badges, GIFs, or VS Code Marketplace publishing instructions added as well!