Code Companion - Chat

Quick Start

Chat makes it easy to ask for help from an AI without leaving your IDE. Get explanations, generate code, and iterate on solutions conversationally.

Basic Usage

1. Start a Conversation

Type your question or request in the chat input and press Enter.

Examples:

• “Explain this function”
• “How do I handle errors in this code?”
• “Generate a test for this component”

2. Include Code Context

Select code in your editor, then use the keyboard shortcut to include it in your chat:

• VSCode - Press Cmd/Ctrl+ Lto send selected code to chat

• JetBrains - Press Cmd/Ctrl+ Jto send selected code to chat

3. Use @ for Additional Context

Type @to include specific context:

• @Codebase- Search your project for relevant code
• @Docs- Include documentation
• @Files- Reference specific files
• @Terminal- Include terminal output

Working with Responses

When the AI provides code in its response, you’ll see action buttons:

• Apply to current file - Replace your selected code
• Insert at cursor - Add code at your cursor position
• Copy - Copy code to clipboard

Tips for Effective Use

Start Fresh

Press Cmd/Ctrl + L VSCode or Cmd/Ctrl + J JetBrains in an empty chat to start a new session.

Be Specific

Include details about:

• What you’re trying to accomplish
• Any constraints or requirements
• Your preferred coding style or patterns

Iterate

If the first response isn’t perfect:

• Ask follow-up questions
• Request modifications
• Provide additional context

Common Use Cases

Code Explanation

Select confusing code and ask “What does this code do?”

Bug Fixing

Include error messages and ask “How do I fix this error?”

Code Generation

Describe what you want: “Create a React component that displays a user profile”

Refactoring

Select code and ask “How can I make this more efficient?”

Chat is designed for quick interactions and iterative problem-solving. Don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions!

How Chat Works

Code Companion’s Chat feature provides a conversational interface with AI models directly in your IDE sidebar.

Core Functionality

When you start a chat conversation, Code Companion:

1. Gathers Context: Uses any selected code sections and @-mentioned context
2. Constructs Prompt: Combines your input with relevant context
3. Sends to Model: Prompts the configured AI model for a response
4. Streams Response: Returns the AI response in real-time to the sidebar

Context Management

Automatic Context

• Selected code in your editor
• Current file context when relevant
• Previous conversation history in the session

Manual Context

• @Codebase- Search and include relevant code from your project
• @Docs- Include documentation context
• @Files- Reference specific files
• Custom context providers

Response Handling

Each code section in the AI response includes action buttons:

• Apply to current file - Replace selected code
• Insert at cursor - Add code at cursor position
• Copy - Copy code to clipboard

Session Management

• Use Cmd/Ctrl+ L VSCode or Cmd/Ctrl+ J JetBrains to start a new session
• Clears all previous context for a fresh start
• Helpful for switching between different tasks

Advanced Features

Prompt Inspection

View the exact prompt sent to the AI model in the prompt logs for debugging and optimization.

Context Providers

Learn more about how context providers work:

• Codebase Context
• Documentation Context

Chat is designed to feel like a natural conversation while maintaining full transparency about what context is being used.