Quick Setup
- Look for the Softcodes icon () in VS Code’s Primary Side Bar. Click it to open the chat panel.
- Can’t find it? Go to View > Open View… and search for “Softcodes”.
How to talk to Softcodes ?
Key idea: Just type what you want in normal language—no special commands needed.Good Example Requests :
Create a new React component called Card in @src/components/Card.tsx with a title and description propsIn @src/styles/global.css, change the font for all headings to RobotoSearch @src/utils/helpers.js for functions containing "async" and add JSDoc comments describing their behaviorRefactor the function calculateDiscount in @src/services/pricing.js to use arrow functions and simplify logicAdd a unit test for the fetchUserData function in @tests/user.test.js
Tips for Effective Requests:
- Be specific –
"Fix the bug in calculateTotal that returns incorrect results"is better than"Fix the code" - Use @ mentions – Reference files and code directly with
@filename - One task at a time – Break complex work into smaller steps
- Include examples – Show the style or format you want
Chat Interface Overview
Everything you need is right in the chat panel. Essential Controls:- Chat history – Review your conversation and task history
- Input field – Type your requests (press Enter to send)
- Action buttons – Approve or reject Softcodes’ suggested changes
- Plus button – Start a new task session
- Mode selector – Choose how Softcodes should approach your task
- File paths → Open the file
- URLs → Open in browser
- Messages → Expand/collapse details
- Code blocks → Copy button appears
- Spinning → Softcodes is working
- Red → Error occurred
- Green → Success
Common Mistakes to avoid
| Instead of… | Try this |
|---|---|
"Fix the code" | "Fix the bug in calculateTotal that returns incorrect results" |
| Assuming Softcodes knows context | Use @ to reference specific files |
| Multiple unrelated tasks | Submit one focused request at a time |
| Technical jargon overload | Use clear, straightforward language |
Ready to start coding? Open the chat panel and describe what you want to build!

