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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 props
  • In @src/styles/global.css, change the font for all headings to Roboto
  • Search @src/utils/helpers.js for functions containing "async" and add JSDoc comments describing their behavior
  • Refactor the function calculateDiscount in @src/services/pricing.js to use arrow functions and simplify logic
  • Add a unit test for the fetchUserData function in @tests/user.test.js

Tips for Effective Requests:

  1. Be specific"Fix the bug in calculateTotal that returns incorrect results" is better than "Fix the code"
  2. Use @ mentions – Reference files and code directly with @filename
  3. One task at a time – Break complex work into smaller steps
  4. 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
Quick Interactions:
  • File paths → Open the file
  • URLs → Open in browser
  • Messages → Expand/collapse details
  • Code blocks → Copy button appears
Status Signals:
  • 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 contextUse @ to reference specific files
Multiple unrelated tasksSubmit one focused request at a time
Technical jargon overloadUse clear, straightforward language
Why it matters: Softcodes works best when you communicate like you’re talking to a smart teammate who needs clear instructions.
Ready to start coding? Open the chat panel and describe what you want to build!