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What Are Code Actions?

Code Actions appear as a lightbulb icon (💡) in the editor gutter (to the left of the line numbers). You can also access them via:
  • Right-click menu
  • Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+. (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+. (macOS)
  • Command Palette
They appear when:
  • You highlight a section of code.
  • Your cursor is on a line with a diagnostic (error, warning, or hint).
  • You explicitly invoke a code action command.
Clicking the lightbulb or running the command opens a menu of available actions.

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Softcodes’ Code Actions

Softcodes adds several specialized actions:
  • Add to Context → Sends the selected code (with filename + line numbers) into your chat with Softcodes. Appears first in the menu for quick access.
  • Explain Code → Asks Softcodes to describe what the selected code does.
  • Fix Code → Lets Softcodes resolve problems in the selection (only shown when diagnostics are present).
  • Improve Code → Requests suggestions to make the code cleaner, faster, or more maintainable.

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Add to Context: Deep Dive

The Add to Context option is designed for speed. It pushes your selected snippet into chat, including the file path and exact line numbers. This gives Softcodes full context to deliver more precise help. Example Chat Message: 
Can you explain this function?  
@myFile.js:15:25
Here, @myFile.js:15:25 indicates the code snippet inserted through Add to Context. Each action can be performed:
  • In a New Task → Start a separate conversation around this code.
  • In the Current Task → Add the action into your ongoing thread.

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How to Use Code Actions

1. From the Lightbulb (💡)
  • Select a line or block of code.
  • Look for the lightbulb icon in the gutter.
  • Click the icon → choose a Softcodes action.
  • Review Softcodes’ suggestion in the chat panel → approve or reject.
2. From the Right-Click Menu
  • Highlight code.
  • Right-click → select Softcodes.
  • Choose an action from the submenu.
  • Review and approve/reject in chat.
3. From the Command Palette
  • Highlight code.
  • Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P).
  • Type “Softcodes” and select an action (e.g., Explain Code).
  • Review Softcodes proposed solution in the chat.

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Customizing Code Action Prompts

You can tailor the instructions behind each Code Action to better fit your workflow.
  1. Open the Prompts tab from Softcodes’ top menu.
  2. Find Support Prompts (Enhance Prompt, Explain Code, Fix Code, Improve Code).
  3. Edit the text for the action you want to adjust.
    • Use placeholders like ${filePath} or ${selectedText} to inject context automatically.
  4. Click Done to save changes.

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Why Use Softcodes’ Code Actions?

By embedding AI-powered assistance directly into your editor, you can:
  • Quickly understand unfamiliar code.
  • Get instant fixes for errors and warnings.
  • Improve readability and maintainability without context switching.
  • Share relevant code context seamlessly into your chat with Softcodes.