Boost Your Coding Efficiency: Set Up FREE AI Copilot in VSCode Now!

Introduction

In today's programming landscape, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can significantly enhance developer productivity. This article will guide you through setting up a local AI copilot, specifically focusing on the installation of the Code GPT extension in Visual Studio Code (VSCode) and utilizing models like Llama 3 and Code Llama.

Why Use AI in Development?

When developers bypass AI tools, they often face a tedious cycle of manually writing, debugging, and testing code—tasks that can be streamlined through AI. With local AI implementations, you can automate code generation, gain insights into existing code, and even create unit tests, thus elevating your development workflow.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the setup process, ensure that your local environment is equipped with the necessary tools:

1. Python or Llama 3: Install Llama 3 (the latest version) and consider experimenting with Code Llama for Python-related tasks.
2. Visual Studio Code (VSCode): Ensure you have VSCode installed on your machine.
3. Code GPT Extension: You will need to install the Code GPT extension for enhanced functionalities.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Install Llama 3

To start, follow the installation instructions outlined in my previous video. Search for "how to ai2" to find the tutorial video, where I provide detailed steps for Llama 3 installation.

2. Install the Code GPT Extension

1. Open VSCode and navigate to the Extensions panel.
2. Search for "Code GPT" and install the relevant extension provided by Code GP.
3. After installation, go to the extension settings to configure options:
   • Set the provider to Llama 3.
   • Choose the appropriate language for the interface.
   • Adjust token limits for larger context windows if desired.

3. Create Coding Files

You can create new files in your workspace. For illustration, we'll use:

• An empty JavaScript (JS) file.
• An empty PHP file.
• An empty Python file.

It's recommended to start coding in Python for this demonstration.

4. Using the AI Copilot

Within the Code GPT extension, you can prompt the AI to assist you. For example, entering a request such as "Please write a program to find prime numbers between 0 to 100" will generate code automatically.

1. Save the File: Always save your changes before running any code.
2. Run the Code: Execute the saved code to verify its functionality in your terminal.

5. Debugging and Explanation Tools

If you encounter issues within your code, you can ask the AI to "fix" specific parts of your code. Alternatively, select code snippets to get explanations or perform code refactoring.

6. Documenting and Unit Testing

Utilize the AI to document your code easily. You can ask the extension to outline what certain code snippets do or facilitate unit testing, which aids in verifying expected outputs against inputs.

Conclusion

Incorporating AI tools like Co-Pilot into your development workflow not only saves time but also enhances the quality of your work. By automating repetitive tasks and aiding in debugging, you’ll find a renewed focus on creative problem-solving in programming.

Keywords

• AI Tools
• Productivity
• Local AI Copilot
• Code GPT
• Llama 3
• VSCode
• Code Refactoring
• Unit Testing

FAQ

1. What is the Code GPT extension?

The Code GPT extension is a tool integrated with VSCode that leverages AI to assist in coding tasks, including generating code snippets, debugging, and providing explanations.

2. Do I need a paid plan for Code GPT?

While the tool offers several features for free, there may be limits on interactions per day. For more extensive usage, a paid plan is available, typically starting around $ 8 to $ 9 per month.

3. How can I debug my code using AI?

You can select the problematic code and invoke the "fix" command via the Code GPT extension to automatically rectify common issues in your code.

4. Can I use this AI for programming in languages other than Python?

Yes, the AI can assist with various programming languages depending on the models installed in your local environment, such as JavaScript and PHP.

5. Is the setup process complicated?

No, the setup process is straightforward, requiring you to install Llama 3, set up VSCode, and install the Code GPT extension following the steps outlined in the article.