CodeVista Chat Feature User Guide

The chat feature is the primary way to interact with CodeVista and leverage its AI-powered coding assistance capabilities. Here's how you can use it effectively:

Prompt Input

Image: Prompt Input

• To begin, type your coding question, task, or command into the prompt input box.Be as specific as possible when describing the problem, desired outcome, or task you need assistance with.You can include code snippets, error messages, or any other relevant information in your prompt.

Reviewing Responses

After submitting your prompt, CodeVista will process it and provide a response in the chat window.

Responses may include code snippets, explanations, or suggestions related to your prompt.

Below are some functions you can perform with CodeVista's response:

1. Special shortcuts

   • Type "/" to access a list of predefined actions for common coding tasks like explain, comment, and fix.See  sections for list of all Special action shortcuts

     Action Commands

2. Context and Code Upload

   • CodeVista uses the chat history and any uploaded code files as context for its responses.

   • Type "@" to reference code snippets like the current file or selected code in your prompt.See  sections for list of all Special context shortcuts

     Code Context

   • To provide additional context, use the "Code Context" button to select relevant files from your project.

     

     Image: Upload code context

3. Code Output Handling

   

   Image: Code output handling

   • If the response includes code snippets, you'll see buttons to

     i, Insert code at cursor

     ii, Replace selected code

     iii, Copy to clipboard

   • If you use "Insert code at cursor" or "Replace selected code", a Refactor Preview checkbox will appear, allowing you to review the proposed code changes side-by-side before applying them.You will need to click on the check box then on the changed files for the Preview to show.

     

     Image: Refactor Preview

4. Suggested Prompts (in beta)

   • After each response, CodeVista may display up to three suggested prompts related to the current context.
   • Click on a suggested prompt to populate it in the prompt input box for easy editing or submission.

5. Conversation History

   • CodeVista uses the conversation history as context for its responses, ensuring continuity and relevance.
   • If the conversation history exceeds the model's input limit, the oldest messages will be discarded to make room for new ones.

Remember, CodeVista is a powerful tool, but it's essential to review and validate any code or suggestions it provides before implementing them in your projects. Additionally, be mindful of any limitations or known issues mentioned in the documentation.