VisualChatGPT Studio
VisualChatGPT Studio is an innovative extension designed for Visual Studio, enhancing the development experience by integrating ChatGPT, an AI model developed by OpenAI, directly into the development environment. This tool allows developers to utilize ChatGPT's capabilities to improve their coding workflow, from generating code suggestions to facilitating code reviews.
Copilot Functionality
VisualChatGPT Studio features a Copilot functionality that provides intelligent code suggestions as you type. When you’re writing code, you can press the Enter key to get helpful suggestions that help speed up the development process, and confirm them with the TAB key. This feature can be disabled if desired.
Code Editor Features
Within the code editor, users can access a range of ChatGPT commands by selecting a code method, such as:
- Complete: Suggests code completions.
- Add Tests: Generates unit tests for code.
- Find Bugs: Identifies potential bugs.
- Optimize: Provides code optimization.
- Explain: Offers explanations of selected code.
- Add Comments: Generates comments for code.
- Translate: Translates selected text into a different language.
You can choose to view responses in a tool window instead of the code editor by holding the SHIFT key while executing a command.
Customizable Commands
VisualChatGPT Studio allows customization of predefined commands for specific solutions or projects. This flexibility can accommodate different programming frameworks or languages, enhancing the tool's adaptability to various coding needs.
Interactive Tool Windows
Visual ChatGPT Studio Tool Window
A dedicated tool window allows developers to interact with ChatGPT, asking questions and receiving responses without affecting code directly. This feature includes options for generating git push comments based on pending changes, making it easier to document code changes efficiently.
Turbo Tool Window
The Turbo tool window allows more interactive sessions with ChatGPT and remembers the entire conversation. Users can send code to ChatGPT for direct interaction, which can be useful for adding new methods, modifying existing ones, and conducting detailed code analysis.
Solution Context Tool Window
This window lets you incorporate multiple project items for context in your interactions with OpenAI. It's especially useful for requests requiring broader context, enabling complex cross-class analysis and tests.
Code Review Tool Window
The Code Review feature provides automated code reviews based on Git changes, aiming to catch potential issues early and enhance code quality. By providing detailed feedback and integration within Visual Studio, it offers a seamless code reviewing experience.
Additional Features
- Backlog ChatGPT Assistant: Another extension developed by the same creators allows integration with Azure DevOps for managing backlog items in Visual Studio, expanding the range of AI-assisted development tools available.
- Authentication and Usage: To use VisualChatGPT Studio, an OpenAI API key or Azure OpenAI resource is required. Options for Microsoft Entra ID authentication are also available.
- Known Issues: Some users may experience delays in AI responses or require adjustments due to API-request length limitations.
Support and Donations
Developers who find the extension useful are encouraged to support its development through donations, helping to ensure the ongoing improvement and maintenance of this valuable tool.
VisualChatGPT Studio enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of software development by integrating sophisticated AI functionalities directly into the Visual Studio environment, providing a rich set of tools tailored for modern coding challenges.