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Dirac VS Code Extension User Guide

The Dirac VS Code extension integrates a powerful AI coding agent directly into your development environment. It provides a seamless interface for chatting with the agent, managing tasks, and automating complex refactoring.

Note: Both the VS Code extension and the CLI share a powerful core backend, ensuring consistent behavior and access to the same advanced toolset across all interfaces.

📦 Installation

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X).
  3. Search for Dirac.
  4. Click Install.

🚀 Getting Started

1. Open the Dirac Sidebar

Click on the Dirac icon in the Activity Bar (usually on the left side of VS Code) to open the Dirac panel.

2. Configure Your Provider

Before starting, you need to set up an AI provider:

  • Click the Settings icon in the Dirac panel.
  • Select your preferred provider (e.g., Anthropic, OpenAI, OpenRouter).
  • Enter your API Key.
  • Select the Model you wish to use.

3. Start Your First Task

Type a description of what you want to do in the chat box and press Enter:

"Add a new 'Contact' page to this React app."

🛠️ Key Features

Chat Interface

Watch Dirac think and execute tools in real-time with a full approval workflow for sensitive actions.

History

Access all your past tasks and resume exactly where you left off in any previous session.

Dirac Rules

Define custom instructions that the agent should always follow for specific projects or globally.

Worktrees

Dirac can work in isolated environments, preventing interference with your uncommitted changes.

⌨️ Slash Commands

Use these commands in the chat box to quickly trigger specific actions:

  • /newtask

    Start a new task while carrying over important context.

  • /smol

    Condense the current chat history to save tokens.

  • /explain-changes

    Analyze and explain the differences between git refs.

  • /newtask

    Start a new task while carrying over important context from the current one.

  • /smol

    Condense the current chat history to save tokens and improve performance.

  • /newrule

    Create a new Dirac Rule based on the current conversation.

  • /reportbug

    Automatically create a GitHub issue for Dirac if you encounter a problem.

  • /explain-changes

    Analyze and explain the differences between git refs (branches, commits, or PRs).

⚙️ Settings

Customize your Dirac experience in the Settings panel:

  • Auto-Approval: Choose which tools Dirac can run without asking for permission.
  • Browser Settings: Configure how Dirac interacts with websites (window size, headless mode).
  • Model Configuration: Fine-tune model parameters like temperature and max tokens.
  • Theme: Toggle between light and dark modes or follow your VS Code theme.

🛡️ Autonomous Tools

Dirac has access to a suite of tools to help it complete tasks:

File Operations
Terminal Execution
Browser Navigation
AST Manipulation

Previous Guide

← CLI Guide