---
title: "VS Code Setup - Autohand Code Docs"
source: https://docs.autohand.ai/guides/vs-code-setup
---

# VS Code Setup

Complete guide to installing and configuring Autohand Code in Visual Studio Code. Master AI-assisted coding with powerful IDE integration.

**Quick Install:** Install the Autohand Code extension from the VS Code marketplace in seconds. [Jump to installation](#installation) or check our [feature overview](/docs/working-with-autohand-code/code/vscode/features.html).

## Installation

### Method 1: VS Code Marketplace (Recommended)

1.  Open VS Code
2.  Press `Ctrl+Shift+X` (Windows/Linux) or `Cmd+Shift+X` (Mac) to open the Extensions panel
3.  Search for "Autohand Code"
4.  Click "Install" on the Autohand Code extension
5.  Wait for installation to complete
6.  Click "Reload" when prompted

### Method 2: Command Line

### Method 3: Manual Download

1.  Visit the [VS Code Marketplace](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=autohand.autohand-code)
2.  Click "Download Extension"
3.  Open VS Code
4.  Go to File > Extensions
5.  Click the "..." menu and select "Install from VSIX"
6.  Select the downloaded .vsix file

### System Requirements

-   VS Code 1.74.0 or higher
-   Node.js 16+ (for CLI features)
-   2GB RAM minimum (4GB recommended)
-   Internet connection for AI features

## First Setup

After installation, configure Autohand Code for optimal performance:

### Authentication

1.  Open VS Code
2.  Press `Ctrl+Shift+P` (Windows/Linux) or `Cmd+Shift+P` (Mac) to open the Command Palette
3.  Type "Autohand Code: Login" and press Enter
4.  Follow the authentication prompts
5.  Or use the command: `Autohand Code: Authenticate`

### Configuration

### Workspace Configuration

Create a `.vscode/settings.json` file in your project:

## Core Features

### 1\. Intelligent Code Completion

Autohand Code provides context-aware code suggestions as you type:

-   Start typing and press `Ctrl+Space` to see suggestions
-   Suggestions consider your entire project context
-   Supports 50+ programming languages
-   Learn from your coding patterns

### 2\. Inline Code Generation

Generate code directly in your editor:

-   Write a comment describing what you want
-   Press `Ctrl+Enter` to generate code
-   Accept suggestions with `Tab`
-   Reject suggestions with `Esc`

### 3\. Chat Interface

Open the Autohand Code chat panel for complex tasks:

-   Press `Ctrl+Shift+A` to open chat
-   Ask questions about your code
-   Request refactoring or optimization
-   Generate entire functions or classes

### 4\. Code Refactoring

Intelligent refactoring suggestions:

-   Right-click on code and select "Autohand Code: Refactor"
-   Choose from suggested improvements
-   Apply changes with preview
-   Supports modernization patterns

## Productivity Workflows

### Workflow 1: Rapid Prototyping

### Workflow 2: Test Generation

### Workflow 3. Code Documentation

## Advanced Features

### Multi-file Context

Autohand Code understands your entire project:

-   Analyzes imports and dependencies
-   Considers project structure
-   Learns from your coding patterns
-   Maintains consistency across files

### Custom Templates

### Team Collaboration

-   Share code snippets with team
-   Sync coding standards
-   Collaborative code reviews
-   Knowledge base integration

### Performance Optimization

## Keyboard Shortcuts

| Shortcut | Action | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl+Shift+A | Open Autohand Code Chat | Windows/Linux |
| Cmd+Shift+A | Open Autohand Code Chat | Mac |
| Ctrl+Enter | Generate Code | Windows/Linux |
| Cmd+Enter | Generate Code | Mac |
| Ctrl+Space | Show Suggestions | All |
| Tab | Accept Suggestion | All |
| Esc | Dismiss Suggestion | All |
| Ctrl+Shift+P | Command Palette | Windows/Linux |
| Cmd+Shift+P | Command Palette | Mac |

## Troubleshooting

### Extension Not Working

### Authentication Issues

### Performance Issues

-   Reduce maxTokens in settings
-   Enable caching
-   Exclude large directories
-   Disable unused features

## Next Steps

Master VS Code integration with these advanced guides:

[

### Complete Feature Guide

Deep dive into all VS Code features and capabilities.

20 min](/docs/working-with-autohand-code/code/vscode/features.html)[

### Writing Effective Prompts

Learn how to communicate effectively with Autohand Code.

15 min](/docs/guides/beginners/instructing-autohand.html)[

### Configuration Guide

Comprehensive configuration options and best practices.

12 min](/docs/working-with-autohand-code/configuration.html)[

### CI/CD Integration

Integrate Autohand Code into your development pipeline.

18 min](/docs/guides/ci-cd-automation.html)