---
title: "VS Code Features - Autohand Code"
source: https://docs.autohand.ai/working-with-autohand-code/code/vscode/features
---

# Features

A complete reference of Autohand Code features in VS Code. From inline suggestions to autonomous multi-file editing, discover how to get the most out of AI-powered coding.

## Chat panel

The chat panel is your primary interface for conversing with Autohand. It provides a rich, context-aware conversation experience.

### Context awareness

Autohand automatically includes relevant context in your conversations:

-   **Current file** - The file open in your editor
-   **Selection** - Any highlighted code
-   **Project structure** - Your workspace layout
-   **AGENTS.md** - Project-specific instructions
-   **Recent changes** - Git diff context

### Code references

Reference specific code in your messages:

-   `@filename` - Include a specific file
-   `@folder` - Include a directory
-   `@selection` - Reference current selection
-   `@git` - Include recent git changes

### Response actions

When Autohand proposes code changes, you can:

-   **Accept** - Apply all changes to your files
-   **Accept partial** - Apply specific changes only
-   **Edit** - Modify the proposed code before applying
-   **Reject** - Discard the proposed changes
-   **Copy** - Copy code to clipboard

## Inline suggestions

Get AI-powered code completions as you type, trained on your codebase patterns.

### How it works

As you type, Autohand analyzes:

-   Your current file and cursor position
-   Surrounding code context
-   Project conventions from AGENTS.md
-   Common patterns in your codebase

### Accepting suggestions

| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Accept full suggestion | Tab |
| Accept word | Ctrl+Right / Cmd+Right |
| Accept line | Ctrl+End / Cmd+End |
| Reject suggestion | Escape |
| Next suggestion | Alt+] / Option+] |
| Previous suggestion | Alt+[ / Option+[ |

### Configuration

Customize inline suggestions in VS Code settings:

``` json
{
  "autohand.autoSuggest": true,
  "autohand.suggestionDelay": 300,
  "autohand.maxSuggestionLength": 500
}
```

## Multi-file editing

Autohand can analyze and modify multiple files in a single operation. This is essential for refactoring, adding features that span components, or fixing bugs that affect several files.

### How it works

1.  Describe the change you want to make
2.  Autohand analyzes affected files across your project
3.  Changes are proposed as a unified diff
4.  Review and accept changes file by file or all at once

### Example prompts

``` text
Rename the User class to Account and update all imports

Add error handling to all API endpoints

Convert these class components to functional components with hooks
```

### Change review

The multi-file diff view shows:

-   List of affected files with change counts
-   Side-by-side or inline diff for each file
-   Accept/reject controls per file
-   Syntax highlighting in diffs

## Git integration

Built-in git support for reviewing changes, creating commits, and managing your version control workflow.

### Commit generation

Use the `/commit` command or ask Autohand to commit your changes:

``` text
Commit these changes with a descriptive message
```

Autohand will:

-   Analyze staged changes
-   Generate a meaningful commit message
-   Follow your project's commit conventions

### Change review

Ask Autohand to review your changes before committing:

``` text
Review my changes and identify any issues
```

### Branch management

Autohand can help with branch operations:

-   Create feature branches
-   Merge branches
-   Resolve conflicts
-   Cherry-pick commits

## Code actions

Quick actions for common coding tasks, accessible from the context menu or keyboard shortcuts.

### Available actions

| Action | Description | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Explain | Get an explanation of selected code | Cmd+Shift+E |
| Fix | Fix errors or issues in selection | Cmd+Shift+F |
| Refactor | Improve code structure | Cmd+Shift+R |
| Document | Add documentation comments | Cmd+Shift+D |
| Test | Generate tests for selection | Cmd+Shift+T |

### Context menu

Right-click on selected code to access Autohand actions:

-   Autohand: Explain Selection
-   Autohand: Fix Selection
-   Autohand: Refactor Selection
-   Autohand: Add to Chat

## Slash commands

Quick commands for common operations. Type `/` in the chat to see available commands.

### Session commands

-   `/new` - Start a new conversation
-   `/sessions` - List recent sessions
-   `/resume` - Resume a previous session

### Project commands

-   `/init` - Generate AGENTS.md for your project
-   `/add-dir` - Add directory to context
-   `/commit` - Create a git commit

### Configuration commands

-   `/model` - Change AI model
-   `/automode` - Toggle autonomous mode
-   `/permissions` - Manage tool permissions

See the [Slash Commands Reference](/docs/working-with-autohand-code/slash-commands.html) for the complete list.

## Auto mode

Enable autonomous operation for complex tasks. Autohand will work through the problem, making decisions and iterating until complete.

### Enable auto mode

-   Use the `/automode` command
-   Or enable in settings: `autohand.autoMode: true`

### How it works

1.  Describe your task or goal
2.  Autohand creates a plan
3.  Executes each step autonomously
4.  Verifies results and iterates if needed
5.  Reports completion with summary

### Safety controls

-   Configurable iteration limits
-   Permission prompts for destructive operations
-   Checkpoint system for reverting changes
-   Progress visibility in the chat panel

**Best practice:** Start with well-defined tasks in auto mode. Complex, ambiguous requests work better in interactive mode where you can guide the process.

## Skills

Extend Autohand with specialized capabilities through the skills system.

### Available skills

-   **Frontend** - React, Vue, CSS patterns
-   **Backend** - API design, database queries
-   **DevOps** - CI/CD, infrastructure
-   **Testing** - Unit tests, integration tests
-   **Documentation** - READMEs, API docs

### Using skills

Skills are automatically activated based on context, or you can explicitly request them:

``` text
Using the frontend skill, create a responsive navigation component
```

### Custom skills

Create project-specific skills by adding skill definitions to your AGENTS.md file. See the [Skills documentation](/docs/working-with-autohand-code/skills.html) for details.

## Settings reference

Complete list of VS Code settings for Autohand Code.

| Setting | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| autohand.model | AI model to use | z-ai/glm-4.7 |
| autohand.autoSuggest | Enable inline suggestions | true |
| autohand.suggestionDelay | Delay before showing suggestions (ms) | 300 |
| autohand.contextFiles | Max files in context | 20 |
| autohand.showInlineHints | Show hints in editor | true |
| autohand.autoMode | Enable autonomous mode | false |
| autohand.maxIterations | Max auto mode iterations | 10 |
| autohand.telemetry | Send anonymous usage data | true |

## Troubleshooting

### Extension not activating

-   Ensure VS Code version is 1.85 or later
-   Check the Extensions view for error messages
-   Try disabling and re-enabling the extension
-   Check Output panel (View > Output > Autohand)

### Authentication issues

-   Run "Autohand: Sign Out" then sign in again
-   Check your API key in settings if using key auth
-   Verify your account status at autohand.ai

### Slow responses

-   Reduce `contextFiles` setting
-   Use more specific file references
-   Check your network connection

### Getting help

If you encounter issues:

-   Use `/feedback` to report bugs
-   Check the [GitHub issues](https://github.com/autohandai/autohand-code/issues)
-   Join our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/ZM3TCtwCwG)