Rubberduck is a Visual Studio Code extension designed to help developers code faster and more accurately. It uses AI to generate code, explain code, generate tests, find bugs, diagnose errors, and even create custom conversation templates.

To set up, users will need to sign up for an OpenAI API key, which they can enter with the Rubberduck: Enter OpenAI API key command.The AI Chat feature allows developers to ask questions about their code and software development topics.

This can be done through the command palette, editor context menu, keyboard shortcuts, or even the MacOS touch bar (if available). Rubberduck can generate code, edit code, explain code, generate tests, find bugs, diagnose errors, and more.

All of these features can be accessed through the command palette, context menu, or keyboard shortcuts.Finally, users can create their own conversation templates in their .rubberduck/template folder.

This allows them to craft AI chats that are specific to their conventions and use their own language. Rubberduck is a helpful tool for developers of all skill levels, allowing them to code faster and more accurately.

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Rubberduck was manually vetted by our editorial team and was first featured on March 1st 2023.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

Generates code

Edits code

Explains code

Generates tests

Finds bugs

Diagnoses errors

Creates custom conversations

Command palette access

Context menu access

Keyboard shortcuts

MacOS touch bar feature

Specific convention supports

Self-language usage

Visual Studio Code's extension

Code generation from description

Diff view generation

Code change instruction

Specific code explanation

Unit test generation

Specific code potential bug check

Error cause identification

Compiler and linter errors fix

Error solution through chat

Custom response creation

Conversational threads for different topics

Syntax highlighting supporting VSCode colors

Specific outcome description

Programming language context inclusion

Inaccuracy warning for detailed conversations

Code snippet selection for diagnosis

Code-specific conversation accuracy

Resource links provided

Project details visibility

Download extension support

Easy setup

Supports all skill levels

Continuous updates

Working with Universal

Sharing option available

Code error identification

Can provide error fixes

Goal-oriented suggestions

Supports multiple categories

Works with iOS

Available on Visual Studio Marketplace

Custom template generation

Robust documentation

Versatile tool

Cons

May conflict with themes

No syntax highlighting

Conversations may be inaccurate

Relies heavily on selection

No auto code application

Non-intuitive custom templates

No predefined templates

No active pull requests

Doesn't work offline

Q&A

What is Rubberduck for Visual Studio Code?

Rubberduck for Visual Studio Code is a powerful code assistant, designed to aid developers in coding swiftly and accurately. This is an extension for Visual Studio Code that leverages AI capabilities for generating code, explaining code output, generating unit tests, bug finding, diagnosing errors, and creating custom conversation templates.

How can Rubberduck assist me during coding?

Rubberduck provides many features that enhance the coding experience. It generates code, edits and explains code, generates tests, finds bugs, diagnoses errors, creates custom conversation templates and supports AI chat about software development topics. All these features can be accessed through command palette, context menu, or keyboard shortcuts.

How do I set-up Rubberduck in Visual Studio Code?

To set up Rubberduck in Visual Studio Code, you need to acquire an OpenAI API key by signing up on OpenAI's platform. Afterward, enter the API key using the 'Rubberduck: Enter OpenAI API key' command in Visual Studio Code.

What is an OpenAI API key and why do I need it for Rubberduck?

The OpenAI API key serves as a token to authenticate requests between Rubberduck and OpenAI's GPT-3 service, which powers the advanced AI capabilities of Rubberduck. It is essential for utilizing the features of Rubberduck such as generating code, explaining code, generating tests, diagnosing errors, and more.

How can I use the AI Chat feature in Rubberduck?

The AI Chat feature in Rubberduck can be accessed in several ways: through the command palette, editor context menu, keyboard shortcuts, or the MacOS touch bar. By using this feature, developers can ask questions about their code and software development topics, getting answers directly in their coding environment.

Can I generate code using Rubberduck?

Yes, Rubberduck can generate code on your behalf. You can initiate code generation by running the 'Rubberduck: Generate Code' command from the command palette, or by using the corresponding keyboard shortcut. You can give instructions in the new conversation thread in Rubberduck's sidebar panel, and the code is generated based on your description.

How does Rubberduck generate tests for my code?

Rubberduck generates unit tests for your selected code. By using the 'Generate Unit Test' command, you can choose a specific piece of code for which you want to create a test case. The generated test case appears in a new editor tab and can be further refined in the conversation panel.

How does Rubberduck find bugs in my code?

Rubberduck is equipped with a 'Find Bugs' feature that identifies potential defects in your code. You simply select the code you'd like to check for bugs and invoke the 'Find Bugs' command. Rubberduck will display a list of potential bugs in the chat window.

What features are available in Rubberduck for diagnosing errors?

Rubberduck's error diagnosing features enable it to identify error causes and suggest fixes faster. This works by selecting a piece of code containing errors, invoking the 'Diagnose Errors' command, and then a potential solution will be shown in the chat window.

How can I create custom conversation templates in Rubberduck?

Rubberduck enables creation of custom conversation templates that align with your coding conventions and language. You can add templates by creating .rdt.md files in the .rubberduck/template folder in your workspace. For custom chats, you can use the 'Rubberduck: Start Custom Chat' command.

What does 'Rubberduck: Enter OpenAI API key command' do?

The 'Rubberduck: Enter OpenAI API key command' is used to input your OpenAI API key into Rubberduck. This API key is necessary for authenticating requests with OpenAI's GPT-3 service, which powers Rubberduck's AI capabilities.

How does Rubberduck help me to edit my code?

Rubberduck can assist in editing code by generating a diff view upon validation of changes. You can highlight the code you want to modify, invoke the 'Edit Code' command, and Rubberduck will provide a suggested edit. Once you're content with the changes, you can apply them using the 'Apply' button.

Can Rubberduck explain the code that I'm working on?

Yes, Rubberduck can explain the selected code in your editor. You can run the 'Rubberduck: Explain Code' command or select the 'Explain Code' entry in the editor context menu. The explanation is then displayed in the Rubberduck sidebar.panel.

How can Rubberduck help with diagnosing errors in my code?

Rubberduck's 'Diagnose Errors' feature helps detect error causes and suggests potential fixes. Start by selecting the error-containing code, run the 'Rubberduck: Diagnose Errors' command, and the potential solutions will be displayed in the chat window.

What programming languages does Rubberduck support?

Rubberduck is language-agnostic. It is designed to provide a wide range of support for differing programming languages, increasing its versatility and utility for developers of all backgrounds.

How does Rubberduck's 'Start Chat' command work?

The 'Start Chat' command in Rubberduck initiates a new chat conversation about your code and related software development topics. You can start a chat using command palette, editor context menu, keyboard shortcut, or the MacOS touch bar. This feature provides a convenient way to interact with the AI while coding.

What does Rubberduck mean by custom conversations?

Custom conversations in Rubberduck refer to AI chats that are specifically crafted to reflect personal conventions and language preferences. This is part of the tool's effort to create a personalised coding assistant.

Do I need to know a specific language to use Rubberduck's templates?

No, you don't need to know a specific language to use Rubberduck's templates. You simply need to provide your instructions and the AI will correspond with the code. It's designed to follow the instructions and specifications that you provide.

Can I trust all the answers given by Rubberduck?

Rubberduck is an AI and, while it is designed to provide accurate and helpful responses, it's possible for some outputs to contain inaccuracies. Therefore, developers are advised to not place absolute trust in the answers but use them as guidance and always validate the appropriateness of the generated code or advice.

How can I get the most out of Rubberduck when coding?

There are several ways to maximise utility from Rubberduck while coding. For instance, it is beneficial to be specific with requests for code changes, and provide context such as the relevant programming language. Also, use different chat threads for different topics as this boosts accuracy of Rubberduck's responses, but do not trust the AI's responses blindly.