That’s the promise of Codeium, a free AI co-pilot.
What Is Codeium?
Codeium is a free, AI-powered toolkit designed to supercharge the development process for programmers of all skill levels.
These include autocomplete, intelligent search, AI-powered chat, and support for over 70 programming languages.
Always review the code before using it.
If it doesnt make sense to you, try it in a test environment before using it in production.
Create a Codeium Account
Head over toCodeiumand sign up for a free account.
The process is straightforwardsimply key in your email address and set a password.
you might also sign up using a Google account.
Search forCodeiumand roll out the official extension by Codeium.
When youve installed the extension, launch it from within VSCode.
You’ll see a prompt asking you to sign in with your Codeium account details.
put in your credentials and grant the extension the necessary permissions to work its magic.
Set Up Codeium in VSCode
With Codeium authorized, you’re almost ready to code!
VSCode will display a small Codeium icon in the bottom right corner of the interface.
Go to theExtensionspage and poke the cog icon to bring upExtension tweaks.
For now, leave them as they are.
Let’s see Codeium in action.
For this example, try creating some simple Python code to sum two numbers.
VSCode is one ofthe best IDEs to write Python, and with Codeium, it can be even better.
Start by creating a new file in VSCode.
To summon Codeium, smack the bracket icon on the sidebar.
This will bring up the chat box, where it’s possible for you to ask Codeium questions.
These features vary between different IDEs, but VSCode seems to support all of Codeiums features.
Here are some other things you’re free to do with Codeium AI in VSCode.
The process is similar tousing ChatGPT for coding.
Autocomplete Code With Codeium AI
Autocompletion is Codeium’s top feature.
This goes beyond the basic autocomplete found in most IDEs.
Codeium AI will scan the context, recognize patterns, and recommend suitable code.
Try adding more parameters to the function in the previous code.
Once you addnum3,num4, andnum5, Codeium AI suggests corresponding variables to pass to the function.
Note that they follow the same pattern asnumber1andnumber2.
PressingTabwill insert the code into your file, saving you the hassle of typing it out manually.
Generate Python Docstrings With Codeium AI
Docstrings are the standard way todocument your Python code.
The process doesn’t require creativity, but it can be mundane and time-consuming.
Codeium can save you the burden by generating Docstrings at your command.
In the same Python example, clickingGenerate Docstringwill bring up the Codeium chatbox and return the Docstring.
Fortunately, Codeium AI can help you quickly refactor your code and tidy it up.
Simply click theRefactorlink in your code to get started.
That’s not all there is to refactoring with Codeium though.
Once you select a command, Codeium will make and preview the changes.
PressAlt + Aon your keyboard to accept the changes, orAlt + Rto reject them.
Codeium is a powerful AI tool that offers various features for programmers.
Once you give it a try, Codeium will likely become one of your favoriteVSCode AI extensions.
