> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lilypad.tech/lilypad/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lilypad.tech/lilypad/tooling-plugins-and-integrations/integrations/vs-code-helper-extension.md).

# VS Code Helper Extension

An integrated development environment for running AI workloads on the Lilypad Network directly within Visual Studio Code.

The **Lilypad VS Code Extension** allows developers to interact with the Lilypad Anura API within Visual Studio Code. By highlighting code blocks, users can query the available LLMs on Lilypad  for explanations, improvements, or suggestions, receiving responses in a formatted webview panel.

<figure><img src="https://58337262-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FtadiyoOe4nTUoSulEVOV%2Fuploads%2FRkrbUBRqt5KujxSuFITV%2Fanura-vscode-gif.gif?alt=media&amp;token=e52e9344-381c-4382-aaa3-4eabca72c634" alt=""><figcaption><p>VS Code extension in action</p></figcaption></figure>

### Features

* **AI-Powered Code Assistance** – Select any code in your editor, choose an AI model, and ask Lilypad questions about it
* **Formatted Responses** – View AI-generated insights in a structured webview panel
* **Secure API Configuration** – Store your Lilypad API token securely
* **Context Menu Integration** – Quickly access the extension’s features via the right-click menu

### Installation

From the Repository

1. Get [Anura API key](https://anura.lilypad.tech/).
2. Clone the repo: `git clone git@github.com:PBillingsby/lilypad-vscode-extension.git`
3. Install the extension in VS Code: `code --install-extension lilypad-vscode-extension.vsix`
4. Add Anura API key to `.env`:  `LILYPAD_API_TOKEN=<ANURA_API_KEY>`
5. If you make changes to the extension and need to recompile it:
   1. Recompile the code: `npm run compile`
   2. Repackage the extension: `vsce package`
   3. Reinstall the updated `.vsix` file: `code --install-extension lilypad-vscode-extension.vsix`

### **Usage**

1. **Select a block of code** in your editor.
2. **Right-click** and select **"Ask Lilypad about this code"**, or:
   * Open the **Command Palette** (`Ctrl+Shift+P`) and select **"Ask Lilypad about this code"**.
3. **Choose an AI model** to process the query.
4. **Enter your question** related to the selected code.
5. **Wait for Lilypad AI** to process your query.
6. **View the AI’s response** in the webview panel that opens.

<figure><img src="https://58337262-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FtadiyoOe4nTUoSulEVOV%2Fuploads%2F2hcGs8sm6UG1bJ3N4Fhi%2FScreenshot%202025-03-10%20at%203.05.20%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=3f447908-5ff5-4644-88ee-3190012c7ae9" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example use</p></figcaption></figure>

### Resources

* [Source code](https://github.com/PBillingsby/lilypad-vscode-extension)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.lilypad.tech/lilypad/tooling-plugins-and-integrations/integrations/vs-code-helper-extension.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.