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Features › Agents › VS Code Agent › Getting Started

Getting Started

Step-by-step guide to install and set up the BLACKBOX AI VS Code extension.

Installation and Setup

Follow these simple steps to get started with BLACKBOX AI in VS Code:

Step 1: Install the Extension

You can install the BLACKBOX AI extension in two ways:

Option A: From VS Code Open VS Code, navigate to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for "BLACKBOX AI", and click Install.

Option B: From VS Code Marketplace Visit the BLACKBOX AI extension page on the VS Code Marketplace and click Install.

BLACKBOX AI Extension
Step 2: Find the AI Agent Icon

After installation, you'll see the AI Agent icon appear on the right side of your VS Code interface.

AI Agent Icon
Step 3: Connect Your Account

Click on the AI Agent icon and connect your BLACKBOX AI account to start using the extension.

Connect BLACKBOX AI Account
Step 4: Start Using AI Assistance

Now you can start giving tasks to the BLACKBOX AI Coding Agent for both new projects and existing project improvements.

VS Code Agent in Action
Step 5: Customize Your Workspace

Customize the extension chat window according to your preference by simply dragging it around your VS Code interface. Position it wherever works best for your workflow.

Customize Extension Location

Additional Configurations/Customizations

Tool Configuration

Tools are ways to enable additional functionality and power to the BLACKBOX agent to perform various development-related tasks. You can control tools by clicking on the controls icon beside the settings button, selecting tools, and toggling any tool on or off.

Browser Tool Selection

For example, the browser tool allows the agent to launch and control a browser to navigate websites, interact with web elements, capture screenshots, and test web applications in real-time.

Browser Tool Selection
Fine-Grained Auto-Approval

When you enable Auto mode for tool execution, you can still retain control over which operations are auto-approved.
Open the Tools configuration from the chat overflow menu (or the edit icon next to the Auto/Manual toggle) to independently enable or disable auto-approval for:

  • Edit file
  • Create file
  • Command execution
  • Read file

These fine-grained settings are only applied while Auto mode is on; in Manual mode, every tool use requires your explicit approval as usual.

Fine Grained Auto Approval

You're Ready to Go!

With the extension installed and your account connected, you're ready to experience AI-powered development directly in VS Code. The AI agent is now available to help you with any coding task, from creating new projects to improving existing code.