Adding AI to IntelliJ IDEA using Continue and Generative APIs

AI-driven coding is revolutionizing software development by automating repetitive tasks, generating code snippets, improving code quality, and identifying potential bugs. By integrating AI-powered tools, developers can significantly enhance productivity and optimize workflows. This guide will help you integrate AI-powered code models into JetBrain’s IntelliJ IDEA using Continue and Scaleway’s Generative APIs.

Before you startLink to this anchor

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Scaleway account logged into the console
• Owner status or IAM permissions allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
• A valid API key for API authentication
• Installed IntelliJ IDEA on your local machine.

Install Continue in IntelliJ IDEALink to this anchor

You can install Continue from the JetBrains marketplace:

1. Open IntelliJ IDEA and go to Preferences (Ctrl+Alt+S on Windows/Linux, Cmd+, on macOS).
2. Navigate to Plugins, then click Marketplace.
3. Search for Continue and click Install.
4. Restart IntelliJ IDEA after installation.

Configure Continue to use Scaleway’s Generative APIsLink to this anchor

To link Continue with Scaleway’s Generative APIs, you need to configure the settings file:

1. Locate your Continue configuration directory:
   • Linux/macOS: ~/.continue/
   • Windows: %USERPROFILE%\.continue\
2. Create a config.json file inside this directory.
3. Add the following configuration:

   {
   "models": [
       {
       "model": "qwen2.5-coder-32b-instruct",
       "title": "Qwen2.5 Coder",
       "provider": "scaleway",
       "apiKey": "###SCW_SECRET_KEY###"
       }
   ]
   }
   

4. Save the file and restart IntelliJ IDEA.

Tip

For more details on configuring config.json, refer to the official Continue documentation.

Activate Continue in IntelliJ IDEALink to this anchor

After configuring the API, activate Continue in IntelliJ IDEA:

• Open the Command Search (Shift+Shift on Windows/Linux/macOS).
• Type "Continue" and select the appropriate command to enable AI-powered assistance.

Using Continue for AI-powered codingLink to this anchor

Once Continue is configured, you can leverage AI capabilities to streamline development. Below are some key features:

AI-assisted code generationLink to this anchor

Use the Continue: Generate Code command to generate boilerplate code, functions, or even entire classes based on natural language prompts.

Example:

• Input Prompt: “Create a Java method to validate an email address.”
• AI-generated output:

  import java.util.regex.Pattern;
  public class EmailValidator {
      private static final String EMAIL_REGEX = "^[A-Za-z0-9+_.-]+@[A-Za-z0-9.-]+$";
      private static final Pattern pattern = Pattern.compile(EMAIL_REGEX);
      public static boolean isValidEmail(String email) {
          return pattern.matcher(email).matches();
      }
  }
  

Intelligent code completionLink to this anchor

Continue enhances your coding workflow with AI-driven code completion. Simply start typing, and the AI model will suggest and complete your code efficiently.

Automated code refactoringLink to this anchor

Refactoring is crucial for maintaining clean and efficient code. Use the Continue: Refactor Code command to enhance readability and optimize performance.

Example

• Before refactoring:

  public int calculateSum(int a, int b) {
      int result = a + b;
      return result;
  }
  

• After AI-driven refactoring:

  public int calculateSum(int a, int b) {
      return a + b;
  }
  

ConclusionLink to this anchor

By integrating Continue with Scaleway’s Generative APIs, you unlock AI-powered coding capabilities that enhance productivity, automate repetitive tasks, and improve code quality.