Adding AI to VS Code using Continue and Generative APIs

AI-powered coding is transforming software development by automating repetitive tasks, generating code, improving code quality, and even detecting and fixing bugs. By integrating AI-driven tools, developers can significantly boost productivity and streamline their workflows. This guide provides a step-by-step guide on how to integrate AI-powered code models into VS Code 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 Visual Studio Code on your local machine

Install Continue in VS CodeLink to this anchor

You can install Continue directly from the Visual Studio Marketplace or via the command line:

code --install-extension continue.continue

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

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

• Create a config.json file inside your .continue directory.
• Add the following configuration to enable Scaleway’s Generative API:

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

• Save the file at the correct location:
  • Linux/macOS: ~/.continue/config.json
  • Windows: %USERPROFILE%\.continue\config.json

Activate Continue in VS CodeLink to this anchor

After configuring the API, open VS Code and activate Continue:

• Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows/Linux, Cmd+Shift+P on Mac)
• 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 Python function to merge two sorted lists”
• AI-Generated output:

  def merge_sorted_lists(list1, list2):
      return sorted(list1 + list2)
  

Intelligent code completionLink to this anchor

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

Automated code refactoringLink to this anchor

Refactoring is essential for maintaining clean and efficient code. Use the “Continue: Refactor Code” command to improve readability and optimize performance.

Example

• Before refactoring:

  def add_numbers(a, b):
      result = a + b
      return result
  

• After AI-driven refactoring:

  def add_numbers(a, 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.