Code Web Chat is a free and open-source AI pair programming tool that connects VS Code with over 15 popular web-based chatbots, including ChatGPT, Claude, and DeepSeek.
It follows a non-agentic workflow, which means you select the code context, type your instructions, and send the prompt to one of over 15 free chatbots or an API provider.
When the model responds, you can integrate the changes with a single click, review everything transparently, and easily roll back if needed.
Features
- Multi-chatbot support: Connect with AI Studio, ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Doubao, Gemini, Grok, Kimi, Mistral, Open WebUI, OpenRouter Chat, Perplexity, Qwen, Together, Yuanbao, and Z.AI through a single interface.
- One-click response application: Apply AI-generated code changes across multiple files instantly, with support for truncated, whole file, and diff patch formats.
- API tool integration: Access built-in utilities for code completions, context editing, intelligent file updates, and commit message generation using any OpenAI-compatible API provider.
- Privacy-first architecture: All operations run locally with zero tracking, and API keys are stored encrypted using VS Code’s secure storage system.
- Browser extension bridge: The Connector extension eliminates manual copy-paste between your editor and web chatbots, working with Chrome and Firefox-based browsers.
- Lightweight codebase: The entire tool weighs approximately 1MB, maintaining VS Code’s performance standards.
- Context selection: Use VS Code’s familiar file explorer to select relevant files and websites, with automatic XML structuring for optimal AI comprehension.
Live Demo
Use Cases
- Refactoring Large Codebases: If you’re an experienced developer working on a complex project, you can select relevant files to give the AI context and ask for refactoring suggestions.
- Learning a New Language or Framework: As a student or hobbyist on a budget, you can use Code Web Chat to get explanations and code examples from a variety of free chatbots without paying for a premium AI assistant.
- Generating Boilerplate Code: Quickly generate boilerplate code for new components or functions by providing the necessary context and instructions.
- Writing Unit Tests: Select a function and ask the AI to generate unit tests, speeding up your development workflow.
- Debugging Complex Issues: Provide the relevant code snippets and error messages to the AI to get suggestions on how to fix the problem.
How To Use It
1. Install the Code Web Chat extension from the VS Code marketplace and the Connector browser extension for your preferred browser (Chrome or Firefox).
2. Configure your preferred AI service by adding API keys for services like OpenAI, Anthropic, or DeepSeek through VS Code’s settings. The extension encrypts and stores these keys securely using VS Code’s built-in secret storage system.
3. Select the files and context you want to include in your AI prompt using VS Code’s file explorer. The extension automatically formats your selection into XML tags that help AI models better understand your codebase structure.
4. Type your instructions in the extension’s input field and choose how you want to handle the response. You can either initialize a web chatbot automatically or send the request directly through an API provider.
5. Review the AI-generated response and click the “Apply Response” button to integrate suggested changes into your codebase. The extension intelligently handles different response formats, whether the AI provides complete files, code snippets with truncation markers, or diff patches.
6. Use the “Revert Last Changes” command if you need to undo any applied modifications. The extension tracks changes so you can easily roll back unwanted modifications.
Pros
- Completely Free: This is a huge advantage for students, hobbyists, and even professionals who don’t want another subscription.
- You’re in Control: The non-agentic approach means you make the final decisions, which helps prevent hard-to-debug errors.
- Wide Chatbot Support: The ability to use over 15 different free chatbots gives you a lot of flexibility.
- Privacy-First: Since it operates locally, you don’t have to worry about your proprietary code being sent to third-party servers without your knowledge.
- Open-Source and Community-Driven: The tool is transparent and constantly improving thanks to community contributions.
Cons
- Requires Some Setup: You need to install both a VS Code extension and a browser extension.
- No True “Agent” Features: If you’re looking for an AI that can autonomously perform complex tasks, this tool’s deliberate, non-agentic design might not be what you’re looking for.
FAQs
Q: Does Code Web Chat work with all AI language models?
A: The tool supports any OpenAI-API compatible endpoint for its built-in features, plus over 15 popular web-based chatbots through the browser connector. This includes major services like ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, and Gemini.
Q: How does the extension handle my API keys and sensitive code?
A: All API keys are encrypted and stored using VS Code’s secure storage system. The extension operates locally and includes zero tracking. The browser connector doesn’t read incoming messages after initialization and only acts as an alias for the standard copy-to-clipboard function.
Q: Can I use Code Web Chat without paying for API access?
A: Yes, the extension supports many free AI services and web-based chatbots that don’t require paid API access. You can use free tiers of services like ChatGPT, Claude, or completely free options like DeepSeek.
Q: Does Code Web Chat store my code?
A: No, it operates locally on your machine. This privacy-first approach means your code isn’t stored or shared.
Q: What’s the difference between using this and just copy-pasting to ChatGPT?
A: Code Web Chat automates the process of providing context to the chatbot. It also allows you to apply multi-file changes from a single response with one click and easily revert them, which you can’t do with simple copy-pasting.
Q: What does “non-agentic” mean?
A: It means the AI doesn’t make decisions on its own. You are always in the loop, selecting the context, giving instructions, and approving changes. This gives you more control and helps maintain code quality.
