Visual Studio IntelliCode - Detailed Review
Developer Tools
Visual Studio IntelliCode - Product Overview
Introduction to Visual Studio IntelliCode
Visual Studio IntelliCode is an AI-driven tool integrated into Microsoft’s Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, aimed at enhancing developer productivity through intelligent code suggestions and completions.
Primary Function
The primary function of IntelliCode is to provide AI-assisted code autocompletions and recommendations. It uses machine learning models trained on thousands of highly rated, open-source projects from GitHub to predict the most likely and relevant code snippets, APIs, and methods based on the developer’s current code context and patterns.
Target Audience
IntelliCode is targeted at developers using Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, particularly those working with languages such as C#, C , Java, SQL, XAML, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python. It is beneficial for both experienced developers and those learning new programming languages, as it helps reduce the number of keystrokes and makes learning new APIs easier.
Key Features
- Context-Aware Code Autocompletions: IntelliCode suggests the most likely correct API or method at the top of the IntelliSense completion list, rather than a simple alphabetical list. This is based on the developer’s current code context and patterns observed in open-source projects.
- Whole-Line Autocompletions: For certain languages like C#, Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript, IntelliCode can predict and fill in entire lines of code based on the current context. These predictions appear as grey text next to the cursor.
- API Usage Examples: IntelliCode provides real-world examples of how other developers have used specific APIs, drawn from public open-source repositories on GitHub. This feature supports languages like Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript.
- Hotspots Identification: IntelliCode highlights areas of the code that are commonly focused on by developers, such as complex logic or frequently modified sections, helping developers pay closer attention to these critical parts.
- Code Formatting: It assists with automatic code formatting based on best practices, ensuring the code aligns with standard conventions for the programming language.
- Local Processing: IntelliCode runs on the developer’s machine, ensuring that private code remains private.
Availability
IntelliCode is included by default in most Visual Studio workloads and is available through the Visual Studio installer. For Visual Studio Code, it is available as an extension that supports languages such as Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, and Java.
Visual Studio IntelliCode - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Visual Studio IntelliCode
The user interface of Visual Studio IntelliCode is designed to be intuitive and seamless, integrating AI assistance directly into the developer’s workflow.
Context-Aware Suggestions
IntelliCode provides context-aware code completion suggestions that fill in entire lines of code at once. These suggestions are based on the code context, including variable names, functions, and the type of code being written. This feature is presented through the IntelliSense completion list, where the most likely suggestions are placed at the top, saving developers time and effort.
Inline Integration
The AI-driven suggestions are displayed inline at the current cursor location, often as gray text, making it easy for developers to see and accept the recommendations without disrupting their coding flow. However, there was an issue with the discoverability of code change suggestions, which has been addressed through new inline interfaces that have been tested and implemented to improve usability.
Customization and Personalization
Developers can personalize IntelliCode suggestions based on their coding habits and preferences. By teaching IntelliCode about frequently used code patterns, developers can receive more relevant and accurate suggestions, enhancing their overall coding experience.
Privacy and Performance
IntelliCode runs on the developer’s machine, ensuring that private code remains private. This local operation also contributes to a smoother and more responsive user experience.
Ease of Use
The integration of IntelliCode into Visual Studio is seamless, making it easy for developers to start using the tool without a steep learning curve. The features are designed to be intuitive, with suggestions and recommendations presented in a way that is easy to understand and incorporate into the coding process.
Overall User Experience
The overall user experience of IntelliCode is positive, with users appreciating its ability to drive accuracy and consistency in code completion. The tool is seen as trustworthy, reliable, and transparent, with high user satisfaction and a strong likelihood of recommendation.
Summary
In summary, IntelliCode’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly, with context-aware suggestions, inline integration, and customization options that enhance the developer’s productivity and coding experience.
Visual Studio IntelliCode - Key Features and Functionality
Visual Studio IntelliCode
Visual Studio IntelliCode is a powerful AI-driven tool that enhances developer productivity and efficiency in various ways. Here are the main features and how they work:
Whole-Line Autocompletions
IntelliCode can predict and complete entire lines of code based on the context of your current coding. This feature uses AI to analyze your code, including variable names, functions, and the type of code you are writing, to provide the most relevant suggestions. These predictions appear as grey text to the right of your cursor, and you can accept them by pressing the tab key. This feature is available for languages such as Python in Visual Studio Code and C# in Visual Studio 2022.
Context-Aware IntelliSense
IntelliCode enhances the traditional IntelliSense feature by using AI to rank completion items based on their relevance to your current coding context. Instead of presenting items alphabetically or by most recent use, IntelliCode places the most likely items at the top of the completion list, marked with a star icon. This helps you find the right code elements quickly without having to search through a long list.
API Usage Examples
This feature allows you to access real-world examples of how other developers have used specific APIs. With just one click, you can see examples from over 100,000 different APIs, all sourced from public open-source repositories on GitHub. This is particularly useful for Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript developers.
Repeated Edits Detection
IntelliCode can detect repeated edits and suggest improvements based on these patterns. This helps in maintaining code consistency and reducing the effort required for repetitive coding tasks.
Private and Local Operation
The AI model that powers IntelliCode runs locally on your machine, ensuring that your private code remains private. This is a significant benefit for developers who need to keep their code secure.
Language Support
IntelliCode supports a variety of programming languages, including C#, C , Java, SQL, XAML in Visual Studio 2022, and TypeScript/JavaScript and Python in Visual Studio Code. Each language has specific features and configurations that you can set up to get the most out of IntelliCode.
Custom Methods and Code Base Properties
For some languages, you can add your own custom methods and code base properties to further personalize the IntelliCode suggestions. This allows the AI to learn from your specific coding practices and provide more accurate recommendations.
Integration with Open-Source Practices
IntelliCode’s recommendations are based on best practices developed from thousands of high-quality, open-source projects on GitHub. This ensures that the suggestions you receive are context-aware and aligned with industry standards.
By integrating these features, Visual Studio IntelliCode significantly enhances the development experience by providing accurate and context-aware code completions, whole-line predictions, and valuable API usage examples, all while ensuring the privacy and security of your code.
Visual Studio IntelliCode - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
IntelliCode has undergone significant improvements to ensure high performance, particularly in its integration with deep learning models. Here are some notable aspects:
- The initial LSTM model was optimized using ONNX Runtime, which significantly reduced both the memory footprint and inference time. Post-training INT8 quantization brought these metrics down to about a quarter of their pre-quantized values, with only a 3% reduction in model accuracy.
- This optimization was crucial for meeting the edit-time code completion requirements, where the mean inference speed needed to be under 50 milliseconds and the memory budget was around 50MB.
Accuracy
The accuracy of IntelliCode’s suggestions has seen substantial enhancements:
- Online A/B experimentation showed a 25% improvement in top-1 recommendation precision and a 17% improvement in mean reciprocal rank (MRR) compared to the previous production model. This indicated that the new LSTM model was significantly better.
- IntelliCode uses context-aware AI to analyze the developer’s code, including variable names, functions, and the type of code being written. This analysis helps in dynamically ranking suggestions at the top of the completion list, making them more relevant and accurate.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While IntelliCode has made significant strides, there are some limitations and areas where it could be improved:
- Unlike more advanced AI tools like GitHub Copilot, IntelliCode does not support whole function or multi-line completions in gray text, nor does it offer features like converting natural language comments to code or solving code problems with natural language-driven development assistance.
- The current deep learning model primarily focuses on ranking custom methods and providing whole-line completions. There is ongoing work to integrate more advanced transformer-based models for longer code completions, which could further enhance its capabilities.
Engagement and User Experience
IntelliCode is integrated seamlessly into Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, ensuring that developers can use it without additional subscriptions or costs. It runs on the user’s machine, keeping private code secure. The AI-driven suggestions are presented inline, making it easy for developers to use them without disrupting their workflow.
In summary, IntelliCode has demonstrated strong performance and accuracy through its optimized deep learning models and context-aware suggestions. While it has some limitations compared to more advanced AI tools, it remains a valuable and free resource for developers, especially those using Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code.
Visual Studio IntelliCode - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Plans
Visual Studio offers several pricing plans, but these plans are not specifically segmented for IntelliCode alone, as IntelliCode is an integrated feature within Visual Studio.Professional Subscription
- This plan starts at $45 per month and includes access to the Visual Studio Professional IDE, as well as Azure DevOps (Basic plan).
- It provides a comprehensive toolkit for development projects and is suitable for developers who need advanced tools but not the full enterprise features.
Enterprise Subscription
- This plan is priced at $250 per month and includes the Visual Studio Enterprise IDE, along with Azure DevOps (Basic Test Plan).
- It is ideal for larger organizations that require advanced testing capabilities and a more robust development environment.
IntelliCode Availability
IntelliCode is included in both the Professional and Enterprise subscriptions of Visual Studio. Here are the details:- Visual Studio 2019 and 2022: IntelliCode comes as a built-in feature if you install a supported workload. It is available for languages such as C#, C , Java, Python, SQL, XAML, JavaScript, and TypeScript.
- Visual Studio Code: IntelliCode is also available for Visual Studio Code, supporting languages like Python, TypeScript, and JavaScript.
Free Options
- Visual Studio offers a free version for individual users, but this does not include the full set of features available in the subscription plans.
- However, there is no specific free version of IntelliCode outside of the free version of Visual Studio, which has limited features compared to the subscription plans.
Visual Studio IntelliCode - Integration and Compatibility
Visual Studio IntelliCode Overview
Visual Studio IntelliCode is a powerful AI-driven tool that integrates seamlessly with various development environments and tools, enhancing the coding experience across multiple platforms and languages.Integration with Development Environments
Visual Studio
IntelliCode is compatible with both Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code. For Visual Studio, it supports languages such as C#, C , Java, SQL, and XAML, providing AI-assisted IntelliSense recommendations and whole-line autocompletions.Visual Studio Code
In Visual Studio Code, IntelliCode supports Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, and Java. It offers features like whole-line autocompletions, API usage examples, and starred IntelliSense members, all of which are integrated into the VS Code environment.Integration with Other Extensions
IntelliCode can be integrated with other Visual Studio extensions to create a more comprehensive development environment. For example, it can be used alongside code analysis extensions to provide comprehensive feedback and improve code quality. This integration allows developers to leverage the strengths of multiple tools, optimizing their coding process.Platform and Device Compatibility
IntelliCode is compatible with various operating systems and hardware architectures. For Visual Studio Code, it supports Windows (x64 and ARM), macOS (x64 and ARM), and Linux (x64 and ARM).Testing Environments
Specifically, for the C# Dev Kit in Visual Studio Code, IntelliCode has been tested on Windows 11 22H2, macOS Monterey v12.6.5, and Ubuntu 22.04, ensuring it runs smoothly on different platforms.Local Model Execution
One of the key features of IntelliCode is that its models run locally on your machine. This ensures that your private code stays private and does not need to be transmitted to a remote server for custom model training. This local execution also makes IntelliCode available in offline and air-gapped environments.Custom Model Training
For C# developers using Visual Studio, IntelliCode can learn patterns and make recommendations based on their own code. This feature allows the model to be trained on internal utility and base class libraries, or domain-specific libraries that may not be commonly used in open-source code.Conclusion
In summary, Visual Studio IntelliCode integrates well with both Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, supports a range of languages, and is compatible with various operating systems and hardware architectures. Its ability to run locally and integrate with other extensions makes it a valuable tool for developers looking to enhance their productivity and code quality. Visual Studio IntelliCode - Customer Support and Resources
Support Options for Visual Studio IntelliCode
For users of Visual Studio IntelliCode, several customer support options and additional resources are available to ensure a smooth and productive development experience.
Technical Support
If you encounter issues or need help with IntelliCode, you can contact Microsoft’s technical support team. This support is available for various aspects, including installation, IDE usage, languages, and other developer tools. You can reach out through the Visual Studio support page, which offers live chat support (available in English, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays) and other contact methods.
Documentation and Guides
Extensive documentation is provided to help you get started with IntelliCode. This includes user manuals, support articles, and getting started guides. These resources are accessible through the Visual Studio documentation section and can help you understand how to use IntelliCode’s features effectively.
Developer Community
The Developer Community is a valuable resource where you can find solutions to common problems, report issues, or request new features. This community is a great place to interact with other developers and Microsoft support staff to resolve any challenges you might face with IntelliCode.
Feedback Mechanism
You can provide feedback on IntelliCode through the Developer Community. This feedback helps Microsoft improve the tool and address any user concerns or suggestions, ensuring that the product continues to meet the needs of its users.
AI-Assisted Development Resources
For a deeper understanding of IntelliCode’s AI-assisted development capabilities, Microsoft provides detailed articles and guides. These resources explain how IntelliCode uses machine learning to offer context-aware code completions, whole-line completions, and API usage examples. You can learn about these features and how they can enhance your productivity and efficiency in coding.
Customization and Best Practices
There are also resources available on how to customize IntelliCode settings to fit your coding style and preferences. Articles and guides provide best practices for utilizing IntelliCode, such as regularly reviewing and incorporating its suggestions, which can help improve code quality and efficiency.
Comparison with Other Tools
If you are considering other AI-driven development tools, Microsoft provides a comparison of IntelliCode with GitHub Copilot, another popular AI-assisted development tool. This comparison helps you understand the unique features and advantages of each tool, allowing you to make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.
By leveraging these support options and resources, you can maximize the benefits of using Visual Studio IntelliCode and enhance your overall development experience.
Visual Studio IntelliCode - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Visual Studio IntelliCode
Enhanced Productivity
IntelliCode significantly improves coding speed and efficiency by providing AI-powered code completions that are context-aware. These suggestions are based on the developer’s current code context, including variable names, functions, and the type of code used, making them more relevant and accurate.
Context-Aware IntelliSense
IntelliCode offers AI-assisted IntelliSense that recommends the most likely API calls or methods based on the developer’s coding context. This feature presents the most relevant suggestions at the top of the completion list, marked with star icons, reducing the need to scroll through alphabetical lists.
Whole-Line Autocomplete
IntelliCode can predict up to a whole line of code based on the current context, a feature particularly useful for languages like Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript. This prediction is displayed as grey text to the right of the cursor, making it easy to complete lines of code quickly.
API Usage Examples
The tool provides access to real-world examples of how other developers have used specific APIs, drawn from public open-source repositories on GitHub. This feature supports languages such as Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript, helping developers learn and use APIs more effectively.
Seamless Integration
IntelliCode is deeply integrated with both Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, allowing developers to enhance their existing workflow without needing to switch to a different tool or platform. This integration is smooth and efficient, making it easy to adopt.
Code Style and Convention Enforcement
IntelliCode helps maintain consistent code style and conventions within a project by suggesting code formatting and style changes based on project settings. This feature improves code quality and readability across a development team.
User-Friendly Setup and Low Maintenance
The tool is simple to set up and does not require heavy maintenance. Once installed, IntelliCode works seamlessly in the background, providing suggestions without needing constant updates or troubleshooting.
Disadvantages of Visual Studio IntelliCode
Limited Customization
While IntelliCode adapts to individual user coding styles, it has limited customization options for specific use cases or integrating with niche coding environments. This can be a drawback for developers who need more advanced customization features.
Dependency on Visual Studio/VS Code
IntelliCode is tied to Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code, meaning it cannot be used as a standalone tool. Developers who prefer other IDEs or tools may find this restrictive.
Occasional Overreliance on AI Suggestions
Some developers have noted that IntelliCode’s suggestions can occasionally be overly reliant on machine learning models and may not always align with best practices or individual preferences. This can lead to inefficient code suggestions that require manual corrections.
Learning Curve
Despite its user-friendly setup, fully understanding how IntelliCode’s suggestions work and how to leverage them effectively can take time, especially for developers unfamiliar with machine learning-based tools.
False Positives in Code Quality Checks
IntelliCode occasionally flags code as problematic when it isn’t, generating false positives. This can be frustrating for developers who must spend time investigating whether the tool’s suggestions are valid or based on inaccurate AI predictions.
Limited Language Support
While IntelliCode supports several popular programming languages like C#, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Java, it does not yet cover every language or framework available. Developers working with less common languages or frameworks may feel limited in their use of IntelliCode.
Not a Complete Code Refactoring Tool
IntelliCode is excellent at offering code suggestions and completing lines of code, but it lacks full-fledged code refactoring capabilities. Developers looking for a more comprehensive tool that also refactors code might find IntelliCode lacking in this regard.
Visual Studio IntelliCode - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Visual Studio IntelliCode with Other AI-Driven Developer Tools
Visual Studio IntelliCode
- IntelliCode provides AI-assisted development features for languages like Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, Java, and C#.
- It offers context-aware code autocompletions, predicting the most likely correct method or property based on the developer’s current code context and patterns from highly rated open-source projects on GitHub.
- A notable feature is whole-line autocompletions, which predict up to a whole line of code and display it as grey text next to the cursor.
- IntelliCode also includes API Usage Examples, allowing developers to access real-world examples of API usage from public GitHub repositories.
- This tool runs locally on the developer’s machine, ensuring private code remains private.
GitHub Copilot
- GitHub Copilot is a popular alternative that leverages OpenAI’s Codex to provide real-time code suggestions and complete functions within the editor.
- It supports multiple languages and integrates with Visual Studio Code, among other IDEs.
- Copilot translates natural language prompts into coding suggestions and keeps track of the developer’s work, suggesting descriptions and helping reviewers reason about changes.
- Unlike IntelliCode, GitHub Copilot requires a subscription, although a free trial is available.
Codeium
- Codeium is another AI-powered code completion tool that supports over 20 languages and integrates with various IDEs, including Visual Studio Code.
- It is known for its fast speeds and high-quality suggestions, making it a strong alternative for developers looking for a free option.
- However, users have noted that Codeium can be less efficient and harder to use compared to IntelliCode.
TabNine
- TabNine provides auto-completion for any programming language using machine learning. It supports multiple IDEs and operating systems.
- TabNine is praised for its innovative approach but is often found to be harder to implement and use compared to IntelliCode.
- It offers a comprehensive AI-assisted development workflow but may lack in support and training aspects.
Amazon CodeWhisperer
- Amazon CodeWhisperer is an AI-powered tool that enhances software development productivity by providing intelligent code suggestions, automated refactorings, and code generation.
- It supports multiple programming languages and integrates with various IDEs, including Visual Studio Code and IntelliJ IDEA.
- While it offers similar features to IntelliCode, it may have different strengths and weaknesses depending on the specific needs of the developer.
ChatGPT
- Although primarily known for its conversational capabilities, ChatGPT can also be used for code generation and automation tasks.
- It is more innovative and respectful but lacks in support and training compared to IntelliCode. ChatGPT is free to use but may not be as integrated into the development workflow as other tools.
Key Differences
- Integration and Availability: IntelliCode is tightly integrated with Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, and it is free for all Visual Studio users. GitHub Copilot, on the other hand, requires a subscription but offers broader language support and integration with multiple IDEs.
- Privacy: IntelliCode runs locally, ensuring private code remains private, which is a significant advantage for developers concerned about data security.
- User Experience: While tools like GitHub Copilot and Codeium offer powerful AI-driven features, they may be less user-friendly or less efficient compared to IntelliCode, which is known for its seamless integration and context-aware suggestions.
Each of these tools has its unique strengths and can cater to different needs and preferences of developers. When choosing an AI-driven developer tool, it’s important to consider factors such as language support, integration with your IDE, privacy, and the specific features that align best with your development workflow.
Visual Studio IntelliCode - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Visual Studio IntelliCode?
Visual Studio IntelliCode is an AI-assisted development tool integrated into Visual Studio that enhances developer productivity and efficiency. It uses artificial intelligence to provide context-aware code completions, whole-line completions, and other AI-driven enhancements to the IntelliSense feature.How does IntelliCode provide code completions?
IntelliCode uses a large-scale transformer model trained on thousands of highly rated, open-source projects from GitHub. This model predicts the most likely correct method or property for the developer to use, based on the current code context and patterns. These suggestions are ranked dynamically and appear at the top of the completion list with a star icon.Which programming languages are supported by IntelliCode?
IntelliCode supports several programming languages, including C#, XAML, C , JavaScript, TypeScript, and Visual Basic. For Visual Studio Code, it also supports Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, and Java.What is whole-line autocompletion in IntelliCode?
Whole-line autocompletion is a feature that predicts the next chunk of your code based on what you have typed so far and presents it as gray text inline predictions. This feature is currently available for C# in Visual Studio 2022 and for Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript in Visual Studio Code.How do I install IntelliCode for Visual Studio?
IntelliCode is included by default in most Visual Studio workloads starting from Visual Studio 2019 version 16.4. You can also install it through the Visual Studio installer by selecting a supported workload such as .NET desktop development or ASP.NET and web development.Does IntelliCode require a subscription?
No, IntelliCode is free for all Visual Studio users and does not require a subscription. However, if you are using GitHub Copilot in conjunction with IntelliCode, GitHub Copilot does require a subscription.Can I use both IntelliCode and GitHub Copilot together?
Yes, you can use both IntelliCode and GitHub Copilot together. They complement each other and do not require you to choose between them. GitHub Copilot provides additional features such as generating whole lines or blocks of code and natural language-driven development assistance, while IntelliCode focuses on context-aware code completions and whole-line autocompletions.How does IntelliCode handle repeated edits?
IntelliCode can detect when you are performing a repetitive action and offer suggestions to apply that same action in other relevant places. This feature helps in streamlining your coding process by automating repetitive edits.Is IntelliCode available for offline use?
Yes, IntelliCode runs on your local machine, which means it is available for use in offline and air-gapped environments. This ensures that your private code stays private and that the feature remains functional without an internet connection.How do I enable or disable IntelliCode preview features?
To enable or disable IntelliCode preview features, go to Tools > Options > IntelliCode, and under Preview Features, choose Enable, Disable, or Default to configure each feature.Can I customize IntelliCode suggestions?
While you cannot directly customize the suggestions provided by IntelliCode, the tool learns from your coding patterns and the context of your code. For some languages, you can add your own custom methods and code base properties to influence the suggestions. Visual Studio IntelliCode - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Visual Studio IntelliCode
Visual Studio IntelliCode is a powerful AI-assisted development tool integrated into both Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code. Here’s a comprehensive overview of its features, benefits, and who would most benefit from using it.Key Features
- Context-Aware Code Autocompletions: IntelliCode provides AI-driven IntelliSense suggestions that are ranked based on the context of your code and patterns learned from thousands of highly rated, open-source projects on GitHub. This means you get the most relevant API calls and member suggestions at the top of the completion list, marked with a star icon.
- Whole-Line Autocompletions: IntelliCode can predict and fill in entire lines of code based on your current context, which is particularly useful for languages like C#, C , Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript.
- API Usage Examples: It offers real-world examples of how other developers have used specific APIs, drawn from public open-source repositories on GitHub. This feature supports languages such as Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript.
- Local Execution: IntelliCode runs on your machine, ensuring that your private code remains private.
Benefits
- Increased Productivity: By providing context-aware code completions and whole-line predictions, IntelliCode helps developers write accurate code faster and more efficiently.
- Improved Accuracy: The tool reduces the time spent searching through alphabetical lists of members, presenting the most likely and relevant suggestions first.
- Enhanced Code Quality: IntelliCode promotes consistency and accuracy in coding by suggesting the best practices based on open-source contributions.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Professional Developers: Those who regularly use Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code will find IntelliCode particularly useful. It integrates seamlessly into their existing workflow, enhancing their productivity and code quality.
- New Developers: Beginners can also benefit from IntelliCode as it provides guidance and suggestions based on best practices, helping them learn and adopt good coding habits more quickly.
- Teams: Since IntelliCode can be used by multiple team members, it helps in maintaining consistency across the codebase, which is crucial for collaborative projects.