pi Agent for VS Code
Run pi from a focused VS Code sidebar.
A pi VS Code extension that launches your installed pi binary in RPC mode and lets you work from a native-feeling sidebar: streaming chat, rich tool output, workspace context, session history, dictation, and model controls.
- Free
- macOS, Linux, Windows
Features
-
Local runtime
Starts your installed
pibinary in RPC mode, so the extension stays lightweight. -
Rich transcripts
Streams markdown, code, diffs, terminal output, image previews, diagrams, and file summaries.
-
Workspace context
Attach files, selections, diagnostics, git context, pasted images, and
@mentions. -
Context management
Track context usage, compact long sessions automatically, or compact manually when work needs focus.
-
Session control
Search, rename, fork, restore, and switch sessions while work keeps its place.
-
Model controls
Switch models, cycle providers, adjust thinking levels, and manage follow-up behavior.
-
Package management
Browse, install, update, and remove
pipackages from the command palette or sidebar info menu. -
Voice and export
Dictate prompts on device and export chat transcripts as HTML when you need a record.
Why?
pi is powerful in the terminal, but agent work is easier to guide when it stays beside the code. vscode-pi brings that workflow into VS Code without replacing the setup you already use.
- Your pi, unchanged. Use the models, prompts, skills, packages, and history you already rely on.
- Editor-native review. Watch responses, tool output, and edits in a sidebar built for long sessions and quick follow-up.
- Works where VS Code works. Install from the Marketplace or Open VSX for VSCodium and other compatible editors.
FAQ
- What context can pi see?
- The extension can attach editor state, selections, diagnostics, git status, pasted images, and explicitly mentioned files or folders. Context behavior is configurable, so you can decide how much workspace information is included.
- Does my code go through an extension service?
- No. The extension does not proxy your workspace through a hosted service. It passes selected context to your local
piruntime, and any model traffic is determined by yourpiand model-provider configuration. - Where do model credentials live?
- The extension does not store model credentials. It expects
pito be configured already, and can guide you through pi setup when needed. - Is dictation cloud based?
- No. Dictation is fully local: it uses native Rust and Swift helpers with
whisper.cppto run local Whisper model files. Optimized for Apple Silicon. - Where should bugs or feature requests go?
- Use the GitHub issue tracker for support, bugs, and feature requests. Feedback is appreciated.
- Is this vibecoded?
- No. The extension is developed using
pi, but every important part of the codebase is reviewed and tested. Low-risk parts are reviewed, but not tested as thoroughly.
