Code completion
Useful for the next line and familiar patterns while you type.
Understand coding agents
What can a coding agent actually do for you?
See which jobs coding agents can complete, which tools they use and when a normal AI chat is the quicker and simpler choice.
In plain language
An agent performs steps instead of only writing an answer
A chat usually provides code to copy. An agent can search your project, edit files and run commands, which helps when a task contains several connected steps. A chat remains better for one explanation or a tiny isolated snippet.
Good tasks to delegate
Agent, chat or completion?
Agent, chat or completion?.
Programming chat
Good for explanations, approaches and questions about a small area.
Coding agent
Useful when files must be found, changed and checked with commands.
How to set it up
Test an agent on real everyday work
Three normal tasks tell you more than a polished demonstration.
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Choose a repeated task
Collect a small bug, a test-writing task and one repeated update.
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Give it a goal and project
Provide the outcome, project and existing start or test commands.
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Let the agent do the work
Check whether the agent finds the right files and creates an understandable change.
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Try the visible result
Compare time saved with the time spent reviewing and correcting it.
Where you still look yourself
Signs that an agent fits
Useful agents make their results easy to understand.
- It clearly shows every changed file.
- It supports your project languages and tools.
- Writable folders and available commands can be limited.
- Its data handling fits your source code.
Continue
Related practical guides
Automate task preparation
Coding-agent workflow: from issue to reviewed proposal
Connect the task, project access and existing tests in a repeatable path that prepares small programming jobs as complete proposed changes.
Speed up code reviewAutomated code review for the checks you repeat every day
Let an assistant flag common mistakes, forgotten tests and surprising changes so people can focus on user impact and difficult decisions.
An agent on your own hardwareRun a coding agent locally on your own computer
Keep source code and the model on your own network, connect editor and tools deliberately, and choose a setup fast enough for real project work.
Official documentation and further reading
Technical references are linked to the original project or manufacturer documentation.