Microsoft Releases Visual Studio Code 1.133: Sticky Chat and Smarter AI Integration

Microsoft has officially released Visual Studio Code 1.133, introducing a series of enhancements aimed at streamlining the developer experience. This update focuses on improving the integration of AI-powered tools within the IDE, making it easier for users to interact with coding assistants without disrupting their workflow. According to the latest release notes, the highlight of this update includes the introduction of sticky chat functionality and seamless model switching capabilities.

A close-up of a developer's hands typing on a keyboard with a blurred VS Code screen in the background, emphasizing prod — Developers can now maintain focus with the new sticky chat feature in VS Code.

What’s New in Visual Studio Code 1.133

The latest iteration of Visual Studio Code continues to evolve as a leading integrated development environment, particularly in how it incorporates artificial intelligence. With developers increasingly relying on AI assistants for code generation, debugging, and documentation, Microsoft is prioritizing features that reduce friction and enhance productivity. This update addresses common pain points by allowing users to maintain context and switch between AI models with greater ease.

#1 Sticky Chat Feature

One of the most significant additions in Visual Studio Code 1.133 is the sticky chat feature. This enhancement allows the AI chat panel to remain fixed in place while users navigate through different files and sections of their codebase. Previously, the chat interface might have been prone to collapsing or moving out of view, requiring users to repeatedly reopen it to continue a conversation. With sticky chat, the panel stays anchored, ensuring that developers can reference AI-generated suggestions or explanations without losing their place in the code.

A conceptual illustration of AI models connecting seamlessly, represented by flowing lines and nodes, symbolizing smooth — Seamless model switching allows smooth transitions between AI tools during coding sessions.

This feature is particularly beneficial for complex tasks that require continuous interaction with the AI assistant. For instance, when refactoring a large codebase or troubleshooting intricate bugs, having the chat panel permanently visible allows for a more fluid workflow. Developers can quickly ask follow-up questions, request code modifications, or seek explanations without interrupting their focus on the primary coding environment. It effectively bridges the gap between conversation and implementation, making the AI assistant feel like an integrated part of the development process rather than a separate tool.

#2 Seamless Model Switching

Another key improvement in this release is the ability to switch between different AI models seamlessly during a session. As the AI coding landscape diversifies, developers often find themselves using multiple models to leverage their unique strengths. For example, one model might excel at generating boilerplate code, while another is better suited for complex algorithmic problems or natural language explanations.

Visual Studio Code 1.133 now supports smooth transitions between these models without requiring users to restart their chat session or lose context. This means that if a developer starts a conversation with one model and realizes another might provide a more accurate or relevant response, they can switch instantly. The AI retains the ongoing conversation history, allowing for a continuous and coherent interaction regardless of the underlying model. This flexibility empowers users to optimize their workflow by selecting the most appropriate AI tool for each specific task.

What This Means for You

For everyday developers, these updates translate to a more efficient and less disruptive coding experience. The sticky chat feature reduces the cognitive load associated with managing multiple interface elements, while seamless model switching provides greater control over the AI tools used in development. As AI integration becomes increasingly central to software development, Microsoft’s focus on these usability improvements ensures that Visual Studio Code remains a competitive and user-friendly environment. Developers can expect to spend less time navigating the interface and more time focusing on their code, with AI assistance that adapts to their needs in real-time.

How to Get It

Visual Studio Code 1.133 is available for download immediately from the official Microsoft website. Users can update their existing installation through the built-in update checker, which can be accessed via the settings menu. Alternatively, developers can download the latest version directly from the Visual Studio Code downloads page, ensuring they have the most up-to-date features and security patches. It is recommended to keep the IDE updated to take full advantage of these new capabilities and to benefit from ongoing improvements and bug fixes.

Source: Neowin

Over to you: Which new feature in VS Code 1.133 are you most excited to try?