2 MPLAB Tools for VS Code: Additional Features
2.1 Profiles and Workspaces
Profiles and workspaces are features in VS Code that allow developers to customize and manage files and tools for individual projects.
2.1.1 Profiles
Profiles help developers manage VS Code preferences, including themes, layouts, and installed extensions. Profiles are essential when using VS Code for different types of projects that require different sets of extensions (e.g., extensions specific to embedded programming or UI development). They help developers switch to environments that are ideal for the current project. Refer to Profiles in Visual Studio Code for more details on how to create and manage profiles.
2.1.2 Workspaces
Workspaces are collections of files and folders that are relevant to a project. Workspaces are usually maintained for project development that involves multiple resources from different locations. This allows developers to open multiple projects in a single window. Refer to What is a VS Code workspace? for more details on how to use workspaces.
2.2 MPLAB AI Coding Assistant
The MPLAB AI Coding Assistant is a free extension for VS Code, designed to streamline development for Microchip products. It integrates a Microchip-trained virtual assistant chatbot directly into the VS Code sidebar, enabling users to develop and edit Microchip-specific code with improved accuracy, access data sheets, utilize autocomplete suggestions, and automate tasks such as code commenting (all without leaving the editor). Continuously updated with Microchip-specific information, the assistant helps generate, review, explain, and comment on code, enhancing productivity and reducing errors compared to general-purpose AI tools.
Refer to these videos for tutorials on how to use MCC in VS Code: