Boost VS Code Productivity With Per-Workspace AI
Hey guys! Let's dive into how we can seriously level up our productivity in VS Code, especially when juggling multiple projects. We're going to talk about a cool feature: per-workspace AI provider configuration. Trust me, this is a game-changer!
The Problem: Global Settings are a Pain
Okay, so here's the deal. Right now, all your AI provider configurations – you know, things like which models you're using for different tasks – are saved globally in VS Code. Think of it like this: you set it once, and it applies to everything. Sounds simple, right? Wrong!
Imagine you're working on a TypeScript project (let's call it Workspace A) and you're loving Claude for that. But then you switch over to your Python project (Workspace B), and suddenly GPT-4 is the star of the show. With the current setup, you've got to manually reconfigure your providers every single time you switch workspaces. Seriously, who has time for that? This is a major productivity killer, especially when you're bouncing between projects all day long. We need a fix, and that fix is per-workspace AI provider configuration.
This friction, this constant need to reconfigure, it just eats away at your focus and your flow. It's like having to adjust your car seat and mirrors every time someone else drives your car. Annoying, right? We need a system that understands that different projects have different needs. A system that allows us to tailor our AI tools to the specific context of each workspace. That's what we're aiming for here, a seamless and intuitive experience that keeps us in the zone and churning out awesome code.
The Solution: Per-Workspace Configuration
So, what's the answer? Per-workspace AI provider configuration, of course! This means saving your AI provider settings – think selected models and API keys – specifically for each workspace. Imagine the freedom! Different modes can use different providers in different workspaces, all without messing up your other projects. It's like having a custom-built AI setup for each project you're working on.
Here's the breakdown of what this awesome solution would entail:
- Workspace-Specific Settings: Provider settings are saved per workspace. This is the core of the solution, allowing you to have different AI configurations for different projects.
- Mode-Specific Providers: You can use different providers for different modes within the same workspace. Want Claude for TypeScript and GPT-4 for Python in the same project? No problem!
- Backward Compatibility: We're not throwing away the old system. This new feature will play nicely with your existing global settings, ensuring a smooth transition.
- Sync and Copy: An option to sync or copy settings between workspaces. This is super handy for projects with similar requirements or for quickly setting up new workspaces.
Think of the possibilities! No more manual reconfiguration, no more accidentally using the wrong model, just pure, unadulterated coding bliss. This isn't just about convenience; it's about optimizing your workflow and maximizing your productivity. By tailoring your AI tools to each project, you're creating a more efficient and focused development environment.
Technical Considerations: Making it Happen
Okay, so how do we actually make this dream a reality? There are a few key technical things we need to think about to ensure this feature is rock-solid and user-friendly.
First up, we need to store provider configurations in workspace-specific settings. This is the foundation of the whole system. Instead of relying on global settings, we'll create a way to save these configurations directly within the workspace itself. This ensures that each project has its own unique AI setup.
Next, we need some UI indicators that clearly show which workspace's settings are currently active. This is crucial for avoiding confusion and making sure you're always using the correct configuration. A simple visual cue, like a small icon or text in the status bar, can make a huge difference in usability.
We also need to think about a migration path for existing users. We can't just flip a switch and expect everyone to reconfigure their settings from scratch. We need a smooth and automated way to transition users from the global settings to the new workspace-specific system. This might involve a one-time migration process that copies existing settings to individual workspaces.
And of course, we need to make sure API keys remain secure. API keys are sensitive information, and we need to handle them with care. A key consideration is whether to store API keys globally or within the workspace scope. Workspace-scoped keys offer better security, as they limit the potential impact of a compromised key.
These technical considerations are crucial for building a robust and secure per-workspace configuration system. It's not just about making it work; it's about making it work well and ensuring a smooth experience for everyone.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
This feature isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have for developers working on multiple projects with different AI needs. It directly addresses a real pain point and significantly improves the workflow. By allowing us to tailor our AI tools to each project, we're creating a more efficient, focused, and enjoyable development experience.
Imagine a world where you can seamlessly switch between projects without having to constantly reconfigure your AI settings. A world where your AI tools adapt to your project, not the other way around. That's the power of per-workspace configuration.
This improvement to the workflow for developers working on multiple projects with different AI requirements, making RooCode more flexible and user-friendly, it's about empowering developers to do their best work. It's about removing friction, streamlining workflows, and ultimately, boosting productivity. By investing in features like this, we're investing in the future of software development.
Request Checklist: All Boxes Ticked!
Just to make sure we're all on the same page, let's run through the checklist:
- [x] I've searched existing Issues and Discussions for duplicates
- [x] This describes a specific problem with clear impact and context
Yep, we're good to go! This isn't just a random idea; it's a well-defined problem with a clear solution.
Interested in Implementation?
While I'm super excited about this feature, I'm primarily submitting this as a feature request. However, if there's an opportunity to contribute in the future, I'd definitely be interested!
- [ ] Yes, I'd like to help implement this feature
- [x] This is a feature request only
This is awesome for developers.