Microchip simplifies coding with new AI assistant

A Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code) extension, the free tool is based on Continue— an open-source AI code assistant—and comes preconfigured with Microchip’s AI chatbot for real-time support.

The Microchip chatbot facilitates a chat functionality which allows developers to evaluate and iterate on code directly from the sidebar. This interactive support improves the coding experience by providing highly customised, relevant real-time assistance and insights on Microchip-specific products with the chatbot being updated on a continuous basis. Additional features include advanced autocomplete for easier coding, an edit feature and error detection for efficient code modifications within the current file and integrated access to searchable Microchip documentation within the IDE.

“The MPLAB AI Coding Assistant represents a significant leap forward in software development and will transform how engineers work with Microchip products,” said Rodger Richey, Vice President of Development Systems and Academic Programs, Microchip. “We’re harnessing the power of AI to provide interactive, real-time support that helps developers create better software, more quickly and with less hassle.”

Unlike other code assistants on the market, MPLAB AI Coding Assistant's sidebar chat feature can deliver block diagrams within the VS Code interface as opposed to just text responses. This capability, combined with easy access to a library of documentation on Microchip microcontrollers and microprocessors, streamlines the coding process.