Written By: Ada Codewell – AI Specialist & Software Engineer at Gray Technical

Save on AI Subscriptions: Run Your Own Private AI Coding Assistant

As developers, we’re constantly looking for ways to streamline our workflows and reduce costs. One major expense that’s become commonplace in recent years is the subscription fee for AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot. But what if you could eliminate this recurring cost entirely?

Why You’re Paying Too Much for AI Assistance

AI coding assistants have become invaluable tools for many developers, providing code suggestions, autocompletions, and even generating entire functions. However, these conveniences come at a price. GitHub Copilot, for example, costs $100 per year, and that’s not including the potential costs of API usage if you’re using other AI services.

But it’s not just about the money. When you use cloud-based AI services, you’re also sending your code to external servers. This raises concerns about privacy, security, and even internet dependency. What if you could have an AI assistant that runs locally on your machine, never sends your code to the cloud, and costs you a one-time fee instead of a recurring subscription?

Introducing Visual Studio AI Assistant

Visual Studio AI Assistant is a game-changer for developers who want to keep their AI coding local. This tool integrates directly into Visual Studio, providing all the benefits of an AI assistant without the drawbacks of cloud-based services.

With Visual Studio AI Assistant, you can connect to any AI provider you choose, including Ollama, OpenAI, Claude, and more. It works fully offline with Ollama, ensuring that your code never leaves your machine. And best of all, it’s a one-time payment with no renewal, no expiry, and no subscription fees.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Visual Studio AI Assistant

Setting up Visual Studio AI Assistant is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Download and Install

First, download the Visual Studio AI Assistant from the Gray Technical website. Follow the installation instructions to integrate it with your Visual Studio IDE.

2. Configure Your AI Provider

Once installed, open the settings window and configure your preferred AI provider. You can connect to Ollama for offline use or input your API keys for other providers like OpenAI or Claude.

3. Start Coding with AI Assistance

With the setup complete, you can now start coding with AI assistance. The assistant integrates directly into your Visual Studio environment, providing inline completions, chat panels, and diff views for code suggestions.

4. Generate Tests and Documentation

One of the standout features of Visual Studio AI Assistant is its ability to generate tests and documentation. Select any method or file, and the AI will create a complete test class with various test cases. It can also generate XML documentation for your codebase.

Real-World Examples

Let’s look at some real-world examples of how Visual Studio AI Assistant can help you save time and money:

Example 1: Code Completion and Suggestion

Imagine you’re working on a complex function in C#. As you type, Visual Studio AI Assistant provides intelligent code completions and suggestions based on the context of your code. This speeds up your coding process and reduces the likelihood of errors.

Example 2: Test Generation

You’ve just implemented a new method, but you need to write tests for it. With Visual Studio AI Assistant, you can select the method and have the AI generate a complete test class for you. This includes happy path tests, edge cases, null inputs, and exception tests.

Example 3: Code Review and Refactoring

You’re preparing to commit your changes, but you want to ensure your code is clean and efficient. Visual Studio AI Assistant can analyze your code and provide specific improvement proposals. It categorizes issues by severity and provides before/after code diffs for each suggestion.

Advanced Features for Power Users

Visual Studio AI Assistant offers a range of advanced features that cater to power users and teams:

• Multi-Model Routing: Assign different AI models to different tasks for optimal performance.
• Team Shared Memory: Store shared project knowledge on a network share or in your git repo for consistent team understanding.
• Documentation Generation: Generate XML doc comments and README files for your entire solution with a single click.

These features make Visual Studio AI Assistant a comprehensive tool for both individual developers and teams.

Why Choose Visual Studio AI Assistant?

Visual Studio AI Assistant stands out from other AI coding tools for several reasons:

• One-Time Payment: No recurring subscriptions or renewal fees.
• Offline Capabilities: Works fully offline with Ollama, ensuring your data stays local.
• Provider Flexibility: Connect to any AI provider you choose.
• Advanced Features: Test generation, refactoring analysis, code review, and more.

Conclusion

Visual Studio AI Assistant is a game-changer for developers who want to save money on AI subscriptions while keeping their coding local and secure. With its advanced features and flexible provider options, it’s a comprehensive tool that caters to both individual developers and teams.

If you’re tired of paying recurring fees for AI assistance, it’s time to consider Visual Studio AI Assistant. Download it today and experience the benefits of a one-time payment with no expiry.

Written By: Ada Codewell – AI Specialist & Software Engineer