LexAI/packages/vscode/README.md

LexAI — AI Writing & Code Assist

Bring your own LLM key. LexAI helps you write and work with code in VS Code / Cursor — no LexAI account, no subscription, no LexAI servers.

Select text or code → run an action or ask in Code Assist → Accept / Regenerate / Discard in the editor.

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Also available for Chrome

Use the same LexAI writing assistant on any webpage:

LexAI — AI Writing Assistant (Chrome Web Store)

On the web: select text → Fix / Rephrase / Shorten / Expand / Explain / Make Prompt → Replace or Copy. Same BYO-key idea as this VS Code extension.

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All features (VS Code / Cursor)

Code Assist (workspace-aware)

• Select code → Code Assist → type what you want in an inline prompt above the selection (Copilot-style zone), then Ask LexAI.
• Examples: explain, refactor, add error handling, rewrite for clarity, review a function.
• LexAI gathers workspace context: selected code, surrounding lines, import/require targets, and symbol definitions from other files (via the language server).
• Result opens in the suggestion zone with Accept / Regenerate / Discard.
• Available from CodeLens, editor context menu, Command Palette, and the Activity Bar sidebar.

Writing actions

Action	What it does
Fix Grammar	Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Rephrase	Make text clearer / more professional
Shorten	Cut fluff while keeping the message
Expand	Add detail, context, and supporting points
Explain	Break down complex text into plain language
Make Prompt	Turn a rough idea into a structured AI prompt

Prompt Builder (Make Prompt)

• Structural patterns (auto, zero-shot, role, few-shot, and more)
• Persona presets, including custom persona text
• Preferred output format
• Optional model override for Make Prompt only
• Adjust in Settings, or via inline option chips in the suggestion zone (click a chip to regenerate)

Writing styles

Apply to Fix / Rephrase / Shorten / Expand / Explain:

Default · Formal · Casual · Academic · Creative · Concise

Change in Settings or via option chips in the suggestion zone.

Where you can start an action

• CodeLens — select ≥10 characters; click LexAI on the first selected line to expand actions in place (Code Assist + writing actions)
• Editor context menu — right-click selection → LexAI submenu
• Gutter / line-number context — LexAI submenu when a selection is active
• Command Palette — LexAI: Fix Grammar, Rephrase, Shorten, Expand, Explain, Make Prompt, Code Assist, Show Actions, …
• Activity Bar sidebar — LexAI icon → Workspace panel: paste or type text, pick an action (including Code Assist), run, Copy or reuse as input; Insert selection pulls from the editor
• Status bar — ✓ LexAI ready · ⟳ LexAI processing · ⚠ LexAI not ready (click opens Settings)

Suggestion UI

• In-editor zone (default) — comment widget above the selection with Accept / Regenerate / Discard and option chips
• Side panel — optional suggestion panel
• Setting lexai.suggestionUi: zone | panel | both
• lexai.previewBeforeReplace — preview before replacing the selection (default on)
• lexai.askOptionsBeforeGenerate — optional Quick Picks for style / Prompt Builder before each run

Settings & account-free setup

• LexAI: Open Settings — branded settings UI for provider, model, writing style, Prompt Builder, and API key
• LexAI: Set API Key / Clear API Key
• LexAI: Show Configuration Status
• Providers: OpenAI · Anthropic · Groq · OpenRouter
• API key stored in VS Code Secret Storage (not plain settings)
• Non-secret prefs use lexai.* settings

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Quick start

1. Install this extension (Marketplace, Open VSX, or Install from VSIX).
2. Command Palette → LexAI: Open Settings → provider, model, API key.
3. Select text or code → click LexAI on the line → pick an action or Code Assist.
4. Review in the suggestion zone → Accept to replace the selection (or Copy from the sidebar / panel).

Install / publish details: DEPLOY.md.

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Privacy

• No LexAI backend and no LexAI telemetry.
• API key lives in the editor’s Secret Storage.
• Your text is sent only to the LLM provider you configure.

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Links

Chrome extension	Chrome Web Store
Source	LexAI repository
Publisher	JuanKibin