Accessing Amazon CodeWhisperer Functionality via IDE Extensions

Amazon CodeWhisperer is an artificial intelligence (AI) coding companion designed to enhance developer productivity by generating code suggestions in real-time. Accessing its capabilities is primarily done through installing and configuring dedicated extensions or plugins within supported Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). CodeWhisperer does not operate as a standalone application; its functionality is integrated directly into the developer's coding workflow within their chosen IDE.

Supported IDEs and Access Methods

CodeWhisperer supports several popular IDEs and coding environments. The method of accessing its features involves locating and installing the appropriate extension from the IDE's marketplace or plugin repository.

The primary supported environments include:

• Visual Studio Code (VS Code): A widely used free source-code editor.
• JetBrains IDEs: A suite of commercial IDEs including IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, and others.
• AWS Cloud9: A cloud-based IDE offered by AWS.

Installing the Extension in VS Code

For developers using Visual Studio Code, accessing CodeWhisperer involves installing the AWS Toolkit extension, which includes CodeWhisperer functionality.

Steps for installation:

1. Open Visual Studio Code.
2. Navigate to the Extensions view by clicking on the square icon in the sidebar or pressing Ctrl+Shift+X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+X (macOS).
3. In the search bar at the top of the Extensions view, type "AWS Toolkit".
4. Locate the "AWS Toolkit" extension published by Amazon Web Services.
5. Click the "Install" button for the AWS Toolkit.
6. Once installation is complete, the AWS Toolkit icon will appear in the sidebar. Clicking this icon will reveal CodeWhisperer options and status.

Installing the Plugin in JetBrains IDEs

JetBrains users can access CodeWhisperer through the AWS Toolkit plugin available in the JetBrains Plugin Marketplace. This applies to various JetBrains products like IntelliJ IDEA (Community and Ultimate editions), PyCharm (Community and Professional editions), WebStorm, Rider, GoLand, and others.

Steps for installation (steps may vary slightly depending on the specific JetBrains IDE version):

1. Open the JetBrains IDE.
2. Access the IDE's settings or preferences menu (File > Settings on Windows/Linux or IntelliJ IDEA > Preferences on macOS).
3. In the settings/preferences window, find the "Plugins" section.
4. Select the "Marketplace" tab.
5. In the search bar within the Marketplace tab, type "AWS Toolkit".
6. Locate the "AWS Toolkit" plugin published by Amazon Web Services.
7. Click the "Install" button for the AWS Toolkit plugin.
8. After installation, the IDE will typically prompt for a restart to activate the plugin. Restart the IDE.
9. Upon restart, an AWS Toolkit tool window or sidebar option will be available, providing access to CodeWhisperer settings and features.

Accessing CodeWhisperer in AWS Cloud9

AWS Cloud9 is an integrated development environment accessible directly from a web browser. CodeWhisperer is built into the AWS Cloud9 environment by default.

Steps for access:

1. Create or open an AWS Cloud9 environment in the AWS Management Console.
2. CodeWhisperer is automatically available within the editor pane of the Cloud9 environment.
3. Configuration options and status are typically found within the AWS Toolkit pane or a dedicated CodeWhisperer panel within the Cloud9 interface.

Configuration and Usage

After installing the extension/plugin, the next step to fully enable and access CodeWhisperer's features involves configuration.

Key configuration steps typically include:

• Connecting to AWS: Linking the IDE extension to an AWS account. This can be done using AWS Builder ID or AWS IAM Identity Center (successor to AWS Single Sign-On). The method depends on the CodeWhisperer tier (individual or professional) and organizational setup.
• Accepting Terms: Agreeing to the CodeWhisperer terms of service.
• Enabling/Disabling: Toggling CodeWhisperer suggestions on or off within the IDE settings or the AWS Toolkit panel.

Once configured, CodeWhisperer suggestions appear automatically as code is being written. Suggestions are typically displayed inline or in a dedicated panel, and can be accepted or ignored by the developer.

Benefits Accessed via the Plugin

Installing and configuring the CodeWhisperer plugin or extension provides access to core benefits:

• Real-time Code Suggestions: Provides code snippets, function definitions, and even entire blocks of code based on comments and existing code.
• Multiple Language Support: Offers suggestions for various programming languages, including Python, Java, JavaScript, C#, TypeScript, and others.
• Security Scans: Includes a security scanning feature (available in the professional tier) that helps identify vulnerabilities in the code directly within the IDE.
• Reference Tracking: Provides information about the origin of code suggestions that may resemble open-source training data, including repository URLs and license information.
• Integration with AWS Services: Provides context-aware suggestions for using AWS APIs and services.

Accessing CodeWhisperer is a straightforward process involving the installation and minimal configuration of the AWS Toolkit extension/plugin within a supported IDE, seamlessly integrating AI assistance into the developer's everyday coding activities.