New Features in Visual Studio Code 1.97: AI-Powered Editing, Movable Command Palette, and More
Visual Studio Code has been updated to version 1.97, introducing several new features that aim to enhance the developer experience.
Ai-Powered Editing with Copilot Next Edit Suggestions
The latest update includes a preview of Copilot Next Edit Suggestions (Copilot NES), an AI-powered feature that predicts the next edit users want to make. This feature, enabled via the VS Code setting github.copilot.nextEditSuggestions.enabled, suggests future changes based on previous edits.
Developers can simply press tab to navigate and accept suggestions, making code completion more efficient and accurate. With Copilot NES, users can benefit from AI-driven insights that help them write better code with fewer errors.
Movable Command Palette
Another significant improvement in Visual Studio Code 1.97 is the ability to move the Command Palette and other Quick Inputs to a new position within the window. No longer will users be limited by having it fixed at the top of the screen; instead, they can customize their workspace according to their preferences.
No-Config Debug for Python
For Python developers, Visual Studio Code 1.97 offers a no-config debug feature that allows them to debug scripts directly from the terminal without setup. This eliminates the need for complex configurations, making it easier for users to focus on writing code rather than dealing with debugger settings.
Other New Features
- The Command Palette now supports filtering contents in the Output panel, which helps manage and analyze large volumes of log data. This feature is particularly useful when working with complex projects that generate a lot of output.
- The notebook editor has been enhanced to show inline values after cell execution. Users can enable this feature by setting
notebook.inlineValuesin their VS Code settings. - In the JavaScript debugger, scripts can now be "pretty printed" using the "Debug: Pretty print for debugging" command from the command palette or editor actions, even if they are not the source the debugger is currently paused in.
- The TypeScript 5.7.3 recovery release includes a minor update that fixes a few import bugs and regressions.
General Availability of Copilot Edits
Visual Studio Code 1.97 also makes the Copilot Edits feature generally available, allowing users to make code changes across multiple files in their workspace directly from chat. This feature was previously previewed in VS Code 1.95.
Updated Model Picker
The model picker now includes OpenAI o3-mini and Gemini 2.0 Flash, providing developers with more options for selecting the most suitable AI model for their needs.
What's Next?
With Visual Studio Code 1.97, Microsoft continues to invest in making its code editor a go-to tool for developers worldwide. As the software development landscape evolves, expect further updates that cater to emerging trends and technologies.
Getting Started with Visual Studio Code 1.97
To experience these new features firsthand, users can download Visual Studio Code 1.97 for Windows, Mac, or Linux. The update should be available via the software's built-in updater, so it's just a matter of restarting VS Code to get started.
Conclusion
The latest iteration of Visual Studio Code brings several welcome improvements that aim to streamline development workflows and provide more accurate code completion suggestions. As AI continues to shape the future of coding, these features will undoubtedly play a significant role in making developers' lives easier.