VS Code configuration
VS Code is a code editor, not a model provider. When you use Claude, GPT, Gemini, or a provider model in VS Code, it's usually done through extensions like Cline, Continue, or GitHub Copilot; the actual place where you need to enter the Key, Base URL, and model name is in the settings of the specific extension.
Official information Downloads and documentation are subject to the official site.
First, distinguish three concepts
VS CodeIt is only a place for writing code, responsible for opening projects, editing files, and installing extensions.
AI extensionsExtensions like Cline, Continue, Copilot, etc. , are responsible for sending your questions and code context to the model and displaying the responses back in VS Code.
Model sourcesClaude, GPT, Gemini, OpenAI-compatible AI providers, local models, etc. , all belong to model sources; whether they can be used depends on whether the extension you choose supports them.
So this page is not "only configurable with Cline / Roo Code. " A more accurate way to put it is: in VS Code, select an AI extension, and then within that extension, choose Claude, GPT, Gemini, or OpenAI-compatible services.
How to choose the source of the model
| What do you want to use? | How is a provider usually chosen? | How to fill in Key / Base URL | Suitable situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude | Anthropic / Claude | Fill in the Anthropic Key; if you are using a provider, follow the provider instructions to choose OpenAI Compatible or a custom entry. | Suitable for code understanding, code modification, and long-context Q&A. |
| GPT / OpenAI | OpenAI | Enter the OpenAI Key; usually you don't need to change the Base URL for an official direct connection, only the proxy needs to fill in the API link provided by the provider. | Suitable for general Q&A, code explanation, and minor modifications. |
| AI provider / Aggregation Service | OpenAI Compatible / Custom Provider | Copy the Key, Base URL, and Model ID exactly as shown in the provider's backend; some Base URLs include /v1, while others do not, follow what is displayed in the backend. | Suitable for beginners who need to access multiple models in a unified way. |
| Gemini / Other Models | Google Gemini or the corresponding Provider | Fill in the corresponding platform Key; the Base URL only needs to be filled in when the extension provides a custom interface. | Suitable for multi-model comparison, whether it can be used depends on extending the current version. |
| GitHub Copilot | GitHub / Copilot Login | Usually, instead of filling in the Key and Base URL, you log in to your GitHub account and enable the corresponding permissions. | Suitable for those who only want to use a more hassle-free coding assistant within the official VS Code ecosystem. |
Configuration Entry and Steps
- First install VS Code, then open the Extensions Marketplace on the left.
- Choose an AI extension: beginners can start with Cline; if you are already using Continue, you can refer to the dedicated Continue page on this site; Roo Code is more suitable for experienced users and is not recommended for beginners to install first.
- Open the extension settings and first look for Provider, Model Provider, API Provider this type of entry.
- If you want to use Claude, select Anthropic / Claude; if you want to use GPT, select OpenAI; if you want to use a provider, select OpenAI Compatible, OpenAI Compatible, or Custom Provider.
- Fill in the Key. When using the official model platform, usually only the official Key is needed; when using a provider, both the Key and Base URL need to be copied from the provider’s backend.
- Select the model or manually fill in the model name. Do not rewrite the model name yourself; fill in exactly what is shown in the provider’s backend.
- Set auto-execute commands, auto-modify files, and auto-apply changes to off or confirm each time.
Safety Test Instructions
It is recommended to ask like this for the first test
Read only the currently open file. Do not modify files or run commands. Explain what this code does in beginner-friendly language.When it involves executing commands or modifying files, first confirm what it intends to do. Beginners should not enable fully automatic mode.