Zed AI: AI Assistant for the Zed Code Editor
Overview
Zed AI is a coding assistant designed to integrate seamlessly with the Zed code editor. With features like an assistant panel, inline transformations, and customizable commands, it enables developers to code efficiently while maintaining control over AI interactions. Integrated with Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet, the coding assistant enhances the coding experience by supporting real-time code generation, debugging, and transformation within Zed’s open-source platform.
Features & Benefits
- Assistant Panel: A text-based interface within the code editor that allows developers to refine AI interactions, enabling full transparency and control over every input and output.
- Slash Commands: Commands like
/file
,/tab
, and/diagnostics
allow quick insertion of contextual information from files, terminal outputs, and diagnostic results directly into the assistant panel, enriching the AI’s ability to assist with relevant information. - Inline Code Transformations: Developers can use natural language prompts to generate or edit code directly within the editor, with real-time streaming feedback that makes AI interactions responsive and interactive.
- Prompt Caching: Stores frequently used prompts for quick access, delivering fast responses even when working with extensive codebases and reducing operational costs.
- Customizable and Extensible Commands: Users can develop custom slash commands using WebAssembly or JSON to tailor Zed AI’s functionality to specific workflows.
Platforms
macOS, Linux
Zed AI Tasks
- Real-time code generation and refactoring
- AI-assisted debugging and inline code transformation
- Integrating project files, terminal outputs, and diagnostic data into prompts
- Multi-selection code transformations using Zed’s multiple cursor feature
Integrations
- Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet
- WebAssembly for custom command extension
- JSON-based protocol for extensible command customization
Real-world Applications
Zed AI is ideal for developers working on collaborative or large-scale projects where real-time AI assistance can speed up coding and debugging. For example, Rust developers at Anthropic use Zed AI daily, leveraging the assistant panel for complex debugging tasks and inline transformations for instant feedback while coding. The assistant panel’s slash commands allow them to bring relevant files or diagnostic information directly into its interface, making it easier to get accurate AI support in the middle of development.
Picture a developer late at night, tweaking code for a last-minute release: the AI coding assistant can generate the necessary fixes or insert missing elements while they monitor progress, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Who is Zed AI For
- Developers usin Zed editor
- Collaborative coding teams
- Programmers managing large or complex codebases
- Rust developers and open-source contributors
Pricing & Discount
Plan | Cost | Features |
---|---|---|
Free Tier | $0 | Access to assistant panel, inline transformations, and slash commands; usage limits apply |
Usage-based Billing | Based on AI token use | For high-volume users; cost proportional to AI processing beyond the free tier |
Zed AI Free Version
Available ✅
Limitations
- Requires Zed code editor, available only on macOS and Linux.
- Usage-based billing for high-volume users.
- Familiarity with slash commands and command customization may be needed for optimal use.
Concerns
- Data Privacy: Usage-based billing model may require token usage tracking.
- Platform Support: Currently limited to macOS and Linux.
- Learning Curve: Users may need time to master slash commands and customization options.
Potential Future Developments
- Automated Context Commands: An /auto command that inserts relevant project data based on the active task.
- Expanded Workflow Tools: Further development of the /workflow command to enhance integration between assistant panel interactions and project files.
Explore custom commands, tweak inline transformations, and optimize your workflow with Zed AI.