AI Code Assistant

AI Code Assistant

RooCode is an AI-powered coding assistant integrated into SettleMint’s Code Studio, replacing the former “AI Genie”. It enhances Code Studio by introducing a more versatile and powerful AI engine directly in your development environment. With RooCode, you can generate and improve code using natural language, leverage multiple AI models for different tasks, and even integrate custom or local AI instances to meet your project’s needs. This guide will walk you through what RooCode is, how to set it up, and how to make the most of its features.

What is RooCode and How Does It Enhance Code Studio?

RooCode is a next-generation AI assistant that lives in your Code Studio editor. Think of it as your intelligent pair programmer: you can ask it to write code, explain code, suggest improvements, or even create new project files – all through simple prompts. Unlike the previous AI Genie (which was tied to a single AI model), RooCode is built to be provider-agnostic and highly extensible. This means it can connect to a range of AI models and services: • Multiple AI Providers: Out of the box, RooCode supports popular AI providers like OpenAI (GPT models), Anthropic (Claude), Google Vertex AI, AWS Bedrock, and more. You’re not limited to one AI engine; you can choose the model that best fits your task for better results.

• Advanced Context Awareness: RooCode can handle larger context windows and smarter context management than before. It “remembers” more of your codebase and conversation history, which helps it generate responses that consider your entire project scope. In practice, you’ll notice more coherent help even as your files grow or you switch between different parts of your project.
• Extensibility via MCP: RooCode supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP) , a framework that lets the AI assistant use external tools and services, including the (SettleMint MCP server)[https://console.settlemint.com/documentation/building-with-settlemint/dev-tools/mcp]. This is a big enhancement for Code Studio – it means the AI can potentially perform complex operations like looking up information in a knowledge base, running test suites, or controlling a web browser for web-related tasks, all from within the coding session. (By default, you’ll only use these features if you choose to enable or add them, so the environment stays straightforward unless you need the extra power.)
• Seamless Code Studio Integration: RooCode is fully embedded in SettleMint’s Code Studio interface. You can access it through the familiar chat or prompt interface. You can access it through the familiar chat or prompt panel. It works alongside your code in real-time – for example, you can highlight a piece of code and ask RooCode to explain or refactor it, and it will provide the answer or suggestion in seconds. This tight integration means your development workflow is smoother and more efficient, with AI help always at your fingertips.

In summary, RooCode enhances Code Studio by making the AI assistance more powerful, flexible, and context-aware. Whether you’re a developer looking for quick code generation or an enterprise user needing compliance-friendly AI, RooCode adapts to provide the best experience.

Step-by-Step Setup and Configuration

Getting started with RooCode in Code Studio is straightforward. Here’s how to set up and configure it for your needs:

1. Open Code Studio: Log in to the SettleMint Console and open your Code Studio environment. Ensure you have the latest version of the Code Studio where RooCode is available (if SettleMint releases updates, make sure your environment is updated). You should notice references to RooCode or AI Assistant in the IDE interface.

2. Access RooCode Settings: In Code Studio, locate the RooCode settings panel. This is accessible via an rocket icon the Code Studio toolbar. Click on that to open the configuration settings.

3. Choose an AI Provider: In the RooCode settings, you’ll see an option to select your AI provider or model. RooCode supports many providers; common options include OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Vertex AI, AWS Bedrock, etc. Decide which AI service you want to use for generating suggestions. For instance, if you have an OpenAI API key and want to use GPT-4, select “OpenAI.” If you prefer Anthropic’s Claude, choose “Anthropic” from the dropdown. (You can change this later or even set up multiple profiles for different providers.) 4. Enter API Keys/Credentials: After selecting a provider, you’ll need to provide the API key or credentials for that service:

   • For cloud providers like OpenAI or Anthropic: Enter your API key in the provided field. You might also need to specify any additional info (for example, an OpenAI Organization ID if applicable, or select the model variant from a list). RooCode’s Anthropic integration, for example, will have a field for the Anthropic API Key and a dropdown to pick which Claude model to use.

   • If you choose OpenAI Compatible or custom endpoints (for instance, via a service like OpenRouter or Requesty that aggregates models), input the base URL or choose the service name, and then provide the corresponding API key.

   • For Azure OpenAI or enterprise-specific endpoints: you’ll typically enter an endpoint URL and an API key (and possibly a deployment name) as required by that service. RooCode allows configuring a custom base URL for providers like Anthropic or OpenAI if needed, which is useful for enterprise proxies or Azure endpoints.

4. Configure Model and Settings: Once your key is in place, select the exact model or version you want to use. For example, choose “GPT-4” or a specific Claude variant from the model dropdown. You can also adjust any optional settings here:

   • Context Limit or Mode Settings: Some providers/models allow adjusting the maximum tokens or response length. RooCode might expose these or just manage them automatically. (By default, it optimizes context usage for you.)
   • MCP and Tools: If you plan to use advanced features, ensure that MCP servers are enabled in settings (this might be on by default). There may be an option like “Enable MCP Tools” or similar. If you don’t need these, you can leave it as is. (Advanced users can add specific MCP server configurations later—this is optional and not required for basic usage.)
   • Profiles (Optional): RooCode supports multiple configuration profiles. You might see an option to create or switch “API Profiles.” This is useful if you want to quickly switch between different providers or keys (say one profile for OpenAI, another for a local model). For now, using the default or a single profile is fine.

5. Save and Test: Save your settings (there might be a “Save” button or it may apply changes immediately). Now test RooCode to confirm it’s working:

   • Look for the RooCode chat panel or command input in Code Studio. It might be a sidebar or bottom panel where you can type a prompt.
   • Try a simple prompt like: “Hello RooCode” or ask it to write a snippet, e.g., “// Prompt: write a Solidity function to add two numbers”.
   • RooCode should respond with a code suggestion or answer. If it prompts for any permissions (like file access, since RooCode can write to files), approve it to allow the AI to assist with coding tasks.
   • If you get an error (e.g., unauthorized or no response), double-check your API key and internet connectivity, or see if the provider might have usage limits. Adjust keys or settings as needed.
   • With setup complete, you can now fully leverage RooCode in your development workflow. Use natural language to ask for code, explanations, or improvements. For example:
     • “Create a unit test for the above function.” – RooCode will generate test code.
     • “I’m getting a validation error in this contract, can you help find the bug?” – RooCode can analyze your code and point out potential issues.
   • “Document this function.” – RooCode will write documentation comments explaining the code.
   • You can interact with it as you code, and it will utilize the configured AI model to assist you. Feel free to adjust the provider or model as you see what works best for your project.

Key Features and Benefits of RooCode

RooCode brings a rich set of features to improve your development experience in Code Studio. Here are some of the highlights:

• 🎯 Multiple AI Models & Providers: Connect RooCode to various AI backends. You’re not locked into one AI engine – choose from OpenAI’s GPT series, Anthropic’s Claude, Google’s PaLM/Gemini (via Vertex AI), or even open-source models through services like Ollama or LM Studio. This flexibility means you can leverage the strengths of different models (e.g., one might be better at Ollama or LM Studio. This flexibility means you can leverage the strengths of different models (e.g., one might be better at code completion, another at explaining concepts) as needed.
• 📚 Advanced Context Management: RooCode is designed to handle large codebases and lengthy conversations more gracefully. It uses intelligent context management to include relevant parts of your project when generating answers. For you, this means less time spent copy-pasting code to show the AI – RooCode will automatically consider the files you’re working on and recent interactions. The result is more informed suggestions that truly understand your project’s context.
• 🤖 MCP (Model Context Protocol) Support: One of the standout advanced features is RooCode’s ability to use MCP. This allows the AI assistant to interface with external tools and services in a standardized way . For example, with an appropriate MCP server configured, RooCode could perform a task like searching your company’s knowledge base, querying a database for a value, or running a custom script – all triggered by an AI command. This extends what the AI can do beyond text generation, turning it into a mini agent that can act on your behalf. (This is an optional power-user feature; you can use Code Studio and RooCode fully without ever touching MCP, but it’s there for those who need to integrate with other systems.)
• 🛠 In-Editor Tools & Actions: RooCode comes with a variety of built-in capabilities accessible directly in the editor. It can read from and write to files in your project (with your permission), meaning it can create new code files or modify existing ones when you accept its suggestions. It can execute terminal commands in the Code Studio environment – useful for running tests or compiling code to verify solutions. It even has the ability to control a browser or other tools via MCP, as mentioned. These actions help automate routine tasks: imagine generating code and then automatically running your test suite to verify it, all through AI assistance.
• 🔒 Customization & Control: Despite its power, RooCode gives you control over the AI’s behavior. You can set custom instructions (for example, telling the AI about project-specific guidelines or coding style preferences). You can also adjust approval settings – e.g., require manual approval every time RooCode tries to write to a file or run a command, or relax this for trusted actions to speed up your workflow. For enterprise scenarios, features like disabling MCP entirely or restricting certain actions are available for compliance (administrators can centrally manage these policies). This balance ensures you get helpful automation without sacrificing oversight.
• 🚀 Continuous Improvement: RooCode is regularly updated with performance improvements and new features. Being a part of the SettleMint platform means it’s tested for our specific use cases (like blockchain and smart contract development) and tuned for reliability. Expect faster responses and new capabilities over time – for instance, support for the latest AI models as they become available, improved prompt handling, and more. All these benefits come to you automatically through platform updates.

Together, these features make RooCode a robust AI co-developer. You’ll find that repetitive tasks get easier, complex tasks become more approachable with AI guidance, and your team’s overall development speed and quality can increase.

Integrating Personal API Keys and Enterprise/Local Instances

One of the great advantages of RooCode is its flexibility in how it connects to AI models. Depending on your needs, you can either use personal API keys for public AI services, or leverage local/enterprise instances for more control. Here’s how to manage those scenarios:

• Using Your Own API Keys: If you have your own accounts with AI providers (such as an OpenAI API subscription or access to Anthropic’s Claude), you can plug those credentials into RooCode. In the RooCode settings profile, select the provider and enter your API key (as described in the setup steps). This will make Code Studio use your allotment of that AI service for all AI completions and chats. The benefit is that you can tailor which model and version you use (and often get the newest models immediately), and you have full visibility into your usage via the provider’s dashboard. For instance, you might use your OpenAI key to get GPT-4’s latest features. RooCode will respect any rate limits or quotas on your key, and you’ll be billed by the provider according to your plan with them (if applicable). This approach is ideal for individual power users or teams who want the best models and are okay managing their own API costs.

• Enterprise API Integrations: Enterprises often have special arrangements or requirements for AI usage – such as using Azure OpenAI Service, deploying models via AWS Bedrock, or using a private endpoint hosted in a secure environment. RooCode supports these cases. You can configure a custom base URL and API key to point RooCode to your enterprise’s AI endpoint. For example, if your company uses Azure OpenAI, you’d select “OpenAI Compatible” and provide the Azure endpoint URI and key. Similarly, for AWS Bedrock, choose the Bedrock option and enter the necessary credentials. By doing so, all AI requests from Code Studio will route through those enterprise channels, ensuring compliance with your org’s data policies (no data leaves your approved environment). This is crucial for sectors with strict data governance – you get the convenience of AI coding assistance while keeping data management in line with internal rules.

• Local Instances (Offline/On-Premises Use): RooCode can also work with local AI models running on your own hardware. This is a powerful feature if you need full offline capability or extra privacy. Using a tool like Ollama or LM Studio via AWS Bedrock, or using a private endpoint hosted in a secure environment. RooCode supports these cases. You can configure a custom base URL and API key to point RooCode to your enterprise’s AI endpoint. For example, if your company uses Azure OpenAI, you’d select “OpenAI Compatible” and provide the Azure endpoint URI and key. Similarly, for AWS Bedrock, choose the Bedrock option and enter the necessary credentials. By doing so, all AI requests from Code Studio will route through those enterprise channels, ensuring compliance with your org’s data policies (no data leaves your approved environment). This is crucial for sectors with strict data governance – you get the convenience of AI coding assistance while keeping data management in line with internal rules.

• Local Instances (Offline/On-Premises Use): RooCode can also work with local AI models running on your own hardware. This is a powerful feature if you need full offline capability or extra privacy. Using a tool like Ollama or LM Studio , you can host language models on a local server that mimics the OpenAI API. In RooCode’s settings, you would choose a “Local” provider option (for instance, LM Studio appears as an option) and set the base URL to your local server (often something like http://localhost:PORT with no API key needed or a token if the local server requires one). Once configured, RooCode will send all requests to the local model, meaning your code and queries never leave your machine. Keep in mind, running local models may require a powerful computer, and the AI’s performance depends on the model you use (some open-source models are smaller than the big cloud ones). Still, this option is fantastic for experimentation, working offline, or ensuring absolute confidentiality for sensitive code.

• Switching and Managing Configurations: Through RooCode’s configuration profiles feature , you can maintain multiple setups. For instance, you might have one profile called “Personal-OpenAI” with your OpenAI key and GPT-4, another called “Enterprise-Internal” for your company’s endpoint, and a third called “Local-LLM” for a model on your machine. In Code Studio, you can quickly switch between these depending on the project or context. This flexibility means you’re never locked in – you can always choose the best route for AI assistance on a case-by-case basis.

Tip: Always ensure that when using external API keys or services, you follow the provider’s usage policies and secure your keys. Never commit API keys into your code repositories. Set them via the Code Studio interface or environment variables if supported. SettleMint’s platform will store any keys you enter in a secure way, but it’s good practice to manage and rotate keys periodically. For enterprise setups, work with your system administrators to obtain the correct endpoints and credentials.

By integrating your own keys or instances with RooCode, you essentially bring your preferred AI brain into SettleMint’s Code Studio. This empowers you to use the AI on your terms – whether prioritizing cost, performance, or compliance. It’s all about giving you the choice.

Conclusion and Next Steps

RooCode dramatically expands the AI capabilities of SettleMint Code Studio, making it a versatile assistant for blockchain development and beyond. We’ve covered what RooCode is, how to get it up and running, its key features, and how to tailor it to your environment. As you start using RooCode, you may discover new ways it can help in your daily coding tasks – don’t hesitate to explore features like custom modes or ask RooCode itself for tips on how it can assist you best!

For more detailed technical information, troubleshooting, and advanced tips, check out the (official RooCode documentation)[https://docs.roocode.com]. The RooCode community is also active – you can find resources like FAQ pages or community forums (e.g., RooCode’s Discord or subreddit) via the documentation site if you’re interested in deep dives or sharing experiences.