kilocode/apps/kilocode-docs/docs/basic-usage/the-chat-interface.md

import Image from '@site/src/components/Image';

Chatting with Kilo Code

:::tip

Bottom line: Kilo Code is an AI coding assistant that lives in VS Code. You chat with it in plain English, and it writes, edits, and explains code for you.

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Quick Setup

Find the Kilo Code icon () in VS Code's Primary Side Bar. Click it to open the chat panel.

Lost the panel? Go to View > Open View... and search for "Kilo Code"

How to Talk to Kilo Code

The key insight: Just type what you want in normal English. No special commands needed.

Good requests:

create a new file named utils.py and add a function called add that takes two numbers as arguments and returns their sum

in the file @src/components/Button.tsx, change the color of the button to blue

find all instances of the variable oldValue in @/src/App.js and replace them with newValue

What makes requests work:

• Be specific - "Fix the bug in calculateTotal that returns incorrect results" beats "Fix the code"
• Use @ mentions - Reference files and code directly with @filename
• One task at a time - Break complex work into manageable steps
• Include examples - Show the style or format you want

The Chat Interface

<Image

src="/docs/img/the-chat-interface/the-chat-interface-1.png" 
alt="Chat interface components labeled with callouts" width="750" 
caption="Everything you need is right here"

/>

Essential controls:

• Chat history - See your conversation and task history
• Input field - Type your requests here (press Enter to send)
• Action buttons - Approve or reject Kilo's proposed changes
• Plus button - Start a new task session
• Mode selector - Choose how Kilo should approach your task

Quick Interactions

Click to act:

• File paths → Opens the file
• URLs → Opens in browser
• Messages → Expand/collapse details
• Code blocks → Copy button appears

Status signals:

• Spinning → Kilo is working
• Red → Error occurred
• Green → Success

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Instead of this...	Try this
"Fix the code"	"Fix the bug in calculateTotal that returns incorrect results"
Assuming Kilo knows context	Use @ to reference specific files
Multiple unrelated tasks	Submit one focused request at a time
Technical jargon overload	Clear, straightforward language works best

Why it matters: Kilo Code works best when you communicate like you're talking to a smart teammate who needs clear direction.

Ready to start coding? Open the chat panel and describe what you want to build!