Welcome to Continue! This interactive tutorial will guide you through all four core features using practical examples. Follow along step-by-step to learn more about Continue’s capabilities.
Prerequisites: Make sure you have installed Continue and signed in to get started.

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🔄 Autocomplete

What it does: Provides intelligent inline code suggestions as you type, powered by AI.
1

Create a Test File

Create a new file called tutorial.js (or use any language you prefer) in your IDE
2

Try Autocomplete

Copy this starter code and place your cursor at the end of the comment:
// TODO: Implement a sorting algorithm function
function sortingAlgorithm(arr) {
  // Place cursor here and press Enter
}
Press Enter and watch Continue suggest code completions. Press Tab to accept suggestions.
3

See the Magic

Continue will intelligently suggest function implementations based on the context and comment.
Autocomplete works best when you provide clear function names, comments, or type annotations that give context about your intent.

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✏️ Edit

What it does: Make quick, targeted changes to specific code sections using natural language instructions.
1

Add Sample Code

Paste this bubble sort implementation in your file:
function sortingAlgorithm(x) {
  for (let i = 0; i < x.length; i++) {
    for (let j = 0; j < x.length - 1; j++) {
      if (x[j] > x[j + 1]) {
        let temp = x[j];
        x[j] = x[j + 1];
        x[j + 1] = temp;
      }
    }
  }
  return x;
}
2

Highlight the Function

Highlight the entire function in your editor
3

Open Edit Mode

Press Cmd/Ctrl + I to open Edit mode
4

Give Instructions

Type: "make this more readable and add TypeScript types"
5

Watch the Magic

Watch Continue refactor your code automatically!
6

Review Changes

Continue will show you a diff of the proposed changes. Accept or reject individual changes as needed.
Edit is perfect for refactoring, adding documentation, fixing bugs, or converting between languages/frameworks.

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💬 Chat

What it does: Interactive AI assistant that can analyze code, answer questions, and provide guidance without leaving your IDE.
1

Add Another Function

Add this second sorting function to your file:
function sortingAlgorithm2(x) {
  for (let i = 0; i < x.length; i++) {
    for (let j = 0; j < x.length - 1; j++) {
      if (x[j] > x[j + 1]) {
        let temp = x[j];
        x[j] = x[j + 1];
        x[j + 1] = temp;
      }
    }
  }
  return x;
}
2

Start a Conversation

  1. Highlight the function
  2. Use the keyboard shortcuts below to add it to Chat.
  3. Ask: "What sorting algorithm is this and how can I optimize it?"
3

Explore Further

Try these follow-up questions:
  • "Show me how to implement quicksort instead"
  • "What's the time complexity of this algorithm?"
  • "Can you write unit tests for this function?"

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Chat Keyboard Shortcuts

Cmd/Ctrl + L
New Chat / New Chat With Selected Code / Close Continue Sidebar If Chat Already In FocusCmd/Ctrl + Shift + L
Focus Current Chat / Add Selected Code To Current Chat / Close Continue Sidebar If Chat Already In Focus
Use Chat for code reviews, debugging help, learning new concepts, or brainstorming solutions to complex problems.

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🤖 Agent

What it does: An autonomous coding assistant that can read files, make changes, run commands, and handle complex multi-step tasks.
1

Switch to Agent Mode

  1. Open the Continue panel
  2. Click the dropdown in the bottom left of the input box
  3. Select “Agent” mode
2

Give Agent a Complex Task

Try this prompt: "Write comprehensive unit tests for the sorting functions in this file. Create the tests in a new file using Jest, and make sure to test edge cases like empty arrays and single elements."
3

Watch Agent Work

Agent will:
  • ✅ Analyze your existing code
  • ✅ Create a new test file
  • ✅ Write comprehensive tests
  • ✅ Handle setup and imports
  • ✅ Explain what it’s doing at each step
Agent has powerful capabilities including file creation and modification. Always review Agent’s changes before accepting them.

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🚀 Next Steps

Congratulations! You’ve experienced all four core Continue features. Here’s what to explore next:

Customize Your Setup

Configure models, add context providers, and personalize your workflow

Advanced Features

Dive deeper into Agent capabilities and advanced use cases

Model Providers

Connect your preferred AI models and providers

Join Community

Get help and share experiences with other Continue users

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📚 Feature Deep Dives

Ready to master specific features? Check out these detailed guides:
Need help? Check our troubleshooting guide or ask a question in our community discussions.