chikput

Chikput is a VS Code extension that watches terminal commands, detects likely programming errors, and explains them in simple beginner-friendly language with your chosen AI provider.

Features

• Captures terminal output using VS Code shell integration
• Detects likely errors automatically when a command finishes
• Includes active editor code when available
• Uses Ollama by default
• Supports OpenAI, Claude, and Gemini with user-provided API keys
• Lets you re-run the latest explanation from the Command Palette

Commands

• Chikput: Explain Last Terminal Error
• Chikput: Set AI Provider
• Chikput: Set Provider API Key

Extension Settings

• chikput.provider: ollama, openai, claude, or gemini
• chikput.autoExplainTerminalErrors: auto-run explanation after terminal errors
• chikput.includeActiveEditorCode: include active editor code in the prompt
• chikput.maxTerminalCharacters: limit terminal text sent to the provider
• chikput.maxCodeCharacters: limit code context sent to the provider
• chikput.ollama.baseUrl: local Ollama server URL
• chikput.ollama.model: Ollama model name
• chikput.openai.model: OpenAI model name
• chikput.claude.model: Claude model name
• chikput.gemini.model: Gemini model name

Setup

1. Start the extension with F5
2. If you want Ollama, make sure your Ollama server is running locally
3. If you want OpenAI, Claude, or Gemini: Save the key with Chikput: Set Provider API Key
4. Pick the provider with Chikput: Set AI Provider
5. Run a terminal command that produces a real error

Notes

• Automatic capture depends on VS Code terminal shell integration
• If no real error is detected, Chikput stays quiet
• Explanations appear in the Chikput Output panel