vsthreads

Example thread and reactions.
Example use case to help with troubleshooting, and demonstration of markdown compatibility.
Example usage of AI editing of code based on peer feedback on our platform

Vsthreads is a VSCode extension to create and reply to discussion threads anywhere within a codebase. It combines the in-context, line by line, clarity of a PR comment, and the convenience/visibility necessary to support active collaboration for in-progress projects.

Within their existing code editor, a user can create a discussion thread on any given line of code using Markdown or HTML formatting. Their team can then respond at their leisure and/or leave Slack-like reactions.

Additionally, we implemented an LLM-based AI assistant to our tool. When sharing and receiving feedback with your team, you can utilize an AI that considers both your code and your discussion with your team to suggest improvements.

Vsthreads has a wide range of applications. Educators can leave constructive feedback on student code where it already is, without having to switch to another dedicated platform (e.g. Gradescope) or impose additional burdens (e.g. making a PR for in-progress projects). Interviewers can meet students in their existing, configured IDEs, using vsthreads alongside something like Live Share to leave notes in real-time. Anyone working on features simultaneously with another person can benefit.

We used Typescript for development of the extension itself, as well as FastAPI and MongoDB on the backend, and GitHub authentication to secure ownership of threads. Our members used this opportunity to learn new skills (ex. our backend developer had never worked with either FastAPI or MongoDB, and this was our first time writing a VSCode extension or other similar software).

Discord tags: drJess, e_sinx, jw0

HackPrinceton track: Education