DeepThought: Connecting to VS Code and IDEs

Summary

This article provides guidance on integrating DeepThought with development tools, such as Visual Studio Code and other IDEs, to support AI-assisted coding workflows. It outlines how to configure and use plugins to generate code, troubleshoot issues, and streamline development tasks while keeping work secure within the USNH DeepThought platform.

 

Overview

DeepThought can be integrated with third-party development tools, such as Visual Studio Code and other IDEs, to support AI-assisted coding workflows. By connecting DeepThought to your preferred development environment, you can generate code, troubleshoot issues, and streamline development tasks directly within your IDE while keeping your work private and protected. DeepThought can be used with both local models and approved external models (e.g., Claude), depending on your use case and access.

 

What you need

  1. DeepThought Access: An active DeepThought account. Accounts are created by logging into DeepThought Internal at https://deepthought.usnh.edu/?id=usnh-int
  2. DeepThought API Key: Required for all IDE integrations. API keys can be self-generated via the DeepThought Integrations page.
  3. Supported IDE: Visual Studio Code or another IDE supporting OpenAI-compatible extensions.
  4. OpenAI-Compatible Plugin: Any plugin that supports the OpenAI API and allows overriding the base endpoint URL (see URLs below).
  5. Network Access Requirement: Must be connected to USNH GlobalProtect VPN or on-campus to access the DeepThought API.
  6. Approved Use Case: Must align with USNH security and data guidelines. External model usage requires approval through Research Computing Center (RCC) Support

 

Recommended Plugins 

Continue - an advanced, customizable integration for DeepThought and AI-assisted development work flows. Best suited for developers who want deeper control and configuration. 

Genie AI - a simpler AI chat and coding assistant within Visual Studio Code. Best for quick prompts, lightweight usage, and ease of setup.

 

Configuration Notes

Each plugin uses a different configuration format; however, all require the same core values: API base URL and model ame.

Example:

  • DeepThoughts API base URL is:  https://dtcontroller.sr.unh.edu:4242/openai/v1
  • Model Example:  Meta-Llama-3.1-8B-Instruct

 

Task: Configure Continue VS code extension through DeepThought

Instructions

Step 1 - Make sure the Continue VS code extension is fully installed on your device (see link above)

Step 2 - Open Continue from sidebar

Step 3 - Click gear icon > Configs

Step 4 - Select Modify Local Config

Step 5 - Paste configuration and replace KEY

name: Local Config
version: 1.0.0
schema: v1
models:
  - name: Meta-Llama-3.1-8B-Instruct
    provider: openai
    model: Meta-Llama-3.1-8B-Instruct
    apiKey: KEY
    apiBase: https://dtcontroller.sr.unh.edu:4242/openai/v1

Step 6 - Save and test connection 

Outcome

You have configured the Continue VS code extension in your preferred IDE to work through USNH DeepThought. 

 

Task: Configure GenieAI VS code extension through DeepThought

Instructions

Step 1 - Make sure the GenieAI VS code extension is fully installed on your device (see link above)

Step 2 - Open Command Palette by pressing Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P

Step 3 - Select Preferences: Open Settings (JSON)

Step 4 - Add configuration below

"genieai.openai.apiBaseUrl": "https://dtcontroller.sr.unh.edu:4242/openai",
"genieai.openai.model": "Meta-Llama-3.1-8B-Instruct"

Step 5 - Save file

Outcome

You have configured the GenieAI VS code extension in your preferred IDE to work through USNH DeepThought. 

 

Further Readings

GlobalProtect VPN: General Information and Resources

Visual Studio Code plugin pages:

 

Need additional help?

If you have any additional questions, please fill out the Research Computing Center Request Form to reach RCC Support.

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