Use Ysra in VS Code and Cursor
Install the Ysra extension for VS Code or Cursor, sign in, hand Ysra a task in the open folder, and keep or undo each change in the editor's own diff view.
On this page
The Ysra extension brings Code threads into VS Code and Cursor. Ysra works on the folder you have open: it reads the code, edits files, runs your tests in the Ysra terminal, and shows every file it changes in the editor's diff view, where you keep or undo it. This page is for developers who'd rather stay in their editor than switch to the desktop app.
Before you start: a Ysra account, and VS Code 1.106 or later (or a current Cursor). The extension is free; the work uses your account's credits.
Install and sign in#
Install the extension#
In the Extensions view (Cmd+Shift+X on macOS, Ctrl+Shift+X on Windows and Linux), search for Ysra — AI developer and choose Install.
Open a project folder#
Open the folder you want Ysra to work on, and trust it when the editor asks. Ysra works only in a trusted folder, because it edits files and runs commands there.
Open Ysra#
Ysra has its own icon in the side bar (the activity bar), in VS Code and in Cursor. Click it, or run Ysra: Open Ysra (Cmd+Alt+Shift+Y on macOS, Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Y on Windows and Linux).
Keep Ysra beside your files
In VS Code, drag the Ysra icon into the secondary side bar to keep it on the right. In Cursor, the side bar's icons sit in a row at its top; open Ysra from there or with the shortcut, and right-click the row to pin it.
Sign in#
Choose Sign in to Ysra. The editor shows a short code and opens Ysra's sign-in page in your browser: enter the code there. Your sign-in is kept in your system keychain, never in a file.
Hand Ysra a task#
Type what you want in the message box, the same way as in the desktop app:
Fix the failing test in tests/test_dates.py and tell me what caused it.
Ysra shows each step as it goes: the files it read and edited, and the commands it ran. Show Commands Ysra Ran lists them again; their output is in the Ysra terminal.
Choose how much Ysra may do#
The access chip under the message box sets what Ysra may do in the thread. You can change it at any time.
| Access | What Ysra does |
|---|---|
| Asks first (default) | Asks once per thread before running commands that reach outside the folder or change git. |
| Auto | Works through the task without asking, commits included; still asks before the few things that always ask. |
| Read only | Reads, explains and plans. Changes nothing. |
When Ysra needs your OK, a card in the thread shows exactly what it wants to do and waits. See Access modes.
Keep or undo changes#
Every file Ysra changes is listed under Ysra changes in the Ysra side bar.
- Click a file to open the diff.
- Choose Keep to accept the change, or Undo to put the file back as it was.
- To decide for every file at once, use Keep All Changes or Undo All Changes.
Commits and pushes follow the thread's access mode: in Auto, Ysra may
commit on its own branch or on your current branch when it isn't the default
branch, and asks before committing on main. See
git on your computer.
Work from the editor#
| Command | Where | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Ask Ysra About This | Select code, then Cmd+Alt+Y (Ctrl+Alt+Y), or right-click | Asks about the selection in the thread. Only the code you selected is attached; with nothing selected, or a very long selection, Ysra gets a reference to the file instead |
| Explain This | Right-click a selection | Explains the selected code |
| Write a Test for This | Right-click a selection | Writes a test for the selected code |
| Fix This Problem with Ysra | The quick fix (light bulb) on an error or warning | Hands the problem to Ysra |
| New Thread for This Folder | Command Palette | Starts a fresh thread |
| Stop Ysra | Command Palette | Stops the running work; what's done so far is kept |
| Open Ysra in an Editor Tab | Command Palette | Opens the thread as a tab instead of in the side bar |
| Review Ysra's Changes | Command Palette | Opens the list of changed files |
Settings#
Open the editor's Settings and search for Ysra.
| Setting | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
Approval Mode (ysra.approvalMode) |
Asks first | The access new threads start with: Asks first, Auto or Read only |
Work Mode (ysra.workMode) |
agent |
plan: Ysra proposes a plan first and waits for your OK |
Code Lens (ysra.codeLens) |
Off | Shows Ask Ysra · Explain · Write a test above functions |
Sign In With (ysra.signInWith) |
account |
How the editor signs in; both bill your Ysra account |
Model (ysra.model) |
Your workspace's default | The model new threads use |
What's different from the desktop app#
The extension is focused on Code threads in the open folder. Ask, Learn, Workers, cloud threads and your account settings are in the web app and the desktop app.
Related#
- Access modes — what each access lets Ysra do.
- Security — what Ysra reads and runs on your computer.
- Install the CLI — Ysra in your terminal and in scripts.