Opening in Sidebar
How to use AIRGAP Assistant as a sidebar panel
Overview
Placing AIRGAP Assistant in the sidebar panel lets you view the code editor and file explorer simultaneously while chatting with the AI. This is the most efficient layout for reviewing code changes in real time.
Moving to the Sidebar
Method 1: Drag and Drop
- Find the AIRGAP Assistant icon in the left Activity Bar.
- Drag the icon to the right sidebar area.
- Drop it when the blue highlight appears.
Method 2: Command Palette
- Press
Ctrl+Shift+Pto open the Command Palette. - Search for
AIRGAP Assistant. - The assistant panel opens.
Method 3: Keyboard Shortcut
Press Ctrl+Shift+A to open AIRGAP Assistant directly.
Recommended Layouts
Default Layout (Single Monitor)
+-------------------+-------------------+
| | |
| File Explorer | Code Editor | AIRGAP
| (Left Sidebar) | | Assistant
| | | (Right
| | | Sidebar)
+-------------------+-------------------+
| Terminal (Bottom Panel) |
+---------------------------------------+
With this layout, you can:
- Browse the file structure on the left.
- Edit code in the center.
- Chat with the AI on the right while reviewing code changes in real time.
Focus Layout
When you don't need the file explorer, press Ctrl+B to hide the left sidebar and expand the code editor area.
Multi-Panel Usage
You can use multiple AIRGAP tools simultaneously.
- Place AIRGAP Assistant in the right sidebar.
- Open AIRGAP Designer in a separate tab.
- Switch to AIRGAP UI Library as an editor tab when needed.
You can also stack multiple panels within the right sidebar. Drag panel headers to arrange them vertically.
Resizing the Sidebar
Drag the border between the sidebar and the editor to adjust the width. Widen the sidebar when AI conversations get long, and narrow it when focusing on code.
Related Documentation
- Keyboard Shortcuts - Layout-related shortcuts
- Tips & Tricks - Dual monitor layout setup