junction
VS Code chat sidebar for local AI coding agents
What is it?
What it is
A VS Code chat sidebar extension that serves as a unified interface for connecting to local AI coding agents.
Why it exists
To allow developers to switch between multiple local agent backends (such as OpenClaw, Hermes, and OpenHands) without changing their workflow, providing a centralized chat panel with workspace context and advanced UI features.
Who should use it
Developers and AI enthusiasts who run local AI agent backends and want a unified VS Code chat interface to interact with them.
Who should avoid it
Users who prefer cloud-based AI services, non-technical users unwilling to install/run local agent runtimes, or those on VS Code versions below 1.120.0.
How it works
A quick walkthrough in plain English
How junction works
Step 1 of 3
You interact with it
Open junction, send a request, or connect it to your stack.
Features
Advantages
- Unified interface for multiple local AI agents
- No need to switch workflows when changing backends
- Local execution keeps code and data private
- Customizable UI and animations enhance developer experience
- Rich markdown rendering improves readability of agent output
- Flexible chat layouts suit different preferences
- Follow-up modes enable better conversation control
- Auto-reconnection reduces manual intervention
- Open source MIT license allows modification and redistribution
- Built on existing openclaw_vscode foundation, leveraging proven WebSocket/gateway plumbing
- Supports drag-and-drop workspace context for quick file inclusion
- Model and reasoning selection per session for tailored AI behavior
Disadvantages
- Requires a local agent runtime to be running separately
- Limited to Visual Studio Code (no support for other editors)
- Initial setup from source involves npm install and running a script
- May consume additional resources due to animation effects
- Documentation assumes familiarity with VS Code extension development
- Dependent on compatibility with specific backend versions
- Animated splash screen may be distracting for some users
- Advanced animation settings may be overwhelming for casual users
- Potential learning curve to configure multiple backends
- No official marketplace distribution; must build from source
Installation
FAQ
How do I install Junction from source?
Clone the repository, run `npm install` then execute `./compile-and-install.sh`. After installation, reload VS Code with Ctrl+Shift+P → Developer: Reload Window.
How do I open the Junction chat sidebar in VS Code?
Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and run the command `Junction: Open Sidebar` to show the chat panel in the secondary sidebar.
Which local AI agent backends does Junction support?
Junction connects to OpenClaw, Hermes, Souveraine, MiMoCode, Goose, OpenCode, and OpenHands — each configured via its respective settings (WebSocket, REST, binary path, etc.).
Can I customize the animated splash screen and its exit animations?
Yes. Open the animation settings from the chat header gear icon → Splash tab. There you can choose character sets, adjust rain controls (direction, gravity, quantity, etc.), pick an exit animation mode (spiral, explode, float away, etc.), and tweak its sliders with a live preview canvas.
What layout modes are available for the chat view and how do I switch between them?
Junction offers Compact mode (activity folded into accordions) and Timeline mode (chronological reasoning flow with sticky user prompts). Switch between them via the chat layout toggle in the sidebar header.
What happens if the connection to my local agent runtime drops?
Junction includes auto‑reconnection: it automatically attempts to reconnect to the runtime when the connection drops, so you don’t need to restart the extension manually.
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