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Elastic Copilot provides multiple ways to access its features through keyboard shortcuts, context menus, and the Command Palette. This guide covers all available commands and how to use them effectively.

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Core AI Commands

These are the primary AI-powered commands with dedicated keyboard shortcuts:

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Explain Code

  • Shortcut: Alt+Ctrl+N (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Ctrl+N (Mac)
  • Function: Analyzes and explains selected code or the current file
  • Usage: Select code and press the shortcut, or use without selection to explain the entire file

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Fix Code

  • Shortcut: Alt+Ctrl+X (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Ctrl+X (Mac)
  • Function: Identifies and fixes issues in selected code
  • Usage: Select problematic code and press the shortcut for AI-powered fixes

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Improve Code

  • Shortcut: Alt+Ctrl+I (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Ctrl+I (Mac)
  • Function: Suggests improvements and optimizations for selected code
  • Usage: Select code and press the shortcut to get enhancement suggestions

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Context Menu Commands

Right-click on code to access these commands when available:

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Code Analysis Commands

  • Explain with Elastic: Available when code is selected
  • Fix with Elastic: Available when code is selected
  • Improve with Elastic: Available when code is selected

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Reference Commands

  • Add to References: Available when a reference provider is active
  • Remove from References: Available when a reference provider is active
These commands appear contextually based on:
  • Whether code is selected
  • Whether a reference provider is available
  • Current editor state

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Command Palette Access

All Elastic Copilot commands are accessible through VS Code’s Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P):

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Core Commands

  • Elastic: Explain Code
  • Elastic: Fix Code
  • Elastic: Improve Code

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Interface Commands

  • Elastic: New Task - Start a new conversation
  • Elastic: History - View conversation history
  • Elastic: Account - Manage account settings

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Advanced Commands

  • Elastic: Export Markdown - Export conversations to markdown
  • Elastic: Open File - Open files through AI assistance
  • Elastic: Extract Text - Extract text from various sources

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Memory Bank Integration

Commands work seamlessly with Memory Bank features:

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Context-Aware Commands

  • Commands automatically include relevant context from Memory Bank
  • Active context templates enhance command responses
  • Product and technical context inform AI responses

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Memory-Enhanced Shortcuts

  • Keyboard shortcuts leverage stored project knowledge
  • Commands adapt based on current project configuration
  • Context switching affects command behavior

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MCP Tool Integration

Commands can utilize MCP (Model Context Protocol) tools:

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Enhanced Capabilities

  • Commands may trigger MCP tool usage automatically
  • External tool integration through MCP servers
  • Extended functionality beyond core AI features

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Tool-Specific Commands

  • Commands adapt when MCP tools are available
  • Tool-specific shortcuts may become available
  • Dynamic command enhancement based on connected tools

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Browser Integration

Commands work with browser functionality:

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Web-Enhanced Commands

  • Commands can incorporate web research
  • Browser session context affects responses
  • URL content integration in command responses

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Best Practices

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Effective Usage

  1. Select Specific Code: For targeted analysis, select the exact code you want to work with
  2. Use Context: Commands work better with relevant context from Memory Bank
  3. Combine Commands: Use multiple commands in sequence for comprehensive code improvement
  4. Leverage Shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts are faster than menu navigation

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Optimization Tips

  1. Configure Memory Bank: Set up project context for better command responses
  2. Use MCP Tools: Connect relevant tools to enhance command capabilities
  3. Maintain Context: Keep related files open for better contextual understanding
  4. Review Suggestions: Always review AI suggestions before implementing

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Troubleshooting

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Common Issues

Commands Not Appearing
  • Ensure Elastic Copilot is properly installed and activated
  • Check that you’re in a supported file type
  • Verify code selection if using selection-based commands
Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working
  • Check for conflicting key bindings in VS Code settings
  • Ensure the extension is active and properly loaded
  • Restart VS Code if shortcuts stop responding
Context Menu Missing
  • Right-click directly on selected code
  • Ensure code is properly selected
  • Check that the file type is supported

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Performance Optimization

  • Use specific code selections rather than entire files when possible
  • Ensure Memory Bank is properly configured for your project
  • Keep related context files accessible for better responses

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Customization

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Key Bindings

You can customize keyboard shortcuts in VS Code:
  1. Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P)
  2. Search for “Preferences: Open Keyboard Shortcuts”
  3. Search for “Elastic” commands
  4. Modify shortcuts as needed

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Context Menu

Context menu items are automatically managed based on:
  • Current selection state
  • Available reference providers
  • Active MCP tools
  • Extension configuration
The Commands & Shortcuts system provides flexible access to Elastic Copilot’s powerful AI features, ensuring you can work efficiently with your preferred interaction method.