Visual Studio Code March 2025 update: New Agent Mode, Enhanced Accessibility, and More Features

Exploring the Latest Features of Visual Studio Code: March 2025 Update (Version 1.99)

Microsoft has launched the March 2025 (version 1.99) update for Visual Studio Code, a widely used code editor celebrated for its flexibility and functionality. This update introduces several enhancements designed to improve user experience and boost productivity.

Key Features and Enhancements

Agent Mode in Stable Version: This feature allows Copilot to autonomously complete tasks. Users can activate it by toggling the setting chat.agent.enabled.
Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server Support: Facilitates AI models’ interaction with external tools and data sources, enhancing integration capabilities.
Comprehensive Built-in Tools for Agent Mode: Users can benefit from advanced functions such as fetching web content, identifying symbol references, and conducting deep analysis.
Next Edit Suggestions Now Available: This predictive code editing assistance aims to streamline coding workflows significantly.
Minimized Distractions During AI Edits: The update reduces diagnostic events, allowing AI edits to occur with fewer interruptions.
Support for Custom API Keys in Chat (Preview): Users can now connect to various language models through their personal API keys, increasing customization possibilities.
Unified Chat Experience: Easier navigation between ask, edit, and agent modes promotes a smoother user interface.
Enhanced Workspace Search: Users can enjoy quicker and more precise remote workspace indexing.
Improved Notebook Editing: Enhanced capabilities for creating and editing notebooks are now accessible in both edit and agent modes.

Accessibility Improvements

Accessibility is a significant focus in this update. Microsoft has enhanced compatibility with screen readers, ensuring the editor and terminal communicate more effectively with these tools. Additionally, the Command Center and Quick Access now provide clearer announcements of focused elements, while the Problems view specifies the type of messages being conveyed (error, warning, or info).

Streamlined Source Control Features

In a crucial update for Git users, the Source Control view now displays the count of incoming and outgoing commits for each repository. This feature provides a quick snapshot of repository statuses, aiding developers in tracking changes efficiently.

Extensions and Integration Enhancements

Several extension improvements have been made. The Python extension now comes preconfigured with the Pylance language server, resulting in better code completion, navigation, and error detection. Additionally, the Jupyter extension has been updated, allowing data scientists and researchers to execute notebooks on a remote Jupyter server seamlessly.

How to Access the Update

To experience these new features, you can download the latest version by visiting the Visual Studio Code website or by checking for updates within your current version of Visual Studio Code.

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