What You’ll Learn
- Install Verdent for VS Code from the marketplace
- Authenticate and verify your setup
- Complete your first AI-assisted task
- Understand execution modes (Manual Accept, Auto-Run, Plan Mode)
- Use essential features for daily coding
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:- Visual Studio Code installed on your system
- An active internet connection
- A Verdent subscription account (or start with the 7-day free trial)
Step 1: Install Verdent
- Visual Studio Code Marketplace
- Extensions Panel
- Command Line
Visit the Verdent extension page and click Install.
Step 2: Start Using Verdent
1
Open Visual Studio Code
Open Visual Studio Code in your project folder.
2
Access Verdent
Click the Verdent icon in the sidebar or press
Ctrl+L (Windows/Linux) / Cmd+L (macOS).3
Sign In
Sign in when prompted to authenticate with your Verdent account.
Step 3: Your First Task
Let’s start with a simple, non-destructive task that demonstrates Verdent’s understanding of your workspace. Open a project in VS Code, then try one of these prompts in the Verdent input box:- Verdent analyzing files in your workspace
- A summary of your project type, technologies, and structure
- No file modifications (read-only analysis)
Step 4: Making Your First Code Change
Now let’s make Verdent create something. Try this simple task:- Verdent proposes the change You’ll see a preview showing the file to be created and its contents
- Permission request In Auto Run Mode (the default), Verdent will auto-approval when creating the file
- You approveL Click “Accept” or approve the change
- File created Verdent creates the file and confirms completion
- File edits and creations
- Command executions
- Tool usage (first use of each tool type)
Manual Accept Mode is the recommended starting point for new users. Once comfortable, you can switch to Auto-Run Mode or Plan Mode for different workflows.
Step 5: Using Plan Mode for Complex Tasks
Plan Mode is Verdent’s read-only planning mode where you can review approaches before execution. Let’s try it: Switch to Plan Mode: Click the Switch Mode button in the input box and select Plan Mode Try a planning task:- Verdent analyzes your project It reads files and understands your project structure and requirements
- Creates a detailed plan Shows what technologies to use, what pages to create, and how to structure the website
- No modifications Plan Mode is read-only. Verdent cannot modify files until you explicitly approve
- Interactive clarification Verdent may ask questions about design preferences, target audience, or features before finalizing the plan
- Safe exploration - Understand unfamiliar codebases without accidental changes
- Code review - Analyze quality and architecture before making modifications
- Strategic planning - Break down complex tasks into reviewable steps
- Uncertainty reduction - Verdent asks clarifying questions to remove ambiguity
- Choose Edit to request modifications or ask clarifying questions
- Choose Start Building to switch to Agent Mode and begin execution
Step 6: Understanding Execution Modes
Verdent offers multiple execution modes to match different workflows: Permission Modes:| Mode | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Accept | Requests permission on first use of each tool | Learning and general development with maximum control |
| Auto-Run(default) | Automatically accepts safe operations (file reads, web searches); file edits and commands still require approval | Trusted projects and rapid prototyping |
| Plan Mode | Read-only mode for analysis and planning without file modifications | Complex tasks and code review |
| Skip Permissions | Fully autonomous operation bypassing all prompts | Isolated, safe environments like automated testing or sandboxes |
- Think Hard Mode - Maximum thinking budget for complex reasoning and architectural decisions
Essential Actions
Here are the key actions you’ll use daily in Verdent for VS Code:| Action | How to Access | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open Verdent | Cmd+L / Ctrl+L or click sidebar icon | Opens the Verdent panel |
| New Session | Click “New Session” in top bar | Start a fresh conversation with clean context |
| Add Context | Click “Add Context” button | Reference files with @-mentions |
| Add Images | Click “Add Images or Files” button | Upload screenshots, mockups, or diagrams |
| Switch Mode | Click “Switch Mode” button | Toggle Agent/Plan/Chat modes |
| Change Model | Click model selector | Choose Performance/Balance/Efficiency presets |
| Think Hard | Click “Think Hard Mode” button | Enable extended reasoning for complex tasks |
| Switch Permissions | Click “Switch Permission” button | Change permission mode |
| View History | Click “Project History” in top bar | Browse past sessions |
| User Center | Click “User Center” in top bar | Check credit balance and account info |
| Settings | Click “Settings” in top bar | Configure MCP servers, subagents, rules |
Pro Tips for Beginners
Start with exploratory prompts
Start with exploratory prompts
Before making changes, let Verdent understand your codebase:This builds Verdent’s context about your project and helps it make better suggestions.
Be specific with your requests
Be specific with your requests
Instead of: “fix the bug”Try: “fix the login bug in
LoginForm.tsx where users see a blank screen after entering wrong credentials”Specific prompts lead to more accurate solutions and fewer iterations.Use Plan Mode for unfamiliar code
Use Plan Mode for unfamiliar code
When working with code you don’t fully understand, use Plan Mode first:Review the plan, choose Edit to ask clarifying questions and refine, then choose Start Building once confident.
Break complex tasks into steps
Break complex tasks into steps
For multi-step features, work incrementally:Then after completion:This maintains clarity and allows you to verify each step.
Leverage @-mentions for context
Leverage @-mentions for context
Explicitly reference files when needed:This ensures Verdent focuses on the right context for your task.
Use subagents for specialized tasks
Use subagents for specialized tasks
Verdent includes three built-in subagents:
@Explorer- Fast codebase exploration and file discovery@Verifier- Quick code validation and checks@Code-reviewer- Comprehensive security and quality review
Common Issues
- Prompts don't get responses
- Permission prompts are too frequent
Solution: Restart VS Code. If still missing, verify installation in the Extensions panel (
Cmd+Shift+X / Ctrl+Shift+X) and confirm “Verdent” appears in the list.Getting Help
- Discord Community: https://discord.com/invite/NGjXEZcbJq - Active community with real-time support
- Documentation: Browse other guides in this documentation
- Feedback: Use the Feedback button in Verdent’s top bar to report issues or suggest improvements
FAQs
How do I know which execution mode I'm currently in?
How do I know which execution mode I'm currently in?
Look at the input box at the bottom of the Verdent panel. The “Switch Permission” button displays your current mode (e.g., “Manual”, “Auto”, “Plan”). You can click it to switch modes.
What happens if I run out of credits?
What happens if I run out of credits?
Verdent will stop processing new requests until your credits refresh at the start of your next billing cycle, or you can purchase a one-time top-up to continue immediately.
Can I use Verdent in multiple projects simultaneously?
Can I use Verdent in multiple projects simultaneously?
Yes, each VS Code window operates independently. You can have Verdent open in multiple projects, and each maintains its own separate conversation context.
How do I start a new conversation with clean context?
How do I start a new conversation with clean context?
Click the “New Session” button in the top bar. This clears the current conversation history and gives Verdent a fresh context window for your next task.