GitHub
FreeAn open-source AI debugging agent for VSCode
FreeFree tier
About GitHub
Blinky is an open-source AI debugging agent for VSCode that leverages large language models (LLMs) to help developers identify and fix backend code errors. It integrates with the VSCode API, Language Server Protocol (LSP), and print statement debugging to efficiently traverse and debug real-world codebases. Users describe the bug and provide repro steps, then Blinky autonomously works through the issue, allowing real-time feedback. Changes are presented in a UI for acceptance or rejection. Inspired by SWE-agent, Blinky extends the agent-computer interface with VSCode-specific navigation tools like GoToDefinition and GetAllReferences.
Key Features
Uses LLMs (OpenAI) to identify and fix backend code errors
Integrates with VSCode API, Language Server Protocol (LSP), and print statement debugging
Allows real-time user feedback during debugging runs
Provides UI to accept or reject code changes
Includes tools like GoToDefinition, GetAllReferences, and GetFilesRelevantToEndpoint for efficient code navigation
Stores API key locally in VSCode config for privacy
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open-source and free to use (only requires OpenAI API key)
- Deep integration with VSCode development environment
- Uses LSP for accurate code navigation and context discovery
- Supports iterative debugging with real-time user feedback
- Inspired by proven SWE-agent approach with extended capabilities
Cons
- Currently only supports OpenAI models (roadmap includes others like LLaMA 3, Claude)
- Requires manual repro steps (optional but recommended for full runtime access)
- Prompt length may grow during long debugging sessions, slowing inference
- No built-in support for frontend or non-backend code
Best For
Debugging backend code errors in development within VSCodeAutomating bug-fixing workflows by providing repro steps to the agentLearning from AI-assisted debugging for educational purposesPrototyping and experimenting with LLM-driven code repair
FAQ
How is Blinky related to SWE-agent?
Blinky was heavily inspired by and borrowed from SWE-agent. The core agent loop was ported, but Blinky extends the agent-computer interface with additional navigation tools (GoToDefinition, GetAllReferences, GetFilesRelevantToEndpoint) using VSCode's LSP, and embeds the agent within VSCode to allow real-time user feedback during development.