Practical VS Code agent tips

Send us a text

This week, Kevin McDonnell and Garry Trinder explore the world of coding agents and how they could change software development. They run through what coding agents are along with the importance of context, memory, and specifications in using AI tools effectively. Also, they think about how you need to change habits and also touch on the challenges faced by junior developers in adapting to AI technologies, the role of personality in AI agents, and the future of work with AI. This isn't just the joy of agents though, this is about the need for security and ethical considerations when integrating AI into development processes, while also encouraging developers to embrace the potential of AI to enhance productivity and creativity.

Takeaways:

• Coding agents represent the next leap in development tools.
• Understanding the context and instructions is crucial for effective use of coding agents.
• Memory in coding agents can enhance their effectiveness and personalization.
• Specifications and guidelines are still important in the age of AI.
• Junior developers should balance learning coding principles with using AI tools.
• AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for developers.
• The personality of AI agents can enhance user experience and engagement.
• Skills in AI can create repeatable processes for developers.
• The impact of AI on junior developers raises concerns about learning and understanding code.
• Security and ethical considerations are vital when using AI agents.

Links:

Github Copilot CLI - https://github.com/features/copilot/cli/

Claude Code - https://claude.com/product/claude-code

Patrick Rogers power of Coding Agents - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/patrick-rodgers-b6a05610_i-love-to-write-code-ive-been-a-programmer-activity-7422672723191058432--Ob_

Shipping at Inference Speed - https://steipete.me/posts/2025/shipping-at-inference-speed

Claude Skills - https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12512176-what-are-skills

Anthropic Skills Repo - https://github.com/anthropics/skills/tree/main/skills/slack-gif-creator

Open Code - https://opencode.ai/

Moltbot Soul - https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/blob/main/docs/reference/templates/SOUL.md

Moltbot - https://moltbot.you/

Moltbook - the first agent social network? - https://www.moltbook.com/

https://www.moltbook.com/post/ef3ea419-6c29-4046-9946-d636efe972ea

Be careful with Moltbot/Clawdbot:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/elishlomo_security-activity-7421867291459391490-a0B1/

https://x.com/theonejvo/status/2015401219746128322

https://x.com/borjitaea/status/2015745063909839091?s=46