Interactive Shell Sessions and Language Models: Steven Bucher on Project Mercury
Jul 22, 2024
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Join Steven Bucher, a Microsoft PM on the PowerShell team, as he dives into Project Mercury, a game-changing CLI tool for interactive sessions with language models. He reveals how this project enhances user experience in PowerShell through features like predictive IntelliSense and error resolution. Steven also discusses the crucial role of community feedback in shaping Mercury, as well as his journey in product management, focusing on empowering others. Expect a blend of technical insights and leadership wisdom!
Project Mercury introduces an interactive CLI tool that integrates AI, enhancing user experience by providing real-time guidance and natural language communication.
Steven Bucher emphasizes the importance of empowering others in his product management approach, reflecting on personal growth and leadership in technology.
Deep dives
Introduction to Project Mercury and Its Components
Project Mercury is an open-source initiative that aims to enhance PowerShell's functionality by integrating artificial intelligence into the command line experience. It features a CLI tool called AISH.exe, which facilitates an interactive chat experience with AI agents, allowing users to communicate using natural language. This project also includes a corresponding PowerShell module, which can enhance user interactions by providing features like predictive IntelliSense and error resolution capabilities. The intention behind Project Mercury is to create a more intuitive and intelligent shell experience for users by leveraging AI technologies.
The Sidecar Experience and User Interaction
The sidecar feature of Project Mercury allows users to have an interactive AI assistant alongside their PowerShell terminal, enhancing their workflow and communication with the shell. By having this sidecar open, users can receive step-by-step guidance on tasks and commands without disrupting their current terminal session, creating a seamless experience. For instance, users can send error objects directly to the sidecar to receive suggestions on how to resolve issues they encounter while executing commands. This setup aims to reduce the intimidation associated with command line interfaces and build user confidence in utilizing PowerShell.
Project Mercury's Approach to AI Integration
The intention behind integrating AI into PowerShell lies in making the command line environment more user-friendly and efficient, which has historically been viewed as challenging. The project embraces the iterative process, allowing users to test its capabilities and provide feedback on their experiences to further refine the tool. Additionally, the flexibility built into Project Mercury enables developers to create their own AI agents, connecting various AI models to PowerShell for tailored assistance. Such creative endeavors aim to transform the console into a more dynamic space, significantly enhancing how users interact with PowerShell.
Feedback Providers and Predictive Intelligence
Feedback providers play a crucial role in enhancing user experience by offering suggestions when errors occur, particularly for combating common mistakes like misspelled commands. The integration with PowerShell's predictive intelligence further allows for a smoother workflow, enabling the shell to suggest the next likely command based on user input and previous interactions. A notable example of this is how the WinGet command not found feedback provider suggests installation commands for missing applications. The ongoing development of these features reflects a commitment to improving functionality and ensuring users can navigate the command line with greater ease.
In the latest episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with Microsoft PM Steven Bucher to dive into Project Mercury, a cutting-edge CLI tool designed to provide an interactive shell session for chatting with language models. Steven walks us through the functionalities of Project Mercury and how users can leverage this innovative tool. He also shares his approach to product management, reflecting on his growth in the role over the past couple of years. We explore the importance of empowering others and how it serves as a pivotal goal in Steven’s professional journey. Join us for an enlightening conversation that blends technical knowledge with leadership wisdom.
Guest Bio and links:
Steven Bucher is a PM on the PowerShell team at Microsoft.