The video highlights VS Code’s built-in Simple Browser, which lets developers interact with web apps, inspect elements, and seamlessly send HTML, CSS, and screenshots to the AI chat for troubleshooting—all without leaving the editor. It demonstrates how this feature streamlines workflows, enhances debugging, and is easily accessible from the command palette without needing any extensions.
Certainly! Here’s a five-paragraph summary of the video, with spelling and grammar corrected:
The video introduces a lesser-known but powerful feature in Visual Studio Code (VS Code): the built-in Simple Browser. Many users are unaware that VS Code includes this browser, which is tightly integrated with the editor’s AI capabilities. The host sits down with Justin, an engineer who works on the feature, to demonstrate how the Simple Browser works and how it can enhance development workflows, especially when used alongside AI-powered chat.
Justin explains that the Simple Browser allows developers to open and interact with web applications directly within VS Code, rather than switching to an external browser. This integration provides classic browser controls (forward, back, refresh) and a floating toolbar with additional options. One standout feature is the ability to select elements on the page and send their HTML, CSS, and screenshots directly to the AI chat, streamlining communication and debugging.
The video showcases how selecting elements in the Simple Browser brings up a detailed pop-up window, similar to Chrome DevTools, displaying information such as element type, class names, dimensions, fonts, padding, and accessibility details. This makes it easy for developers to inspect UI components and quickly gather the context needed for troubleshooting or making design adjustments. The selection tool also supports continuous selection, allowing multiple elements to be added to the chat in one go.
A key benefit highlighted is the seamless workflow between the Simple Browser and the AI chat. Developers can visually select problematic elements or errors, attach relevant logs, and let the AI analyze and suggest fixes—all without leaving VS Code or manually copying and pasting information. The configuration options allow users to control what gets sent to the chat (HTML, CSS, screenshots), and there are tips for attaching full-app screenshots when broader context is needed.
Finally, Justin discusses performance with different AI models, noting that even smaller, faster models work well due to the rich context provided by the Simple Browser. He also shares upcoming improvements, such as enhanced log attachment, better zoom controls, and the potential for a standalone browser window with chat integration. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to try the Simple Browser, which is built into VS Code and accessible via the command palette—no extension required.