How to use DeepSeek in VSCode for free code auto-completion

La Artificial Intelligence has changed software development, and more and more programmers are looking for free and efficient tools that improve their workflow. Although options like GitHub Copilot are popular, there are open source alternatives such as DeepSeek, which allows code autocompletion locally within Visual Studio Code (VSCode).

In this article, we will explain how to install and configure DeepSeek en VS Code using tools such as Don't and the extension Continue.devWith this guide, you will be able to integrate this artificial intelligence model into your development environment at no cost.

What is DeepSeek and why should you use it?

DeepSeek is an artificial intelligence model designed to efficiently generate and auto-complete code. Unlike other commercial solutions, it can be used completely free of charge and locally, ensuring greater control over your data and faster processing.

Among its main advantages, we find:

• It works locally, without the need for a connection to the cloud.
• It is free and open source.
• Improve your workflow with smart auto-complete.
• Allows real-time responses without relying on external servers.

Prerequisites for installing DeepSeek in VSCode

Before you begin the installation, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• Visual Studio Code installed on your system.
• Don't, a tool to run AI models locally.
• Extension Continue.dev in VSCode.

How to install and run DeepSeek locally

 

For DeepSeek works within VS Code, you first need to configure it on your system using Don't. Follow these steps:

1. Install Ollama

Download and install Don't from its official website. It is a tool that allows you to run models of IA locally without depending on an internet connection.

2. Download and run DeepSeek

Once installed Don't, you can check if DeepSeek is working properly by running the following command on your terminal:

curl http://localhost:11434/api/generate -d '{"model": "deepseek-r1:latest","prompt": "Hola Mundo"}'

If the setup was successful, you should receive a response from the model.

Setting up the Continue.dev extension in VSCode

to integrate DeepSeek Visual Studio Code, it is necessary to install the extension Continue.dev, which acts as an intermediary between the AI ​​model and your development environment.

Installation steps:

1. Opens Visual Studio Code.
2. Go to Extensions Marketplace.
3. Search Continue.dev and install it.

With this extension, you will be able to interact with DeepSeek directly from your code editor.

Setting up DeepSeek in VSCode with Continue.dev

Once the extension is installed, you need to configure it to use DeepSeek as the default model. Follow these steps:

1. Open any project in VS Code.
2. Locate the new icon Continue.dev in the sidebar.
3. Click on it and select the option for Add a new chat template.
4. setup DeepSeek-R1 as the main model.

Using DeepSeek in VSCode to improve your code

Now that you have set up DeepSeek within VS Code, you can take advantage of its features to write code more efficiently. Some of its advantages include:

• Code completion: DeepSeek suggests code snippets in real time.
• Automatic refactoring: It allows you to improve the structure of the code just by giving instructions.
• Answers to questions from programming: You can ask questions about code and get quick explanations.

A practical example is to ask your developer to generate unit tests for specific functions within your code. This will save you time and ensure that the functionality is correct.

Comparison with other autocomplete tools

There are various auto-completion tools for developers, but DeepSeek has several points in its favor:

• Versus GitHub Copilot: DeepSeek It is completely free and works offline.
• Versus Chat GPT: DeepSeek It is designed specifically for code, making it more accurate in this area.
• Compared to other local solutions: Its integration with Continue.dev makes it easier to set up and use.

If you are looking for a free and private alternative without depending on cloud services, DeepSeek It is an excellent option.

With DeepSeek configured in your VS Code, you will be able to improve your workflow and write code faster without having to pay for premium tools. Its installation is simple and, thanks to its integration with Continue.dev, makes it an ideal choice for any programmer who values ​​privacy and efficiency.