> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.arkain.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.arkain.io/user-guide/workspace/side-chat-workspace.md).

# Side Chat (Workspace)

**Side Chat** is a powerful LLM-driven assistant integrated directly into your Workspace. It moves beyond simple Q\&A by understanding your entire project context, suggesting code, and even executing tasks autonomously.

<figure><img src="/files/XnsoLW6biVDzHEplbzrZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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## Getting Started

* **Access:** Open Side Chat(<img src="/files/0TiJrt6TE8ArkqBY0xdL" alt="" data-size="line">) from the Sidebar in your Workspace.
* **Model Selection:** Select your preferred LLM from the dropdown menu before starting a conversation. You can check the credit consumption for each model in the [**\[Supported Models\]**](/user-guide/arkain-ai/supported-models.md) guide.
* **Chat Context:** Side Chat maintains context within a single chat, ensuring a seamless flow of interaction as you build your project.

## The Three Modes of Side Chat

Choose the mode that best fits your current objective. You can switch between them using the dropdown menu in the input box.

#### 1. [Agent Mode](/user-guide/workspace/side-chat-workspace/agent-mode.md) (Autonomous Execution)

* **Best for:** Automating repetitive tasks, creating new files, and running terminal commands.
* **How it works:** An autonomous agent that can independently explore your codebase, modify files, and use terminal tools to complete tasks on your behalf.

#### 2. [Plan Mode](/user-guide/workspace/side-chat-workspace/plan-mode.md) (Collaborative Strategy)

* **Best for:** Designing new features or complex refactorings that require a roadmap.
* **How it works:** The AI interacts with you through interactive questions to clarify your intent. It then generates a structured Action Plan (.md) in your editor. You can view and edit this plan manually.
* **Execution:** Once you are satisfied, click the **\[Approve & Run]** button to transition to Agent Mode and implement the plan.

#### 3. Ask Mode (Read-Only)

* **Best for:** Explaining code, debugging advice, and general questions.
* **How it works:** A conversational assistant that can read your files but cannot modify them. It provides code snippets you can manually copy or apply.

## [Skills](/user-guide/workspace/side-chat-workspace/skills.md) & Capabilities

**Skills** are specialized tools the AI uses to interact with your environment. Powered by the MCP (Model Context Protocol) framework, they allow the AI to perform actions beyond just generating text.

* **Code Search:** Finding specific logic across your entire project.
* **Terminal Execution:** Running builds, tests, or installations.
* **Web Fetch:** Retrieves and references live web content, such as documentation or API specifications, during task execution. Domain permissions and restrictions are managed through the **Preferences** panel.

## Key Features for Precision

#### Adding Context

To get the most accurate results, give the AI visibility into your work:

* **Files:** Click the **\[Add context]** button to reference specific files. You can quickly pick from your 5 most recently opened files or find any file by name or path within the project.
  * **Mention a file inline**: Type `@` anywhere in the chat input to open a file search dropdown. Start typing the file name or path to filter results, then press <kbd>Enter</kbd> or click to insert the file as a chip. The chip displays the file's icon and name. Click the chip to open the file in the editor.
  * **Mention code from the editor**: Select code in the editor, then press <kbd>Ctrl+L</kbd> (<kbd>Cmd+L</kbd> on Mac) to insert it as a mention chip in the chat input. Alternatively, copy the selection (<kbd>Ctrl+C</kbd>) and paste it into the chat input (<kbd>Ctrl+V</kbd>). The chip shows the file name and line range (e.g., `App.jsx(10-25)`). Click the chip to jump to those lines in the editor.
* **Images:** Click the **\[Upload Images]** button or drag and drop images directly into Side Chat. The LLM analyzes the content to enhance its response—perfect for UI debugging or mockup analysis.
  * **Note:** Uploaded images are saved within your project folder. You can freely upload images within your container's storage capacity.

| Feature    | Details                              |
| ---------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Capacity   | Up to 5 images per message           |
| Size Limit | Max 20MB per image (Auto-compressed) |
| Formats    | JPG, PNG, SVG, and more              |

#### Applying Code Suggestions (Ask & Plan Modes)

In **Ask** and **Plan** modes, you can manually integrate suggested code into your editor:

* **Apply/Insert:** Integrate code directly into your editor or at your cursor position with one click.
* **Diff View:** Review changes in a "Before/After" view. Use **\[Accept]** or **\[Discard]** to finalize the edits.

#### Managing Chat History

Never lose a valuable solution by utilizing the built-in history features:

* **Persistent History:** Click the **History icon** (top right) to open the history popover and view all past chats across your Workspace.
* **Managing History**: In the history popover, hover over a chat room to access the following actions:
  * **Pin**: Pin a chat to keep it readily accessible (no limit). Pinned chats are ordered by pin time, earliest at the top.
  * **Rename:** Change the name of the chat.
  * **Delete:** Remove the chat.

#### Message Queue

Side Chat supports a message queue, allowing you to type and send follow-up messages while the AI is still generating a response.

* **Queue messages**: Send up to 5 messages while the AI is responding. Messages appear in order and are sent automatically once the current response completes.
* **Model Switching:** If you change the selected model while messages are queued, the remaining messages will be sent using the newly selected model.
* **Queue Persistence:** Queued messages are saved when you close or refresh the browser tab. When you return to the same conversation, click \[Resume Sending] to continue where you left off, or \[Discard All] to clear the queue.
* **Interruptions:** If you stop a response or an error occurs, the queue pauses. You can click \[Continue Sending] to resume, \[Skip & Continue] to skip the failed message and proceed with the rest, or \[Discard All] to clear the queue.

## Tips for Efficient Use

Maximize your productivity by using the right prompts and context.

* **Be Specific:** Clear instructions yield higher-quality results.
  * *"What’s wrong with this function? \[Code snippet]"*
  * *"Can you optimize this SQL query?"*
  * *"Explain this Python error: \[Error message]"*
* **Vibe Coding:** Describe high-level requirements (e.g., *"Build a simple auth middleware"*), and let Side Chat generate the necessary logic or file structures for you.
* **Keep Context Relevant:** Use \[Add Context] to focus the AI's "attention" on specific files to avoid hallucinations.
* **Review First:** Always use the Diff View to ensure AI suggestions align with your project logic before accepting.
* **Master the Workflow:** For large tasks, start in **Plan Mode** to align on the strategy. Once the plan is solid, use Approve & Run to let the Agent handle the implementation.

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With Side Chat in Arkain, you have the power of LLMs right at your fingertips to solve problems faster, learn better, and keep track of all your conversations with ease!