ContinueDev + CodeQwen : STOP PAYING for Github's Copilot with this LOCAL & OPENSOURCE Alternative

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through setting up ContinueDev, a free and open-source alternative to GitHub Copilot, combined with CodeQwen for enhanced coding productivity. We'll cover how to integrate these tools with your development environment, allowing you to code effectively without incurring subscription costs.

Step 1: Install VS Code and NeoVim

To begin using ContinueDev, ensure you have either Visual Studio Code (VS Code) or NeoVim installed on your machine.

• For VS Code:

  • Download from Visual Studio Code's official site.
  • Follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system.

• For NeoVim:

  • Download from NeoVim's official site.
  • Follow the setup instructions for your OS.

Step 2: Install ContinueDev Extension

Next, you will need to install the ContinueDev extension in your coding environment.

• For VS Code:

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Go to the Extensions view by clicking on the Extensions icon on the sidebar or pressing Ctrl+Shift+X.
  3. Search for "ContinueDev" and click on "Install."

• For NeoVim:

  • Use your preferred plugin manager (like vim-plug) to add ContinueDev. Add the following line to your init.vim or init.lua:

    Plug 'ContinueDev/continue-dev'
    

  • Save and run :PlugInstall in NeoVim.

Step 3: Set Up CodeQwen

CodeQwen is an AI coding model that you will need to run locally. Follow these steps to set it up.

1. Download CodeQwen from its official repository.
2. Install any dependencies as specified in the documentation.
3. Run CodeQwen locally using the command line. Ensure it's accessible from your coding environment.

Step 4: Install Ollama for Local AI Serving

To serve your AI models locally, you will need to install Ollama.

1. Visit the Ollama website and download the installer for your OS.
2. Follow the installation instructions to set up Ollama on your machine.

Step 5: Integrate ContinueDev with CodeQwen

Now, it's time to integrate ContinueDev with CodeQwen to enhance your coding experience.

• Configuration:
  1. Open your settings in VS Code or NeoVim.
  2. Locate the ContinueDev configuration options.
  3. Set the API endpoint to point to your local CodeQwen server.

Step 6: Optimize with Groq API

To maximize the efficiency of your coding setup, configure the Groq API for fast model inference.

1. Sign up for Groq API if you haven’t already.
2. Follow their documentation to integrate the API into your coding environment.

Step 7: Utilize the EvalPlus Leaderboard

To find the best coding models, use the EvalPlus Leaderboard.

• Visit the EvalPlus website and explore the rankings of various coding models, including CodeQwen and others, to choose the best fit for your needs.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will successfully set up ContinueDev and CodeQwen as a powerful, cost-effective alternative to GitHub Copilot. This combination will enhance your coding productivity while ensuring your data remains private and secure.

Next steps may include experimenting with different models available through the EvalPlus Leaderboard and continuing to refine your setup for optimal performance. Happy coding!