> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cubent.dev/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Your First Steps > Learn the basics of Cubent Coder with hands-on examples ## Welcome to Cubent Coder! Now that you have Cubent Coder installed, let's walk through your first interactions and learn the core concepts that will make you productive immediately. ## Understanding the Interface ### Sidebar Panel The Cubent Coder panel appears in your VS Code sidebar with these key elements: * **Chat Interface**: Where you communicate with the AI * **Mode Selector**: Switch between Chat, Plan, Agent, and Custom modes * **Task History**: Review previous conversations and tasks * **Settings**: Quick access to configuration options ### Status Indicators Look for these visual cues: * 🟢 **Green**: AI is ready and connected * 🟡 **Yellow**: Processing your request * 🔴 **Red**: Connection or configuration issue ## Your First Conversation Let's start with a simple interaction: ### Step 1: Open the Chat 1. Click the Cubent Coder icon in the sidebar 2. You'll see the chat interface 3. Type your first message in the input box ### Step 2: Try Basic Commands Start with these simple examples: ``` Hello! Can you help me understand this codebase? ``` ``` What programming languages do you see in this project? ``` ``` Can you explain what this function does? ``` Select some code in your editor before asking about it - Cubent Coder will automatically include the selected code in its context. ## Code Generation Basics ### Simple Code Generation Try generating some code: ``` Create a Python function that calculates the factorial of a number ``` ``` Write a React component for a simple todo list ``` ``` Generate a SQL query to find users who registered in the last 30 days ``` ### Code Explanation Select any code in your editor and ask: ``` Explain this code to me ``` ``` What could be improved in this function? ``` ``` Are there any potential bugs here? ``` ## File Operations Cubent can work with files in your workspace: ### Reading Files ``` What's in the package.json file? ``` ``` Show me the main entry point of this application ``` ### Creating Files ``` Create a new README.md file for this project ``` ``` Generate a .gitignore file for a Node.js project ``` ### Modifying Files ``` Add error handling to the main.js file ``` ``` Update the CSS to make the header responsive ``` ## Understanding Modes ### Chat Mode (Default) * Best for: Questions, explanations, code reviews * Behavior: Conversational, informative * Use when: You want to understand or discuss code ### Plan Mode * Best for: Project planning, architecture decisions * Behavior: Strategic, high-level thinking * Use when: You need technical leadership guidance ### Agent Mode * Best for: Complex tasks, multi-step operations * Behavior: Action-oriented, autonomous * Use when: You want Cubent Coder to implement solutions ## Best Practices ### Be Specific Instead of: "Fix this code" Try: "This function is throwing a null pointer exception when the input array is empty. Can you add proper error handling?" ### Provide Context * Select relevant code before asking questions * Mention the programming language and framework * Explain what you're trying to achieve ### Use Progressive Refinement Start with a general request, then refine: 1. "Create a user authentication system" 2. "Add password validation with specific requirements" 3. "Include email verification functionality" ## Common First Tasks Here are some typical tasks new users try: ### Code Review ``` Review this function for potential improvements and security issues ``` ### Documentation ``` Generate documentation for this API endpoint ``` ### Testing ``` Create unit tests for this class ``` ### Refactoring ``` Refactor this code to follow better design patterns ``` ## Getting Help If you're stuck or need clarification: ### In-App Help ``` How do I switch to Agent mode? ``` ``` What's the difference between Chat and Plan mode? ``` ### Community Resources * **Discord**: [Join our community](https://discord.gg/cubent) for real-time help * **Documentation**: Browse these docs for detailed guides * **GitHub**: [Report issues](https://github.com/LaxBloxBoy2/Cubent/issues) or request features ## Next Steps Ready to dive deeper? Explore these advanced features: Let Cubent Coder work autonomously on complex tasks Build specialized AI personas for your workflow Execute commands and manage your development environment Set up complex workflows and automation Remember: Cubent Coder learns from your interactions. The more you use it, the better it becomes at understanding your coding style and preferences!