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Your first task

Now that you've configured your AI provider and model, you're ready to start using Zoo Code. This guide walks you through your first interaction.

Step 1: Open the Zoo Code Panel​

Click the Zoo Code icon () in the VS Code Activity Bar (vertical bar on the side of the window) to open the chat interface. If you don't see the icon, verify the extension is installed and enabled.

Zoo Code icon in VS Code Activity Bar
The Zoo Code icon in the Activity Bar opens the chat interface. You can drag it to position Zoo elsewhere.

Step 2: Type Your Task​

Type a clear, concise description of what you want Zoo Code to do in the chat box at the bottom of the panel. Examples of effective tasks:

  • "Create a file named hello.txt containing 'Hello, world!'."
  • "Write a Python function that adds two numbers."
  • "Create an HTML file for a simple website with the title 'Zoo test'"

No special commands or syntax needed—just use plain English.

Typing a task in the Zoo Code chat interface
Enter your task in natural language - no special syntax required.

Step 3: Send Your Task​

Press Enter or click the Send icon () to the right of the input box.

Step 4: Review and Approve Actions​

Zoo Code analyzes your request and proposes specific actions. These may include:

  • Reading files: Shows file contents it needs to access
  • Writing to files: Displays a diff with proposed changes (added lines in green, removed in red)
  • Executing commands: Shows the exact command to run in your terminal
  • Using the Browser: Outlines browser actions (click, type, etc.)
  • Asking questions: Requests clarification when needed to proceed
Reviewing a proposed file creation action
Zoo Code shows exactly what action it wants to perform and waits for your approval.

Each action requires your explicit approval (unless auto-approval is enabled):

  • Approve: Click the "Approve" button to execute the proposed action
  • Reject: Click the "Reject" button and provide feedback if needed

Step 5: Iterate​

Zoo Code works iteratively. After each action, it waits for your feedback before proposing the next step. Continue this review-approve cycle until your task is complete.

Final result of a completed task showing the iteration process
After completing the task, Zoo Code shows the final result and awaits your next instruction.

Conclusion​

You've now completed your first task with Zoo Code. Through this process, you've learned:

  • How to interact with Zoo Code using natural language
  • The approval-based workflow that keeps you in control
  • The iterative approach Zoo Code uses to solve problems step-by-step

This iterative, approval-based workflow is at the core of how Zoo Code works—letting AI handle the tedious parts of coding while you maintain complete oversight. Now that you understand the basics, you're ready to tackle more complex tasks, explore different modes for specialized workflows, or try the auto-approval feature to speed up repetitive tasks.