Comprehensive Guide for Utilizing ChatGPT in Windows Terminal

Essential Information

• The Windows Terminal (Canary) now provides direct access to ChatGPT and various AI services within the application.
• To initiate this feature, click the down arrow adjacent to the new tab option, choose “Terminal Chat,”and then click on “Set up AI provider”. Enter your preferred AI provider’s API key and click “Store,”followed by “Save”.
• Terminal Chat is designed to understand the context, offering support for coding tasks and terminal commands. It allows users to copy suggested commands and save chat history as a text file.

The integration of AI within the Windows ecosystem has advanced significantly. With the latest Canary build of the Terminal app, Microsoft introduces the ability to interact with AI chatbots directly from the terminal interface.

This innovative feature allows users to engage with one of three AI providers: OpenAI, GitHub Copilot, or Azure OpenAI via an API. After setting up, you can obtain contextually relevant help with coding and terminal commands.

Accessing ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, or Azure OpenAI in Windows Terminal

Before following the steps outlined below, ensure you meet the necessary requirements.

Requirements

First, note that the Terminal Chat feature is still in the experimental phase and is only available in the latest Canary version of the Terminal app.

Second, you will need an API key from the AI service provider you plan to use.

• For OpenAI, create your API key here.
• To create an API for Azure OpenAI, go here.
• For GitHub Copilot, you will need an active subscription, which can be obtained from here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. After installing the Terminal (Canary) app, open it.
2. Locate the down arrow next to the + icon on the window bar and select Terminal Chat.
   
3. Click on Set up AI provider.
   
4. You can also opt for Settings.
   
5. Select Terminal Chat (Experimental) from the sidebar menu.
   
6. Click to expand the service provider you wish to use.
   
7. For OpenAI, input the API key in the Secret key field. Click Store.
   
8. If you have multiple AI providers, check the box next to Set as active provider to make it the default.
9. Finally, click Save.
   
10. Click the down arrow once more and select Terminal Chat.
    
11. That’s it! You can now begin chatting with the AI from your selected service provider directly within the terminal application.
    

The interface for Terminal Chat is similar to regular AI chatbots but is optimized to fit the terminal’s compact design. It comes with fewer features, including a “Clear history” button for resetting the chat and an “Export” button to save chat history as a text file. A convenient copy button appears beside recommended commands.

Do keep in mind that there is currently no keyboard shortcut to open Terminal Chat quickly; it must be accessed via the down arrow.

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