Ultimate Guide to Using ChatGPT in Windows Terminal

Key Notes

  • Access a variety of AI services directly from Windows Terminal.
  • API setups are required from the chosen AI service provider.
  • The terminal interface allows you to execute commands with ease.

Unlock AI Potential with Windows Terminal (Canary): Your Comprehensive Guide

This guide explores how to integrate and utilize AI services within Windows Terminal (Canary), enhancing your workflow and coding capabilities.

Essential Information

  • The Windows Terminal (Canary) allows direct access to ChatGPT and other AI services.
  • To get started, click the down arrow next to the new tab, select “Terminal Chat, ” then choose “Set up AI provider.” Input your AI provider’s API key and select “Store, ” then “Save”.
  • Terminal Chat provides context-aware support for coding and terminal commands, enabling copying of suggested commands and saving chat history as text files.

The integration of AI within Windows has made great strides. Now, the Windows Terminal (Canary) app allows users to interact with AI chatbots effortlessly through the terminal interface.

This exciting feature offers integration with one of three AI providers: OpenAI, GitHub Copilot, or Azure OpenAI via an API, providing you contextual assistance with coding and terminal commands.

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

Ensure you meet the following requirements before proceeding.

Requirements

The Terminal Chat feature is experimental and only available in the latest Canary version.

You will need an API key from your selected AI service provider:

  • Obtain your API key for OpenAI here.
  • For Azure OpenAI, generate your API key here.
  • GitHub Copilot requires an active subscription, which can be acquired here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Launch the Terminal (Canary) app after installation.
  2. Select the down arrow by the + icon on the window bar and choose Terminal Chat.
  3. Click on Set up AI provider.
  4. Alternatively, you can access Settings.
  5. From the sidebar, select Terminal Chat (Experimental).
  6. Expand the service provider of your choice.
  7. Enter the API key for OpenAI in the Secret key field and click Store.
  8. If using multiple AI providers, check the box next to Set as active provider to make it default.
  9. Lastly, click Save.
  10. Revisit the down arrow and select Terminal Chat to get started with your chosen AI provider.

The Terminal Chat interface resembles standard AI chatbots but is tailored for the terminal layout. It includes fewer features, like a “Clear history” button for resetting chats and an “Export” button for saving chat histories to text files. You’ll find a handy copy button next to suggested commands.

Currently, there isn’t a keyboard shortcut for quickly accessing Terminal Chat; it needs to be opened using the down arrow.

Summary

This guide highlights the capabilities of integrating AI services into Windows Terminal (Canary), detailing the setup process for effective application in coding tasks.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you can harness the power of AI directly within your Terminal environment, streamlining your coding tasks and enhancing productivity.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use multiple AI providers at once in Windows Terminal?

No, you can only set one AI provider as the active provider while using Windows Terminal.

Is Terminal Chat available in non-Canary versions?

Currently, the Terminal Chat feature is only available in the Canary builds of Windows Terminal.