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Ride the Code Range, Skip the Stampede : Gunslinging with Huckleberry in VS Code Agent Mode

· 4 min read
Tim Morris
Tim Morris
Huckleberry Creator

Punching out rough ideas feels grand until your backlog looks like a saloon bar top after last orders.
Huckleberry rides in, swaps your whisky-stained scribbles for a proper trail map and helps you ship before the dust settles. Here is how to stay in the saddle, keep your herd together and leave the stray notes for the tumbleweed.

1 Saddle Up Agent Mode​

  1. Enable Agent Mode
    Open Settings, search for Copilot : Agent, tick Enable Agent Mode, then reload VS Code.

  2. Choose Your Deputy
    In the Chat panel (Ctrl + Shift + C), swap Chat for Agent and pick @Huckleberry.

Result : your co-pilot now sports a tin star and a full toolbelt.

2 Let Huckleberry Hitch the Horses​

Agent Mode chats to VS Code’s Language Model Tools and MCP corrals, which lets it :

  • read or write tasks.json
  • create fresh tasks/*.txt files
  • parse specs, break epics, gauge difficulty
  • run tests, install packages, kick off builds

You speak the intent, it twirls the spanners.

3 Draw Your First Task​

In the Agent pane, type :


Parse docs/requirements.md into tasks

Huckleberry will :

  1. call parseRequirements
  2. update tasks.json and forge tasks/TASK-###.txt
  3. stream a neat round-up of open work

No need to holster your editor.

4 Quick-Draw Loop : Ask → Do → Done​

  • Ask


    What should I work on next?

  • Do
    Huckleberry picks TASK-007 : implement auth API and opens the right file.

  • Done


    Mark TASK-007 complete

Context switches : nil. Progress bar : heading west.

5 Fancy Footwork​

Split a task


Expand TASK-010 into three subtasks

Change tack mid-trail


Update every open task to use Vite instead of Webpack

Run tests and skim the casualties


Run npm test and summarise any errors

Huckleberry orchestrates each hop so you keep your rhythm.

6 You Keep Your Hand on the Reins​

  • Every command lands in the chat log ; review or veto as you please.
  • Keep auto-approve switched off if you fancy a breather.
  • Undo the last edit with one click if the riff goes sour.

7 Secure the Homestead​

  • Speak clear intents ; the deputy knows the kit.
  • Trust it with the plumbing, save your grey matter for the melody.
  • Flick back to Edit Mode for fine chiselling, ride Agent Mode for big brush strokes.

Drop a .github/copilot-instructions.md with team lore and Huckleberry will sound like part of the posse rather than a hired gun.

FAQs​

Q: What is "Agent Mode" and how does it relate to Vibe Coding?​

A: Agent Mode is a feature in VS Code that allows for natural language interaction with Copilot. Vibe Coding leverages this through Huckleberry to create a smooth, conversational workflow where you can manage tasks and code without breaking your rhythm.

Q: How can I control the automation level when using Huckleberry?​

A: Huckleberry provides several control mechanisms: you can review commands in the chat log, keep auto-approve switched off for more control, and easily undo the last edit. You can also switch between Edit Mode for fine control and Agent Mode for broader actions.

Q: Can I customize Huckleberry's behavior to match my team's workflow?​

A: Yes, you can customize Huckleberry by adding a .github/copilot-instructions.md file with your team's preferences and conventions. This helps Huckleberry understand your team's workflow and communicate in a way that matches your team's style.

Ready to Ride ?​

Open the Agent pane, voice your next high-level order and watch Huckleberry keep the beat while you solo. As the folk in Tombstone might put it : I’m your Huckleberry.

Keep the code flowing with Huckleberry. When you are in the zone, a to-do list should not buck you off. Explore our Language Model Tools documentation for more ways to get things done with a steady hand on the reins.