Code implementation with AI

The Code Genie feature provides an end-to-end integration within the Loop environment, allowing you to generate source code directly from a work item. By coordinating between DevOps Plan, Code, and Control products, Code Genie automates the transition from a descriptive task to a functional Pull Request (PR).

Code Genie leverages AI to translate work item details into actionable coding instructions. It analyses the Description and Conversation (comments) fields of a work item to determine the requirements for code generation. The tool then triggers a background process in which an AI-powered dev container applies the requested changes and submits them as a PR in the designated Control repository.

Before you begin, ensure that you have:

  • AI requirement: You must have an AI integration enabled to use the Generate function for coding instructions. For more information, see the Artificial Intelligence integration topic in Plan Documentation.
  • CLI token: For a CLI token, see Manage Coding CLI.
  • Branching strategy: Use a branching strategy with a protected main branch.
  • Processing time: Code generation is not instantaneous. After clicking Implement in DevOps Plan, it might take some time for the PR to appear in Control.
  • Manual review required: While Code Genie generates the code, ensure that a reviewer must still manually review and merge the PR to ensure quality and security.
  • Branch protection: Standard branch protection rules in Control still apply, preventing unauthorized code from being pushed directly to protected branches.
  • Unsaved instructions: If you close the slide-out panel before clicking Implement, any manually entered or AI-generated instructions that have not been submitted will be lost.
  1. Open the work item: Navigate to the desired work item in DevOps Plan in full view mode.
  2. Launch Code Genie: Click the Code Genie button located in the record toolbar.
  3. Select repository: In the slide-out panel, select the appropriate Control repository from the dropdown menu. This action automatically loads the relevant dev container and coding guidelines.
  4. Prepare coding instructions:
    • AI generation: Click Generate to let the AI create instructions based on the work item's description and comments.
    • Manual entry: Alternatively, type specific instructions or prompts directly into the text area.
  5. Implement: Click the Implement button to initiate the background generation process.
  6. Verify the PR: Navigate to the Control UI to view the automatically generated PR. You can review the files changed and any automated security scans that are run by Trivy.
  7. Monitor in DevOps Plan: Return to the work item in the DevOps Plan and check the SCM events tab to verify that the PR is reflected there.

Upon successful completion, Code Genie generates a complete PR in the linked Control repository. This PR includes the implemented code files based on your instructions and is ready for manual review and merging by assigned reviewers.