Overview

The “Code with AI” feature in Softaculous is an AI-powered coding assistant integrated directly into your control panel. It helps you write, debug, refactor, and understand code in your projects without leaving your hosting environment.

Key Features:

• Read and write files in your project
• Write plugins
• Make websites
• Edit existing files with targeted changes
• Search files by name or content
• Debug and refactor code
• Plan changes before implementing them
• Multiple AI providers supported

Accessing the Code with AI Feature

Step 1: Log in to Softaculous

1. Log in to your hosting control panel (Webuzo, cPanel, DirectAdmin, etc.)
2. Navigate to the Softaculous section or icon
3. The Softaculous dashboard will open

Step 2: Open the AI Assistant

1. In the Softaculous header/navigation, look for the Code with AI link
2. Click on it to open the AI Assistant interface

Setting Up the AI Assistant

Connecting an AI Provider

Free Option:

• OpenCode Zen (Free) – Enabled by default

You can also connect to any other AI provider:

1. Click the Settings button in the AI Assistant header
2. Find the provider you want to use and click “Connect”
3. Enter your API key and click “Connect”
4. Use the “Test” button to verify your connection works

Supported AI Providers:

• OpenAI (GPT-4o, GPT-5)
• Anthropic (Claude)
• Google (Gemini)
• DeepSeek
• Groq
• Together AI
• OpenRouter
• Ollama (local)
• MiniMax
• Custom OpenAI-compatible providers

Selecting an AI Model

1. Once connected, choose an AI model from the dropdown in the header
2. The selected model will be used for all AI interactions in your current session

Creating a Project

The AI Assistant works within projects, which are linked to directories on your server.

Create a New Project

1. Click “Projects” in the AI Assistant interface
2. Click “+ New Project”
3. Choose one of the following options:

• Select an existing WordPress installation from the list
• Or Enter a custom directory path manually

4. The project will be created and linked to the selected directory

Switch Between Projects

• Use the project dropdown in the header (next to the sidebar toggle button) to switch between projects
• Each project has its own chat sessions, conversation history, and file tree

Using the AI Assistant

Starting a Chat Session

1. Select your project from the dropdown
2. Choose an AI model from the header dropdown
3. Type your request in the chat input at the bottom
4. Press Enter to send
5. The AI will respond and can perform actions like editing files or running commands

Creating New Sessions

• Click “+ New Session” to start a fresh conversation
• Previous sessions are listed in the sidebar
• Click on any previous session to resume it
• Archive sessions with the respective button

Build Mode vs. Plan Mode

The AI Assistant has two operating modes:

Build Mode

• The AI has full access to read, write, edit files, and run commands
• Use this when you want the AI to make changes to your project
• Default mode for active development

Plan Mode

• The AI operates in read-only mode
• It can explore and analyze your code but cannot modify anything
• Use this for:
• Code reviews
• Explanations
• Planning changes before implementing them

Switching Modes

• Use the mode toggle in the interface
• Or use slash commands:
• Type /build to switch to Build mode
• Type /plan to switch to Plan mode

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What the AI Can Do

File Operations

• Read files – View file contents
• Write files – Create new files
• Edit files – Make targeted changes to existing files
• Search files – Find files by name or content

System Operations

• Run shell commands – Execute commands in your project directory
• Create directory listings – View project structure

Code Assistance

• Write new code
• Troubleshoot website issues
• Debug existing code
• Refactor and optimize code
• Explain code functionality
• Generate code snippets

Slash Commands

Type / in the chat input to see available commands:

Command	Description
/build	Switch to Build mode
/plan	Switch to Plan mode
/clear	Clear current conversation
/export	Download conversation as Markdown
/help	Show keyboard shortcuts

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Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
Escape	Stop streaming / Close modals
Enter	Send message (Shift+Enter for new line)
Ctrl+Shift+N	New session
Ctrl+Shift+P	Plan mode
Ctrl+,	Open Settings

Best Practices

When to Use Build Mode

• Writing new code
• Fixing bugs
• Refactoring existing code
• Running commands to set up your project
• Making configuration changes

When to Use Plan Mode

• Reviewing code before making changes
• Understanding complex code
• Planning architectural changes
• Getting explanations of how code works
• Analyzing potential issues

Writing Effective Prompts

1. Be specific about what you want the AI to do
2. Provide context about your project structure
3. Mention file names when referring to specific files
4. Break complex tasks into smaller steps
5. Review AI changes before accepting them

Security Considerations

• Review all file changes before applying them
• Don’t share sensitive API keys or passwords in chat
• Use Plan mode when exploring unfamiliar code

Troubleshooting

AI Provider Connection Issues

Problem: Cannot connect to AI provider.

Solutions:

1. Verify your API key is correct
2. Check if your API key has available credits/quota
3. Try the “Test” button in Settings to verify connectivity
4. Use OpenCode Zen (Free) if you don’t have an API key

AI Not Responding

Problem: Messages are not getting responses.

Solutions:

1. Check your internet connection
2. Verify the selected AI model is available
3. Check if you’ve reached API rate limits
4. Try switching to a different AI provider

File Access Issues

Problem: AI cannot read or write files.

Solutions:

1. Verify the project directory path is correct
2. Check file permissions on your server
3. Ensure the directory exists and is accessible
4. Try creating a new project with the correct path

Session Management

Problem: Cannot find previous conversations.

Solutions:

1. Check the sidebar for previous sessions
2. Ensure you’re in the correct project
3. Sessions are project-specific – switch projects if needed