In this episode, VS Code engineer Logan Ramos joins the VS Code Insiders Podcast to discuss the new Language Model Chat Provider (BYOK) API, sharing how developers can integrate various AI models—including Azure and OpenAI—directly into Visual Studio Code.

Language Model Chat Provider (aka BYOK) API with Logan Ramos — VS Code Insiders Podcast

This episode of the VS Code Insiders Podcast features Logan Ramos, a VS Code engineer, who explores the recently introduced Bring Your Own Key/Model (BYOK) API. The API enables developers and extenders to integrate language models from a variety of providers—such as Azure, OpenAI, xAI, Anthropic, Google, and more—directly into Visual Studio Code.

Key Topics Covered

• What is BYOK?
  • BYOK stands for ‘Bring Your Own Key’ or ‘Bring Your Own Model,’ referring to the new ability for users and extenders to configure and incorporate custom language models into their VS Code environment.
• Supported Providers
  • The API supports seamless integration of models from Azure, OpenAI, xAI, Anthropic, Google, among others.
• Features of the BYOK API
  • Allows extension authors to leverage any compatible chat model directly in VS Code.
  • Offers flexibility for developers to use models that best suit their workflow or organization’s requirements.
• Why Use the BYOK API?
  • Facilitates AI development within the familiar VS Code interface.
  • Gives users more control over which models and endpoints they use, potentially improving privacy and compliance.
• Technical Guidance for Extenders
  • The episode walks through how builders can get started integrating their own models.
  • Links to samples, API documentation, and extension guides are provided for deeper technical exploration.

Resources and Further Reading

• August Iteration Plan
• BYOK API Discussion
• Language Models in VS Code
• Sample Extension
• API Extension Guides

You can listen and subscribe to the full episode on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. For more updates, follow VS Code on X, Bluesky, YouTube, LinkedIn, and GitHub.

Episode featuring: Logan Ramos (VS Code engineer)