Chat interface
Bob IDE's chat interface is your primary workspace where you use natural language prompts, slash commands, and auto-approval for AI-assisted coding workflows.
Components of the chat interface
Chat history
Displays your conversation with Bob, including your requests, Bob's responses, and actions taken such as file edits or command executions.
Input field
Where you type your tasks and questions for Bob using natural language or use slash commands for quick actions. Pasted text appears as a compact context pill so you can see what context you've added without filling the input area.
Action buttons
Appear above the input field, allowing you to approve or reject Bob's proposed actions. Available buttons change depending on context.
Auto-approve toolbar
Located above the input field, allows you to enable auto-approval for specific actions like read, write, execute, and more to speed up your workflow.
Slash commands
Type '/' in the input field to access built-in commands (like /review, /init) and custom commands for common workflows.
Send button
Located to the right of the input field, sends your message to Bob.
New chat button
Located in the header, starts a new conversation session.
Settings button
Located in the header, opens settings to customize Bob's features and behavior.
Mode selector
A dropdown menu to the left of the chat input field for selecting which mode Bob should use for your tasks.
Writing effective prompts
Clear and specific requests yield the best results:
| Strategy | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Be specific | "Fix the bug in calculateTotal that returns incorrect results when given negative numbers" instead of "Fix the code" |
| Provide context | Use @ context mentions to reference files and code sections |
| Break down tasks | Submit complex tasks as smaller, manageable steps |
| Include examples | Provide sample code when you need specific formatting or style |
Example requests
Create a new file named `utils.py` and add a function called `add` that takes two numbers as arguments and returns their sumIn the file @src/components/Button.tsx, change the color of the button to blueFind all instances of the variable `oldValue` in @/src/App.js and replace them with `newValue`Explain the function `calculateTotal` in @/src/utils.ts@problems address all detected problemsCommon pitfalls to avoid
| Avoid | Use |
|---|---|
| Vague instructions such as “Make it better” | Clear, specific guidance such as “Improve error handling by adding try/catch blocks.” |
| Relying on Bob to infer context | Explicit file and function references using @ mentions |
| Combining multiple unrelated tasks in a single request | One focused request at a time |
| Skipping validation of results | Reviewing Bob’s output to ensure it meets your requirements |
Tips for complex requests
For more complex tasks:
- Start with a clear overview of what you want to accomplish
- Provide relevant background information
- Break down the task into logical steps
- Use @ mentions to reference specific files or code sections
- Review Bob's responses and provide feedback to refine results
Interacting with messages
- Clickable references: File paths, URLs, and other references in the chat history are clickable. Clicking a file path opens the file in the editor, while clicking a URL opens it in your default browser.
- Copying text: Select text in the chat history and use the standard copy command (Ctrl + C / ⌘ + C). Code blocks include a dedicated "Copy" button for convenience.
- Expanding and collapsing: Click on a message to expand or collapse it, helping you manage longer conversations.
Status indicators
| Indicator | Description |
|---|---|
| Loading spinner | Appears when Bob is processing your request. |
| Error messages | Displayed in red when an error occurs. |
| Success messages | Displayed in green when actions complete successfully. |
Task history retention
Bob automatically deletes completed tasks after 14 days to keep your task list manageable. After this period, the task and its conversation history are permanently removed and cannot be recovered.
You can change the retention period in Settings → Chat → Task retention. Set the value to the number of days you want Bob to keep completed tasks. Setting the value to 0 disables automatic deletion.
Task history is stored locally on your machine and is not backed up or synchronized across devices.
Search in chat
Press Command+F (macOS) or Ctrl+F (Windows/Linux) while the Bob chat panel is focused to search across all messages in the current task. Matches are highlighted as you type, with previous/next navigation and automatic scrolling to each result. Press Escape to close the search bar.
The keyboard shortcut is scoped to the Bob chat panel. When the chat panel is focused, Command+F or Ctrl+F opens the chat search rather than the editor Find widget.
Active workspace in multi-root projects
In a multi-root workspace, when the chat panel has no active task, the active workspace automatically switches to match the file you are currently editing. This keeps the AI context relevant to the code you are working on without requiring you to switch workspaces manually.
Keyboard shortcuts
You can use keyboard shortcuts to interact with the chat interface more efficiently:
- Enter: Send your message (when input field is focused)
- Shift + Enter: Add a new line in your message
For more keyboard shortcuts and configuration options, see Keyboard shortcuts.
MCP OAuth authentication
Bob supports OAuth 2.1 for MCP servers that require user-delegated access. Bob handles the authentication flow automatically, including token refresh, so you do not need to manage tokens manually.
Auto-approve
Auto-approve actions in Bob IDE eliminate repetitive prompts but increase security risks. Learn safe configuration practices for read, write, and execute permissions.