Step 1
Open While.
Install the extension and choose what you want to learn.
A learning companion for VS Code
Learn a little
while your code
takes shape.
Short lessons about code and working with Codex. One useful idea at a time, right beside your project.
Local learning. No While account required.
0.5.1 · Private pilot. Installation instructions
One small lesson.
Something you can use.
A real lesson from the Code basics track, as it ships in the extension. Nothing you choose here is saved or sent anywhere.
Read a named value
Code often gives a name to a value so that other code can use it. In this example, title is the name and "My store" is the text value. Text is written in quotes. Editing the value changes what that name refers to when this code runs.
const title = "My store";A little learning, on your terms.
Step 2
Take one idea with you.
Read a short explanation, answer a question, or try a small sample change.
Step 3
Return when you’re ready.
Your lesson and draft stay saved while you get back to your work.
Saved lessonPick up where you left off.Read a named valueResume lesson
Optional
With a supported Codex CLI connection, While can offer a lesson after five seconds of waiting. It never opens the panel or takes your keyboard focus. See supported setups
Understand the code.
Get better at asking for it.
Code basics
Learn to read values, conditions, functions, styles, and small React examples.
Lessons include
- Read a named value
- Change one CSS declaration
- Follow a condition
Working with Codex
Practice making a clear request, adding useful context, and checking a result before relying on it.
Lessons include
- Ask for one clear result
- Give Codex the relevant code
- Plan before a larger change
16 lessons. Short questions. Small practice exercises.
Your pace. Your
place saved.
How While handles your data- Start when you want.
- Manual lessons work without Codex.
- Keep your place.
- Your learning progress and current draft stay on your device.
- Choose what While reads.
- Connecting a lesson to selected code is optional.
- Stay in control.
- Pause a lesson, snooze automatic offers, or disconnect hooks.
Try While in your
next waiting moment.
Install the VS Code extension, open While, and start with one short lesson.
Private pilot build · Manual lessons available without Codex.
- Version
- 0.5.1
- Channel
- Private pilot
- Package
- VSIX · 331 KiB (339,356 bytes)
- License
- Proprietary · read terms
- SHA-256
bf048ca2507219c989281a4f34b3f6d1c71f1d3e2b30e7f0f2d7e1ff3f9ce905
After you download
- Open VS Code.
- Run Extensions: Install from VSIX… and choose the downloaded file.
- Run While: Open Learning Panel.
On a phone? Installation happens in desktop VS Code. These steps will be here when you’re at your computer.
Questions
Where does While run?
In desktop VS Code. It is currently an editor extension.
Do I need Codex?
No. You can start lessons manually whenever you want. A supported Codex CLI connection adds optional automatic offers.
Does it teach from my whole project?
No. Local matching is optional and limited to selected code or a small part of the active file. Lessons and practice use bundled examples.
Does it write code in my project?
Learning exercises do not change your project code. Connecting automatic offers adds reviewed hook configuration to the workspace.
Which setups support automatic offers?
The current verified combination is macOS 15.7.4 on Apple silicon, VS Code 1.139.0, Codex CLI 0.155.0-alpha.16, and the existing Python 3 interpreter documented in the compatibility notes. Other setups retain manual learning.
Will it make me a better developer?
While provides practice and feedback on small concepts. The pilot has not established broader learning outcomes.