Basic Usage
The @ Context System
Master the use of context mentions to anchor Sypha's reasoning to specific project assets.
The @ Context System
The @ context system is the primary mechanism for anchoring Sypha's intelligence to the physical reality of your project. By utilizing specific mentions, you can provide the AI with targeted context - ranging from file contents and terminal logs to Git history - ensuring higher precision and architectural awareness.
Context Mention Registry
| Context Type | Format | Logic Provided | Implementation Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asset | @/path/to/file.ts | Injects full file content into the prompt context. | "Analyze the logic in @/src/auth.ts" |
| Hierarchy | @/path/to/folder/ | Provides a structural tree map of the directory. | "Examine the tree in @/lib/adapters/" |
| Diagnostics | @problems | Includes the active VS Code Problems panel data. | "@problems Identify and fix the linting errors." |
| Terminal | @terminal | Injects latest terminal command and output. | "Why did the test fail in @terminal?" |
| Version History | @a1b2c3d | References specific Git commits by hash. | "Summarize the changes in @a1b2c3d." |
| Staging | @git-changes | Visualizes active, uncommitted Git modifications. | "Audit the changes in @git-changes." |
| External Web | @https://example.com | Fetches and processes external web content. | "Reference the docs at @https://sypha.ai/." |
Specialized Asset Mentions
| Feature | Strategic Overview |
|---|---|
| Addressing | Paths should always be absolute from the workspace root (e.g., @/src/main.ts). |
| Intelligence | Sypha receives the complete source, including metadata and line numbering. |
| Lifecycle | Mentions function in initial requests, iterative feedback, and task-specific sub-threads. |
Diagnostic & Environment Mentions
- @problems: Essential for rapid debugging. It bridges the gap between the IDE's static analysis and Sypha's reasoning engine.
- @terminal: Invaluable for resolving build-time errors or failing test suites. By referencing the live terminal, Sypha can "see" the exact error stack.
Version Control Integration
- Git Commits: Specific hashes (@hash) provide Sypha with the author, date, message, and a comprehensive diff of that historical save point.
- Git State:
@git-changesis the preferred way to have Sypha audit your current progress or generate descriptive commit summaries.
How to Utilize the Mention System
- Initialize the system by typing
@in the chat dashboard. - Continue typing the file name or keyword to filter the intelligent dropdown.
- Select your target using Enter or your mouse.
- Pro Tip: Chain mentions for complex logic: "Apply the pattern from @/src/old.ts to fix @problems in @/src/new.ts."
[!NOTE] Screenshot: Coming Soon !!!
Operational Best Practices
- Eliminate Manual Clipboard Work: Stop copy-pasting code or errors; use mentions to provide the same data with higher fidelity and less effort.
- Prioritize Specificity: Anchoring Sypha to a specific file is significantly more effective than providing a general directory mention.
- Root-Relative Addressing: Always ensure your paths start with
/to represent the root of your workspace for consistent resolution.