Frequently Asked Questions

General Insights

What is Sypha?

Sypha is a high-performance AI engineering agent integrated directly into Visual Studio Code. It is designed to accelerate software construction by generating logic, automating complex refactors, and managing repetitive terminal tasks.

How does the agent operate?

Sypha utilizes large language models (LLMs) to interpret your high-level instructions into concrete system actions. It can:

• Perform multi-file read/write operations.
• Execute terminal commands and shell scripts.
• Browse the web for live documentation and research.
• Integrate with external tools via the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Is Sypha free?

The Sypha extension is free to install. However, to execute logic, the agent requires access to an AI engine. While we offer a Sypha Provider with start-up credits, you can also "Bring Your Own Key" from any major provider or run Local Models for a completely free experience.

How do I manage usage costs?

If you utilise the Sypha Integrated Provider, you can purchase credit. Alternatively, if you use your own API keys, billing is managed directly through your chosen provider (e.g., Anthropic, OpenAI, Google).

Security & Ethics

What are the risks?

Sypha is an autonomous agent. While powerful, you should maintain oversight:

• Review All Logics: Always inspect the diff before authorizing a file write.
• Terminal Caution: Be mindful when granting permissions for shell execution, especially in Auto-Approval mode.
• Privacy Mode: Use Local Inference for highly sensitive or air-gapped intellectual property.

Configuration & Performance

Which AI engines are supported?

Sypha currently supports the widest range of providers in the industry:

• Premier Gateways: Sypha Integrated, OpenRouter, Vercel AI, Google Vertex.
• Direct Providers: Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (GPT), Google (Gemini), DeepSeek, Mistral.
• Local Infrastructure: Ollama, LM Studio, VS Code LM.

Can Sypha access my internal documentation?

Yes. By using Semantic Codebase Search, Sypha indexes your local repository to understand its architectural nuances. You can also connect internal tools via MCP to grant the agent access to private APIs or databases.

How do I undo an agent's change?

Sypha uses standard IDE buffers. You can use the standard Cmd+Z / Ctrl+Z to revert a change. Furthermore, if you have Checkpoints enabled, Sypha can roll back your entire repository to the state it was in before the task began.

Troubleshooting

Integration Failures

If Sypha stops responding:

1. Verify your API credentials and account balance.
2. Ensure your internet connection is stable.
3. Check the Sypha Output Channel in your terminal for specific error logs.
4. Restart your IDE to refresh the extension lifecycle.

---

Still need assistance? Contact our technical team for support.