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How to start using coding assistants 

To begin using coding assistants, there are three requirements: 

1. Aalto network connection: you must have a connection to the Aalto network. To do this, you have to be on the campus’s premises or have a remote connection to an Aalto network (more information can be found here). 

2. API key: you need to request access to the Aalto AI APIs from Aalto IT services by following these steps here.  

3. Tools: For further instructions on how to start using the assistants, follow the steps listed here.

If you have any questions, reach out to the IT Service Desk at servicedesk@aalto.fi with a description of your use case.

Features  

Aalto IT Services provides a variety of coding assistants to the Aalto researcher community and service units. The coding assistants can be used similarly to commercial versions of coding assistants available on the market.

The coding assistant functions like a normal chat-based assistant with code context. With the given context of the current codebase, it can help with code completion, generation, refactoring, and reviewing. Furthermore, it can help with understanding codebases, identifying potential issues, debugging, as well as writing tests and documentation. As a result, it provides users with the ability to automate and streamline tasks, improving productivity significantly.

The currently available codex and gemini-cli models are listed here. 

Coverage  

Coding assistants are available for Aalto staff and researchers within the Aalto network. For usage outside of Aalto network, you need to establish a remote connection to the Aalto network. The coding assistants can be run in Aalto workstations or on standalone machines. 

Use cases  

Coding assistants are suitable for everyday research activities such as coding, refactoring, reviewing, debugging, automation, generating, and summarising. 

Target groups 

The coding assistants are intended primarily for Aalto researchers. Teaching and supporting staff may also use them to improve efficiency. Light use is covered by IT Services, while heavy use will be billed internally.    

Restrictions and risks 

Access is limited ºÚÁÏÍø network only. Users are allowed to provide the assistants with data up to the confidential level according ºÚÁÏÍø’s data classification. It is important to note that you are not allowed to process secret data or special categories of personal data, such as ethnicity, biometrics, and religion. 

Read more about Aalto’s data classification and to understand the differences between data types.