> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.aikido.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.aikido.dev/~/revisions/KY3QqEqZPV6ifxqjwoLa/ide-plugins/vs-code-plugin.md).

# VS Code Plugin

Aikido integrates with VS Code and scans your codebases for **dependencies, secrets, API keys &** **SAST** code issues. It runs scans whenever you open or save a file.

Every time you make and save changes in a file, a scan runs. If any issues are detected, they are highlighted in the editor and also displayed in the Problems panel. When you hover over a detected SAST issue, additional context about the problem is provided.

![Express.js server code in Visual Studio Code, showing endpoint and user authentication logic.](https://3149773201-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FyKbzcQGrx7UtrG0nPZZ7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-bbe1e406b29f0edb034b42b4d4159fd56db423ac%2Fvs-code-plugin_6b2c3b03-c7cb-4ead-8b4f-6f387a718847.gif?alt=media)

## Installation and Authentication <a href="#installation-and-authentication" id="installation-and-authentication"></a>

> This plugin is only available on paid plans.

**Step 1.** Head over to the [Visual Studio Code Marketplace](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=AikidoSecurity.aikido) and click **Install.** After installation, you will be asked to add authenticate with the Aikido platform.

**Step 2.** Follow the authentication flow to automatically create a personal access token and enable it in Visual Studio Code

**Step 3.** Check out the examples in our docs on the [Visual Studio Marketplace to test ](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=AikidoSecurity.aikido)whether everything works well.

### Manual authentication <a href="#manual-authentication" id="manual-authentication"></a>

If the automated authentication does not work you can manually create a personal access.

**Step 2.** In Aikido, go to the [VS Code Integration Screen](https://app.aikido.dev/settings/integrations/ide) and create your token.

![User token management interface for Visual Studio Code Extension, showing creation and expiration details.](https://3149773201-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FyKbzcQGrx7UtrG0nPZZ7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c4a12bd0f9782fc3c68a1fdc44f1177c71315d59%2Fvs-code-plugin_c90d6363-a841-4dfa-9c20-c97e0ee19d43.png?alt=media)

**Step 3.** Check out the examples in our docs on the [Visual Studio Marketplace to test ](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=AikidoSecurity.aikido)whether everything works well.

## Sign out <a href="#sign-out" id="sign-out"></a>

Click on the "**Accounts**" icon in the bottom left of the VSCode screen, select "**Personal Access Token (Aikido)**" and click on "**Sign Out**"

![VS Code account menu showing personal access token management options.](https://3149773201-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FyKbzcQGrx7UtrG0nPZZ7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-d117669a6a61db44ee765ec4bbf38feb76870102%2Fvs-code-plugin_372cbe22-1d9d-4647-bbc7-e768bc8917ad.png?alt=media)

## Troubleshooting

{% content-ref url="/pages/EdBhlGHmXPTI17yEJA8f" %}
[VS Code - Extension keeps disconnecting](/~/revisions/KY3QqEqZPV6ifxqjwoLa/ide-plugins/troubleshooting/vs-code-extension-keeps-disconnecting.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


---

# Agent Instructions
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