Unlock Local AI Coding Power: Run Deepseek-Coder in VSCode in 60 Seconds

As developers, we’re always chasing tools that boost productivity without compromising security. Enter Deepseek-Coder, a cutting-edge AI model designed to supercharge your coding workflow—locally. No cloud costs, no data leaks, and no latency. Here’s how to set it up in VSCode in under a minute.

Why Deepseek-Coder?

Before diving into the steps, let’s address why this setup is a game-changer:

Data Privacy: Your code stays on your machine—no third-party servers.
Blazing Speed: Autocomplete suggestions run locally, eliminating lag.
Zero Costs: Free, open-source, and no subscription fees.
Simplicity: No complex infrastructure—just your IDE and a lightweight model.

If you’re not leveraging local AI models yet, you’re leaving productivity gains on the table. Let’s fix that.

Step 1: Install the Model with Ollama

Ollama is your go-to tool for running open-source AI models locally. It’s lightweight, developer-friendly, and works seamlessly across platforms.

Install Ollama (if you haven’t already):
- Download it from ollama.com for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Pull the Deepseek-Coder Model: Open your terminal and run:

   ollama pull deepseek-coder:base

This command downloads the Deepseek-Coder base model (~7B parameters), which is optimized for code completion and developer productivity.

Step 2: Integrate with VSCode via CodeGPT

CodeGPT is a powerful VSCode extension that connects local AI models directly to your editor.

Install the CodeGPT Extension:
- Open VSCode, navigate to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X).
- Search for “CodeGPT” and install the extension by Tim Kmecl.
Configure CodeGPT to Use Deepseek-Coder:
- Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and search for CodeGPT: Set Model.
- Select deepseek-coder:base from the list.

Step 3: Enable Autocompletion Magic

Once everything is set up, CodeGPT will start using Deepseek-Coder for context-aware inline suggestions.

Start Typing: Begin writing your code, and the model will generate relevant completions based on the context.
Accept Suggestions: Press Tab to accept a suggestion instantly—no waiting for cloud-based responses.

Pro Tip: Explore the extension’s settings to adjust suggestion frequency, control hotkeys, or customize completion behavior.

Why This Setup Rocks

Privacy First: Your proprietary code never leaves your machine.
Instant Results: Local inference means zero network latency.
Offline-Friendly: Code effectively even without an internet connection.
Cost-Effective: Avoid expensive API costs for code completion and related tasks.

Troubleshooting Tips

Model Not Found? Ensure Ollama is running in the background. Start the server with:

  ollama serve

Slow Performance?

If your machine struggles with the base model, try smaller versions (e.g., deepseek-coder:3b) for better efficiency on lighter hardware.
Customization:

Fine-tune suggestions by modifying settings like temperature and max_tokens in the CodeGPT extension.

Final Thoughts

Local AI models like Deepseek-Coder are redefining how developers approach productivity. By prioritizing privacy, speed, and cost-efficiency, this setup eliminates the trade-offs of cloud-based tools. With just a few steps, you can transform your IDE into a powerhouse of intelligent coding assistance.