Seven Reasons to use CodeStream

Today’s communication tools weren’t built with software development in mind. And today’s IDEs weren’t built around communication. CodeStream bridges this gap with targeted functionality specifically designed to let developers collaborate, right within their IDE of choice. Like Slack? No problem - CodeStream offers full integration. Check out CodeStream’s powerful features below.

Stay in the Zone by Avoiding Context Switches

With CodeStream, asking a question is as simple as highlighting a block of code and typing your question in the input field. There’s no need to copy, switch apps, select “code snippet”, paste. Keep your focus without ever leaving your development environment.

Automatic At-Mentions

If you have a question about a block a code, the best person to ask is likely the author. CodeStream does a git-blame behind the scenes and will automatically at-mention the author(s) of the selected code. It saves a little bit of time (which adds up) from manually doing the git-blame and manually at-mentioning. Save time and effort and direct your question right to the source.

No Need to Explain Context

Imagine if when commenting on a Google Doc you had to preface your comment with “In the above-linked document, on page three, in the second paragraph, in the third sentence right after the first clause where you say ‘foo bar’....” That’s likely what you’re doing right now when discussing code. Since CodeStream is in your IDE you skip all that. Others on your team will know exactly what you’re talking about because…

One-click Navigation to Shared Code Snippets

When a new comment comes into the stream and contains code, clicking on the codeblock will load that file and scroll you to the correct line. Consider the alternative: switching apps back to your IDE, doing a File Open, locating the correct file, and then searching and navigating to the code in question.

Discussions are Saved Alongside your Codebase

Legacy code comments (/* like this */), when used properly, are effective as a form of documentation for one simple reason: the comments retain local proximity to the code they refer to. When you initiate a conversation about a block code, CodeStream places a marker - a codemark - right next to code referred to. Clicking on the codemark will bring up the initial post and and all the associated replies.

Categorize your Codemarks

Not every discussion or note about code has the same purpose, but there are common themes. When you add a codemark you can flag it as an Issue, Bookmark, Permalink, or Comment. Read more in An Introduction to Codemarks. Each type supports additional meta-data geared to the particular functionality it provides. The different codemark types show up as different icons, letting you know exactly what they're for as they come through the discussion stream.

Navigate your Knowledge Base with Ease

Saved codemarks alongside your codebase are invaluable for getting insight into the code you're looking at. But CodeStream also provides tools for filtering, navigating, and viewing all the codemarks in your knowledge base. New employees, for example, can get up to speed fast by reviewing all the codemarks in a project they’ll be working on. For more examples see 8 Scenarios CodeStream Improves.