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Understanding Zencoder

We know you’re encountering some new terminology and concepts as you explore Zencoder. This guide will help you understand the key components and how they work together, making it easier to navigate our platform and choose the right tools for your needs.

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Core Technologies

Zencoder is built on two foundational technologies that power everything else:

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Repo Grokking™

Think of Repo Grokking as Zencoder’s ability to deeply understand your codebase—similar to how an experienced developer who has worked on your project for years would understand it. Just as a senior team member knows the architecture, patterns, and quirks of your code, Repo Grokking creates a comprehensive mental map of your entire repository.

It’s like having a senior developer who has memorized your entire codebase and can instantly recall any part of it when needed.

Learn More About Repo Grokking

Discover how Repo Grokking creates a deep understanding of your codebase to power Zencoder’s intelligent features.

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Agentic Pipeline

The Agentic Pipeline is like Zencoder’s nervous system—it coordinates all the specialized AI components and ensures they work together seamlessly. Similar to how your brain processes complex tasks by engaging different specialized regions, our Agentic Pipeline breaks down complex coding tasks into smaller steps and routes them to specialized AI components.

It’s comparable to an expert project manager who knows exactly which team member to assign to each part of a complex project, ensuring everything works together perfectly.

Learn More About Agentic Pipeline

Explore how the Agentic Pipeline orchestrates AI components to solve complex coding challenges.

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Agents and Assistants

When using Zencoder, you’ll interact with different types of assistants and agents:

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Chat Assistant

The Chat Assistant is your primary interface with Zencoder. It’s similar to ChatGPT or Claude, but with a critical difference—it understands your codebase. You can ask questions about your code, request explanations, or seek guidance on best practices. It’s like having a knowledgeable colleague you can chat with anytime.

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Coding Agent

When you enable the Coding Agent toggle in the chat interface, your Chat Assistant transforms into a more powerful tool. The Coding Agent can perform actions like creating multiple files, making edits across your codebase, searching the web for information, and more.

Think of it as upgrading from a consultant who can only give advice to a pair-programming partner who can actively help implement solutions.

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Unit Testing Agent

The Unit Testing Agent is a specialized agent focused exclusively on creating comprehensive test suites for your code. Similar to how you might have a QA specialist on your team who excels at testing, this agent is optimized specifically for generating effective unit tests.

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Custom Agents

Custom Agents are like having your own personal development assistants that you can train for specific recurring tasks. If you frequently perform certain types of code refactoring, documentation updates, or other specialized tasks, you can create a Custom Agent optimized for that specific workflow.

It’s comparable to training a new team member to handle a specific process exactly the way you want it done.

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Product Capabilities and Features

Beyond the agents and assistants, Zencoder offers various features enhancing your development experience. Here are some of the more common ones:

These capabilities are powered by the core technologies and are available through the various agents and assistants. They appear naturally as you use the product, providing assistance when and where you need it.

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IDE and Tool Integrations

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IDE Integration

We’ve taken a deliberate approach with Zencoder to meet developers where they already are. Instead of forcing you to download and learn a completely new tool, we integrate directly into the IDEs you’re already using with all your custom settings and workflows intact.

This means Zencoder is available as an extension you can download from the VS Code or JetBrains marketplace, install with a few clicks, and start using immediately within your familiar development environment.

It’s like having an AI pair programmer that adapts to your existing workflow rather than forcing you to adapt to it.

Learn More About IDE Integration

Discover how to set up and use Zencoder in your favorite IDE.

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Tool Integrations

Zencoder connects with your broader development ecosystem in three powerful ways:

  1. Native Integrations - We’ve built direct integrations with essential development tools, starting with Jira (with more coming soon). These deep integrations allow for seamless workflows between Zencoder and your project management tools.

  2. Chrome Extension - Our Chrome extension enables Zencoder to work with 20+ additional tools and services through your browser, expanding its capabilities to interact with web-based development tools you already use.

  3. Model Context Protocol (MCP) - This advanced protocol allows Zencoder to expand its capabilities even further, giving it access to additional tools and information sources. Think of MCP as a bridge that connects Zencoder to an even wider ecosystem of development tools.

Learn More About Tool Integrations

Explore how Zencoder connects with your broader development ecosystem.

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How Everything Fits Together

Think of Zencoder as a comprehensive development assistant:

  1. Core Technologies (Repo Grokking and Agentic Pipeline) work behind the scenes
  2. IDE & Tool Integration brings these capabilities directly into your workflow
  3. Assistants and Agents provide different interfaces for interacting with these technologies
  4. Product Capabilities are the specific tasks these assistants and agents can perform

By understanding these concepts, you’ll be better equipped to leverage Zencoder’s full potential and choose the right tool for each task in your development workflow.