How to Use DeepSeek for Coding in VS Code (Continue)

In short: get a DeepSeek API key, install Continue, add chat + autocomplete models in ~/.continue/config.yaml, reload, and test on a small function. Re-check model names on the DeepSeek console if a name fails.

Why DeepSeek via Continue

DeepSeek is popular for low-cost coding help. Continue keeps you in VS Code with the same chat/edit UX you use for Ollama or Grok.

What you need

• DeepSeek API key: from the DeepSeek platform/console.
• Continue: extension Continue.continue.
• Chat model: docs example: deepseek-chat.
• Autocomplete model: docs example: deepseek-coder with roles: [autocomplete].

How it connects

Install steps

1. Create an API key in the DeepSeek console. Store it in Continue secrets / environment variables.
2. Install Continue: Marketplace search Continue, or code --install-extension Continue.continue.
3. Open Continue → open config.yaml.
4. Paste a DeepSeek chat model and (optional) coder autocomplete model.
5. Reload config. Select DeepSeek Chat for the side chat.

Configuration

name: DeepSeek Coding
version: 0.0.1
schema: v1
models:
  - name: DeepSeek Chat
    provider: deepseek
    model: deepseek-chat
    apiKey: ${{ secrets.DEEPSEEK_API_KEY }}
    roles:
      - chat
      - edit
      - apply
  - name: DeepSeek Coder (autocomplete)
    provider: deepseek
    model: deepseek-coder
    apiKey: ${{ secrets.DEEPSEEK_API_KEY }}
    roles:
      - autocomplete

1. provider: deepseek.
2. Embeddings: Continue docs note DeepSeek may not offer embeddings — use another provider if you need @codebase embeddings.
3. Local alternative: you can also run DeepSeek-derived models through Ollama; that is a different lesson (local Continue).
4. Disable duplicate inline providers if Copilot and Continue autocomplete both fire.

Settings

1. Use Chat for questions and Edit/Apply for patches.
2. Try Agent only after chat works; tool-calling quality varies by model.
3. Watch the DeepSeek usage dashboard so practice sessions do not surprise-bill you.

First task (5 minutes)

1. Apply to a single new file.
2. Ask a follow-up for two pytest cases, or write them yourself.
3. Run pytest -q. Keep only green code.

Quick quiz

Save tokens and money

DeepSeek is often cheap, not free. Still prefer small prompts. Use Ollama locally when the code must not leave the machine.

Save these cards