> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gourmand.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Chat Works

> Gobi's Chat feature provides a conversational interface with AI models directly in your IDE sidebar.

## How Chat Core Functionality Works

When you start a chat conversation, Gobi:

1. **Gathers Context**: Uses any selected code sections and @-mentioned context
2. **Constructs Prompt**: Combines your input with relevant context
3. **Sends to Model**: Prompts the configured AI model for a response
4. **Streams Response**: Returns the AI response in real-time to the sidebar

## How Context Management Works

### What Context Is Automatically Included

* Selected code in your editor
* Current file context when relevant
* Previous conversation history in the session

### How to Add Manual Context

* `@Files` - Reference specific files

## How Response Handling Works

Each code section in the AI response includes action buttons:

* **Apply to current file** - Replace selected code
* **Insert at cursor** - Add code at cursor position
* **Copy** - Copy code to clipboard

## How Session Management Works

* Use `Cmd/Ctrl + L` (VS Code) or `Cmd/Ctrl + J` (JetBrains) to start a new session
* Clears all previous context for a fresh start
* Helpful for switching between different tasks

## What Advanced Features Are Available

### How to Use Prompt Inspection

View the exact prompt sent to the AI model in the [prompt logs](/troubleshooting) for debugging and optimization.

### Context

Learn more about how you can bring in context:

* [Codebase Context](/guides/codebase-documentation-awareness)
* [Documentation Context](/guides/codebase-documentation-awareness)
* [Built-in Context Providers](/customize/deep-dives/custom-providers)

***

*Chat is designed to feel like a natural conversation while maintaining full transparency about what context is being used.*