Editor Integration

IntentLang ships with a VSCode extension and Language Server Protocol (LSP) server for a rich editing experience.

Features

FeatureDescription
Syntax highlightingFull TextMate grammar for .intent files
Code snippets15 snippets for entity, action, invariant, imports, quantifiers, etc.
DiagnosticsReal-time parse and semantic errors on open/change/save
Go-to-definitionJump from type references to entity/action declarations (F12)
HoverKeyword help, entity/action docs with field listings, built-in type descriptions
CompletionContext-aware: top-level keywords, types after :, action params in requires/ensures

Setup

1. Install the LSP server

# From source
cargo install --path crates/intent-lsp

# Or, if published to crates.io
cargo install intent-lsp

This installs the intent-lsp binary to your Cargo bin directory (typically ~/.cargo/bin/).

2. Install the VSCode extension

cd editors/vscode
npm install
npm run compile

Then in VSCode: Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) > "Developer: Install Extension from Location..." > select the editors/vscode/ directory.

3. Open a .intent file

Open any .intent file and the extension activates automatically. If the intent-lsp binary is on your PATH, you'll get full LSP features.

Configuration

The extension provides two settings:

SettingDefaultDescription
intentlang.server.path"" (uses PATH)Path to the intent-lsp binary
intentlang.server.enabledtrueEnable/disable the LSP server

How It Works

The LSP server (intent-lsp) runs as a stdio process. When you open a .intent file:

  1. The extension spawns the intent-lsp binary
  2. On every file change, the server re-parses and re-checks the file
  3. Parse errors and semantic diagnostics are pushed back as editor squiggles
  4. Hover, completion, and go-to-definition requests are handled against the cached AST

For files with use imports, the server resolves imported modules from disk and runs cross-module type checking.

Cursor

Cursor is a VS Code fork with built-in AI features. The IntentLang extension works identically in Cursor since it is fully compatible with VS Code extensions.

Setup

The setup process is the same as VS Code:

  1. Install the LSP server (see above)
  2. Build the extension: 
    cd editors/vscode
npm install
npm run compile
  3. Install the extension: In Cursor, open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P) > "Developer: Install Extension from Location..." > select the editors/vscode/ directory.
  4. Open a .intent file and the extension activates automatically.

Configuration

All VS Code settings work the same in Cursor:

SettingDefaultDescription
intentlang.server.path"" (uses PATH)Path to the intent-lsp binary
intentlang.server.enabledtrueEnable/disable the LSP server

Cursor Rules for AI-Assisted Development

The IntentLang repo includes .cursor/rules/ files that teach Cursor's AI about the project:

  • intentlang-syntax.mdc -- Activates for .intent files. Teaches Cursor's AI the IntentLang syntax, type system, expression grammar, and common mistakes to avoid. Enables AI-assisted writing and editing of .intent specs.
  • project-conventions.mdc -- Activates for Rust source files and .pest grammar files. Teaches Cursor's AI the codebase structure, crate responsibilities, dependency graph, and development conventions.

These rules are checked into the repository so all contributors get them automatically.

Without the LSP

If the intent-lsp binary is not installed, you still get:

  • Syntax highlighting (TextMate grammar)
  • Code snippets
  • Bracket matching, folding, and auto-indentation
  • Comment toggling (Ctrl+/)

A warning message will suggest installing the LSP server for full functionality.