> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.watson-orchestrate.ibm.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# VS Code environment switcher

The environment switcher in the VS Code extension provides an easy way to manage and switch between environments that are used with Orchestrate. Environments represent clusters or servers where Orchestrate is available. In SaaS deployments, an environment corresponds to an instance that runs in AWS or IBM Cloud. For on-premises setups, an environment refers to a CPD cluster. These options represent the full range of environments that you can select.

The extension removes the need to memorize ADK commands for creating or activating environments. Instead, you can add or change environments through a dropdown in the editor. When you select a new environment, all ADK commands automatically point to that environment. All operations align with the active environment.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/ibm-2e3153bf/wDf2BNAA3KbRN4Go/images/env-switcher.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wDf2BNAA3KbRN4Go&q=85&s=084a953004680a48c392f2548ac1f50d" alt="Environment switcher" width="4064" height="2334" data-path="images/env-switcher.png" />

The extension also provides direct access to an agent’s web chat. You can start an agent and interact with it immediately, which makes it possible to test recognition, behavior, and responses in real time without exiting the editor. For more information, see [Web chat embed](./webchat_embed).

## Add an Orchestrate instance

## Prerequisites

To setup the enviroment switcher, you must have the following prerequisites:

* You must install the Orchestrate copilot VS Code extension. For more information, see [Installing Orchestrate copilot VS Code extension](./installing_adk_extension)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Adding an Orchestrate instance">
    - In VS Code, click the **Orchestrate** icon <img src="https://mintcdn.com/ibm-2e3153bf/wDf2BNAA3KbRN4Go/images/orchestrate-icon.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=wDf2BNAA3KbRN4Go&q=85&s=3a4b25ea3d035e5353bab5c207e1395b" alt="orchestrate icon" width="32" height="36" data-path="images/orchestrate-icon.png" /> on the left menu bar.
    - Click **Add +**.
    - In **Name**, type the name of the instance.
    - In **URL**, paste the `WO_INSTANCE`.
    - Click **Submit**.
    - In the **Environment** drop-down, select your instance.
    - Copy the `WO_API_KEY`.
    - Click **Activate**.
    - Paste the `WO_API_KEY` in the top search bar and press **Enter**.
    - Your embedded web chat is now active.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Downloading the agent definition">
    * Go to **Explorer** > **Agents**.
    * Click **AskOrchestrate**.
    * The definition of your agent downloads as a .yaml file.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Opening the web chat in a new window">
    * Press **Command + Shift + P** (Mac) or **Control + Shift + P** (Windows).
    * Type **Chat** in the top search bar.
    * Select **watsonx Orchestrate: Chat with Current Agent File**.
    * A warning message appears, click **Yes**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Activating your local environment

<Steps>
  <Step title="Configure the .env file">
    * You must configure the .env file procedure. For more information, see [Configuring .env file](../developer_edition/wxOde_setup_legacy#configuring-env-file).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the .env file for your VS Code project">
    * You must create the .env file of your VS Code project. For more information, see [Add an Orchestrate instance](#add-an-orchestrate-instance).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Activate and start local enviroment">
    1. Click your local environment in the Environment switcher.
    2. Click Activate.
    3. Click Start server.
  </Step>
</Steps>