Getting Started with ExplainThis

ExplainThis is an AI-powered tool that helps you understand any piece of code quickly. This guide shows you how to start using it in your daily workflow.

Whether you're a junior developer deciphering a complex pull request or a senior engineer reviewing an unfamiliar codebase, the platform adapts its explanations to your skill level and goals. You can use it entirely through the browser, integrate it into your CI pipeline via the API, or embed it in your editor with our IDE extensions. The sections below walk you through each option so you can pick the path that suits you best.

Prerequisites

To follow along you will need a free account — sign up here if you haven't already. For SDK usage, make sure you have Node.js 18+ or Python 3.9+ installed. No special hardware is required; everything runs on our servers.

Quick Start

The fastest way to get started is to use our web interface. Simply:

1. Visit ExplainThis.ai
2. Paste your code in the editor
3. Select your preferred explanation mode
4. Click "Explain This Code"

Installation

Beyond the web interface, you can integrate the platform into your development environment through our official SDKs. Install one of the packages below and you'll be making API calls in minutes:

Basic Usage

Here's a simple example of using the SDK in your code:

import { ExplainThis } from '@explainthis/sdk';

const explainer = new ExplainThis({
  apiKey: process.env.EXPLAINTHIS_API_KEY
});

const code = `
function fibonacci(n) {
  if (n <= 1) return n;
  return fibonacci(n - 1) + fibonacci(n - 2);
}
`;

const explanation = await explainer.explain(code, {
  mode: 'standard',
  language: 'javascript'
});

console.log(explanation);

Next Steps

Now that you're set up, here are some things to explore:

• Different explanation modes - Learn about Standard, Beginner, Performance, and Security modes
• Language support - See which programming languages are supported
• API authentication - Set up API access for your account
• Advanced examples - Explore more complex use cases
• View pricing plans - Compare tiers and find the right fit for your usage