Integrating DeepSeek into IntelliJ IDEA with Continue and CodeGPT Plugins

This article provides a brief introduction on how to integrate DeepSeek into commonly used IDEs, using IntelliJ IDEA as the example for Java development.

Currently, DeepSeek can be added to IDEA via the CodeGPT and Continue plugins; CodeGPT is the most widely used and stable, while Continue offers the simplest integration.

Both plugins have version requirements, so older IDEA versions may not support them.

Note: Due to certain issues, the DeepSeek official API stability is currently poor, and the author frequently encountered unusable situations during testing.

Integrating DeepSeek via the Continue Plugin

Continue is an open‑source AI assistant plugin for IntelliJ IDEA that enhances development efficiency through natural‑language interaction with code. Similar to CodeGPT and GitHub Copilot, it leverages large language models such as OpenAI, DeepSeek, or others to provide real‑time code generation, problem solving, and unit test creation.

Installing the Continue Plugin

1. Click File > Settings (Windows/Linux) or IntelliJ IDEA > Settings (macOS), or use the shortcut ⌘Cmd+, , then select Plugins in the left navigation pane.

2. Search for "Continue" in the marketplace and install it.

Activating the Continue Plugin

After installation, a Continue icon appears on the right side of IDEA; click it to add the DeepSeek model and DeepSeek Coder, then enter your DeepSeek API Key.

Obtaining a DeepSeek API Key

You can create a DeepSeek API key on the DeepSeek Open Platform at https://platform.deepseek.com/api_keys .

Simple Usage

Code Writing :

Code Explanation :

Unfortunately, the DeepSeek API often becomes unavailable during testing.

Integrating DeepSeek via the CodeGPT Plugin

CodeGPT is an AI code assistant that serves as a powerful alternative to GitHub Copilot, AI Assistant, Codiumate, and other JetBrains plugins, supporting integration with most major large models.

Installing the CodeGPT Plugin

1. Click File > Settings (Windows/Linux) or IntelliJ IDEA > Settings (macOS), or use the shortcut ⌘Cmd+, , then select Plugins in the left navigation pane.

2. Search for "CodeGPT" and install it.

Activating the CodeGPT Plugin

Open File > Settings (Windows/Linux) or IntelliJ IDEA > Settings (macOS), navigate to Tools , and locate CodeGPT .

In the Providers section, select Custom OpenAI or CodeGPT , choose the appropriate model, and configure the API Key.

Using the Custom OpenAI method requires manually entering the DeepSeek API endpoint, which can be found in the official documentation at https://api-docs.deepseek.com/zh-cn/ .