# Getting Started with the Component Assistant

The Component Assistant is an AI-powered code generation tool integrated in the [Telerik WinForms MCP Server](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/ai-tools/agentic-ui-generator/overview). It provides specialized context to AI models, enabling them to produce higher-quality code samples using Telerik UI for WinForms components and APIs.

> To start using Component Assistant, set up the [Telerik WinForms MCP Server](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/ai-tools/agentic-ui-generator/overview).

## Available Tools in Component Assistant

The Component Assistant is integrated in the [Telerik WinForms MCP Server](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/ai-tools/agentic-ui-generator/overview).

The major features of the Component Assistant are listed in the table below.

| Feature              | MCP Server                                                           |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Prompt Handling      | Handles complex, multi-step prompts                                  |
| Client Compatibility | Works with MCP-enabled clients (e.g., Cursor, Copilot Agent mode)    |
| Code Suggestions     | Can directly suggest changes and rebuild applications to verify code |
| Response Focus       | Primarily code-focused                                               |

## Intended Use

> caution Always double-check the code and solutions proposed by any AI-powered tool before applying them to your project.

You can use the Component Assistant for:

* **Initial code generation**: Quickly add components to your app to speed up the initial development.
* **Basic component configuration**: Enable or disable specific component features, or fine tune the configuration through prompting. More complex configurations are possible but may require additional manual work to be production-ready.
* **Dummy data generation and data binding**: Quickly add data to your app for testing and prototyping purposes. Avoid exposing or providing access to your proprietary or production data to AI-enabled tools.
* **Step-by-step explanations**: Understand the solutions provided by the Component Assistant through the detailed explanations (depends on the tool, mode, and model used). To further develop your knowledge, check the respective documentation.
* **Preliminary troubleshooting**: Resolve obvious and easy-to-solve issues affecting your code. For more complex issues, look for assistance by contacting our support team.

## Coverage

The Component Assistant is trained on the Telerik UI for WinForms API reference, official documentation, and purpose-built code examples for the controls for all assemblies.

## Telerik Document Processing Component Assistant

You can also use the Component Assistant for [Telerik Document Processing](https://www.telerik.com/document-processing-libraries) to generate high-quality code samples and speed up your development. Read the full guide in the dedicated [DPL Component Assistant](https://docs.telerik.com/devtools/document-processing/ai-coding-assistant/overview) article.

## Recommendations

Consider the following recommendations when working with the Component Assistant:

* When switching between tasks and files, start a new session in a new chat window to avoid polluting the context with irrelevant or outdated information.
* At the time of publishing, Claude Sonnet 4 and GPT-5 produce optimal results.

## Privacy

The Telerik WinForms Component Assistant operates under strict privacy guidelines:

Data Access:

* No access to your workspace and application code.
* Exception: when using the Telerik MCP server (or any other MCP server), the LLM generates parameters for the MCP server request, which may include parts of your application code.

Data Usage:

* Your prompts are not used to train Telerik AI models.
* Does not generate or access AI responses.
* Provides enhanced context to improve responses from your chosen AI model (GPT, Gemini, Claude, etc.).

Data Storage:

* Prompts and context are anonymized and stored only for statistical analysis and troubleshooting.
* No association between prompts and your Telerik user account.
* Usage metrics are collected to ensure [license compliance](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/ai-tools/agentic-ui-generator/overview#license-requirements).

> Make sure also to review the terms and privacy policies of your selected AI model and AI client.

## Next Steps

* Configure the [Telerik WinForms MCP Server](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/ai-tools/agentic-ui-generator/overview) with an MCP-enabled client
* Review the [Telerik UI for WinForms prompt library](https://www.telerik.com/products/winforms/documentation/ai-tools/agentic-ui-generator/prompt-library)