Responding to messages (/reply)
The /reply command provides a convenient way to respond to specific parts of Amazon Q Developer's previous message. It opens an editor with Q Developer's last response quoted with > prefixes, allowing you to easily address individual points or provide structured feedback.
Usage
/reply
Parameters: None required
How it works
-
Retrieves last response: Finds the most recent assistant message from the conversation
-
Formats with quotes: Each line is prefixed with
>for clear attribution -
Opens editor: Your default editor opens with the quoted content
-
Edit and respond: Add your responses below or interspersed with the quoted text
-
Submit: When you save and close the editor, your response is submitted
Editor behavior
Pre-populated content: Editor opens with Q Developer's response already quoted
Quote format: Each line prefixed with
>for clear visual distinctionFlexible editing: Add content anywhere - below quotes, between lines, or interspersed
Auto-submission: Content is automatically submitted when editor closes successfully
Use cases
Responding to multiple questions
When Q Developer asks several clarifying questions, use /reply to address each one:
> What programming language are you using? Python > What framework are you working with? Django > What specific error are you encountering? I'm getting a 404 error when trying to access my API endpoints.
Addressing specific points
When Q Developer provides a detailed explanation, respond to specific parts:
> Here are three approaches you could take: > 1. Use a database migration > 2. Update the model directly > 3. Create a custom management command I'd like to go with option 1. Can you show me how to create the migration? > Make sure to backup your data first. Already done - I have a full backup from this morning.
Providing structured feedback
When Q Developer suggests multiple changes, organize your responses clearly:
> I recommend these improvements: > - Add error handling for network requests > - Implement input validation > - Add logging for debugging Agreed on all points. For the error handling: - Should I use try/catch blocks or a decorator pattern? For logging: - What level of detail do you recommend?
Status messages
The command provides clear feedback about its operation:
Success: "Content loaded from editor. Submitting prompt..."
No changes: "No changes made in editor, not submitting."
No message: "No assistant message found to reply to."
Editor error: "Error opening editor: [specific error details]"
Error handling
No assistant message: Shows warning if no previous Q Developer response is found
Editor failures: Reports editor process failures with specific error details
Empty content: Detects when no changes are made and skips submission
Unchanged content: Compares with initial text to avoid submitting unmodified quotes
Editor configuration
The command uses your system's default editor:
Uses
EDITORenvironment variable if setFalls back to
viif no editor is configured
Related commands
/editor- Opens a blank editor for composing messagesStandard chat input - Direct typing without editor interface
Best practices
Use
/replywhen Q Developer's response contains multiple points that need individual attentionKeep your responses clear and organized when addressing quoted sections
Focus on sections that need clarification rather than responding to every quoted line
Use the quote structure to maintain context in longer conversations
Tips
You can delete quote lines you don't need to respond to
Add blank lines between your responses for better readability
Use the quoted structure to break down complex topics into manageable parts
The command works best when Q Developer's previous response was substantial and detailed
