Re. attempting to use mixtral:8x7b inside VS Code by use of the “Continue” extension… it did not work, and in looking into it I was told by AI today that mixtral:8x7b does not support tool calls properly and that I should switch to a different model.
Quote AI:
Recommended Models with Tool Support:
Qwen2.5-Coder 7B: ollama pull qwen2.5-coder:7b
Llama 3.1 8B: ollama pull llama3.1:8b
Mistral 7B: ollama pull mistral:7b
DeepSeek Coder: ollama pull deepseek-coder:6.7b
UPDATE: Hmm. The plot thickens. I had loaded and run the model in a terminal shell before trying to use it in VS Code, and it seems I thus had the model loaded and locked and thus unavailable. ??
UPDATE AGAIN: So, I just tried again long after making sure I said /bye and closed the terminal instance, and I still get: “registry.ollama.ai/library/mixtral:8x7b does not support tools” — So, it seems I was told correctly the first time.
I already pulled and tried Llama 3.1 8B and it’s very fast, though not as intelligent as Claude Code (which is perhaps an unfair comparison, free versus paid).
Re. Qwen2.5-Coder 7B — I had already fiddled a bit with Qwen2-Coder 7B — and based on name, it seems Qwen2.5-Coder 7B is newer, so I will try it.
ASSESMENTS:
I need any coding AI to have at least “average general intelligence” — it must be able to read, comprehend, and thus understand, articulate, and confirm what needs done.
Qwen2.5-Coder 7B - bone stupid. Cannot read a file describing my project and then tell me about my project. Worthless.
Llama 3.1 8B: - could actually read the file, and then explain its understanding. Shows promise, but seem sorely lacking compared to Claude 4 Sonnet.
[Unfair?] comparison against Code Code (Claude 4 Sonnet model):
I asked Llama 3.1 8B: “We need to implement a robust WebAuthn Biometric type of option for MFA. Are you capable of that?”
Here’s Llama 3.1 8B’s answer (remember it had Agent level access to my code base, but did not look at a single file before answering):
I’m in agent mode, and I’ve got some insights to share!
Implementing a robust WebAuthn-based biometric authentication method for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is definitely feasible! WebAuthn is an open standard for browser-based authentication that allows users to authenticate using various factors, including biometrics.
To get started, let’s outline the general steps involved in implementing WebAuthn-based biometric authentication:
Choose a biometric sensor: Select a suitable biometric sensor (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition, or iris scanning) for user authentication.
Integrate with WebAuthn API: Use the WebAuthn API to integrate the chosen biometric sensor into your application.
Configure authentication options: Allow users to select their preferred authentication method (e.g., password, PIN, or biometrics).
Handle authentication results: Verify the authentication result and proceed accordingly (e.g., grant access or prompt for additional authentication factors).
To make this implementation more robust, I recommend considering the following best practices:
Use a secure communication channel: Ensure that all communication between the client-side JavaScript code and the server-side API is secure and encrypted.
Implement data encryption: Encrypt sensitive user data (e.g., biometric templates) to prevent unauthorized access.
Use trusted credentials: Verify the authenticity of user credentials using trusted third-party services or internal systems.
Monitor and analyze authentication attempts: Keep track of login attempts, including success and failure rates, to detect potential security breaches.
Please note that implementing WebAuthn-based biometric authentication may require additional infrastructure, such as:
Biometric sensor hardware: Depending on the chosen biometric sensor, you may need to invest in specialized hardware (e.g., fingerprint scanners or facial recognition cameras).
Server-side infrastructure: You’ll likely need a robust server-side infrastructure to handle authentication requests and store user data securely.
Compliance with regulatory requirements: Familiarize yourself with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and ensure that your implementation complies with them.
Before we proceed, I’d like to clarify some details:
Which biometric sensor would you like to implement?
Have you considered any specific security concerns or compliance requirements?
Please provide more information so I can better assist you in implementing a robust WebAuthn-based biometric authentication solution!
Meanwhile…
I asked Claude 4 Sonnet model, while in Pro tier account ($20/mo) this: “Please propose and map out for me a comprehensive approach to adding WebAuthn biometric method”
Here’s Claude 4 Sonnet’s answer:
WebAuthn Biometric MFA Implementation Plan
Overview
WebAuthn (Web Authentication) adds passwordless authentication using biometrics, security keys, or platform
authenticators. This completes our MFA system with the most secure and user-friendly option.
- Technical Architecture
Backend Components Needed
A. WebAuthn Service (app/services/MfaWebAuthnService.php)
class MfaWebAuthnService extends MfaService {
// Challenge generation and verification
// Credential storage and management
// Device registration handling
// Authentication ceremony coordination
}
B. WebAuthn Library Integration
- Option 1: web-auth/webauthn-lib (PHP library)
- Option 2: lbuchs/webauthn (lightweight PHP implementation)
- Recommendation: web-auth/webauthn-lib for comprehensive RFC compliance
C. Database Schema Extensions
– New table for WebAuthn credentials
CREATE TABLE user_webauthn_credentials (
credential_id VARCHAR(255) PRIMARY KEY,
user_id VARCHAR(36) NOT NULL,
public_key TEXT NOT NULL,
counter BIGINT UNSIGNED DEFAULT 0,
device_name VARCHAR(100),
created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
last_used_at TIMESTAMP NULL,
FOREIGN KEY (user_id) REFERENCES users(user_id)
);
– Add WebAuthn support to existing MFA settings
ALTER TABLE user_mfa_settings
ADD COLUMN webauthn_credential_count INT DEFAULT 0;
- Frontend JavaScript Components
A. WebAuthn API Integration
// Registration ceremony
async function registerWebAuthn(userId) {
// 1. Request challenge from server
// 2. Call navigator.credentials.create()
// 3. Send attestation to server for verification
}
// Authentication ceremony
async function authenticateWebAuthn(userId) {
// 1. Request challenge from server
// 2. Call navigator.credentials.get()
// 3. Send assertion to server for verification
}
B. Browser Compatibility Detection
- Check for WebAuthn support (PublicKeyCredential in window)
- Graceful fallback to Email/TOTP methods
- Clear messaging about device requirements
- User Experience Flow
A. Registration Process
- Device Detection: Check if device supports WebAuthn
- Method Selection: “Use Face ID/Touch ID/Security Key”
- Device Naming: Let user name their device (“iPhone”, “Laptop”, etc.)
- Registration Ceremony: Browser prompts for biometric/PIN
- Backup Codes: Generate if first MFA method (consistent with current system)
B. Authentication Process
-
Method Auto-Detection: Show WebAuthn if available credentials exist
-
Biometric Prompt: Native browser/OS authentication dialog
-
Fallback Options: Email/TOTP/Backup codes if WebAuthn fails
-
Security Considerations
A. Credential Management
- Multiple Devices: Allow users to register multiple authenticators
- Device Naming: Help users identify registered devices
- Revocation: Allow users to remove compromised/lost devices
B. Attack Mitigation
- Replay Protection: Use challenge-response with server-generated nonces
- Origin Validation: Ensure requests come from correct domain
- Counter Verification: Detect cloned authenticators
- Implementation Phases
Phase 1: Foundation (Database & Library Setup)
- Database Migration: Create WebAuthn credentials table
- Library Integration: Install and configure WebAuthn library
- Basic Service Class: Extend MfaService for WebAuthn functionality
- Environment Configuration: Add WebAuthn settings to .env
Phase 2: Registration Flow
- Frontend JavaScript: WebAuthn registration ceremony
- Backend Endpoints: Challenge generation and credential verification
- User Interface: Device registration modal in user profile
- Device Management: List and remove registered devices
Phase 3: Authentication Integration
- Login Flow Updates: Add WebAuthn option to mfa-verify.php
- Challenge Handling: Server-side challenge management
- Fallback Logic: Graceful degradation to other MFA methods
- Browser Compatibility: Detection and messaging
Phase 4: Enhanced Features
-
Multiple Devices: Support for multiple authenticators per user
-
Device Metadata: Store device names and usage statistics
-
Admin Features: View user WebAuthn status in admin panel
-
Analytics: Track WebAuthn adoption and usage
-
File Structure Plan
New Files to Create
app/services/MfaWebAuthnService.php
admin/webauthn-register.php (AJAX endpoint)
admin/webauthn-authenticate.php (AJAX endpoint)
admin/webauthn-challenge.php (AJAX endpoint)
lib/webauthn/ (library files)
database/migrations/2025_09_26_create_webauthn_tables.sql
js/webauthn.js (frontend WebAuthn handling)
Files to Modify
admin/user-profile.php (add WebAuthn device management)
admin/mfa-verify.php (add WebAuthn authentication option)
admin/login.php (detect WebAuthn availability)
app/services/MfaService.php (add WebAuthn support methods)
includes/admin-nav.php (potentially update MFA status indicators)
- Browser/Device Support Matrix
Supported Platforms
- iOS Safari: Face ID, Touch ID (iOS 14+)
- Android Chrome: Fingerprint, Face unlock (Android 7+)
- Desktop Chrome/Edge: Windows Hello, macOS Touch ID
- Desktop Firefox: Limited support, improving
- Security Keys: Universal support (YubiKey, etc.)
Fallback Strategy
- No WebAuthn Support: Hide option, show Email/TOTP only
- WebAuthn Failed: Offer Email/TOTP/Backup codes
- No Biometrics: Offer security key or PIN-based authentication
- Technical Challenges & Solutions
A. Cross-Domain Considerations
- Challenge: WebAuthn is tied to specific origins
- Solution: Environment-aware origin configuration (development vs production)
B. Mobile Safari Quirks
- Challenge: iOS Safari has specific WebAuthn limitations
- Solution: Feature detection and iOS-specific handling
C. Security Key Support
- Challenge: Different types of authenticators (platform vs cross-platform)
- Solution: Support both with clear user guidance
9. Integration Points with Existing MFA System
A. Consistent User Experience
- Same Backup Codes: WebAuthn shares the same 10 backup codes system
- Unified Settings: All MFA methods managed in single profile section
- Priority Logic: WebAuthn > TOTP > Email (fastest to slowest)
B. Database Consistency
- MFA Status: Update existing user_mfa_settings.enabled when WebAuthn added
- Method Tracking: Use existing method enum, add ‘webauthn’ value
- Backup Codes: Leverage existing backup codes generation (only on first MFA method)
C. Admin Interface
- MFA Overview: Show WebAuthn status alongside Email/TOTP
- Device Count: Display number of registered authenticators
- Usage Stats: Track WebAuthn authentication frequency
- Estimated Implementation Timeline
Week 1: Foundation
- Database schema and migration
- Library integration and basic service class
- Environment configuration
Week 2: Registration
- WebAuthn registration ceremony (frontend + backend)
- Device management UI
- Registration testing across devices
Week 3: Authentication
- Login flow integration
- Challenge/response handling
- Cross-browser testing
Week 4: Polish & Testing
- Error handling and edge cases
- Mobile optimization
- Comprehensive testing and documentation
Benefits of This Approach
- Leverages Existing Architecture: Extends current MFA framework seamlessly
- Progressive Enhancement: Adds WebAuthn without breaking existing functionality
- User Choice: Provides most secure option while maintaining fallbacks
- Future-Proof: Positions platform for passwordless authentication evolution
- Enterprise Ready: Meets highest security standards for pro-life organizations
This comprehensive approach ensures WebAuthn integration maintains the same high quality and security standards as the
existing Email and TOTP MFA implementation while providing the most user-friendly authentication experience possible.
It did a bunch of stuff that looked “right” but really wasn’t. The build system wasn’t working and a lot of things just seemed off. So i suggested that it use the new libgdx scaffolding tool to start a new project and move my code into that.
- though today it looks like they reset the limits so we’ll see how tonight goes.