Duo Chat shows confusing loading message instead of proper loading state

Steps to reproduce

  • Open GitLab Duo Chat in the AI sidepanel
  • Observe the initial loading state when the chat is initializing
  • Note the message that appears during loading

Current behavior

  • During initial load, the chat displays "GitLab Duo Agentic Chat is finding an answer" with a dotted loading indicator
  • This message implies that the AI is actively working on a response to a question that hasn't been asked yet
  • Users may be confused about what the AI is "finding an answer" to when no query has been submitted
  • The loading state creates false expectations that a response is coming

Screenshot 2025-10-28 at 10.37.22 AM.png

Expected behavior

  • Use a standard loading spinner or skeleton UI that doesn't imply active work on a non-existent query
  • The loading message should reflect that the interface is being prepared, not that the AI is processing a request
  • Only show "finding an answer" states after a user has actually submitted a question
Edited by 🤖 GitLab Bot 🤖