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
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 🤖
