Vscode Extension Guide En

npm install -g yo generator-code
yo code

Project Structure

my-extension/
├── package.json          # Extension manifest
├── src/extension.ts      # Entry point
├── out/                  # Compiled JS
├── images/icon.png       # 128x128 PNG for Marketplace
└── .vscodeignore         # Exclude files from VSIX

Building and Packaging

npm run compile           # Build once
npm run watch             # Watch mode (F5 to launch debug)
npx @vscode/vsce package  # Creates .vsix

Reference Topics

The full skill includes detailed reference documents on:

• Webview patterns with CSP security and message passing
• TreeView data providers and drag-and-drop
• Testing setup with @vscode/test-electron
• Publishing to the VS Code Marketplace
• AI customization for extension projects
• Code review prompts for extension code
• Troubleshooting common extension issues

Install the Full Skill

For the complete guide with all reference documents:

npx skills add lewiswigmore/agent-skills --skill vscode-extension-guide-en

Best Practices

• Unify package name, setting keys, command IDs and view IDs before publishing
• Keep package size under 5MB using .vscodeignore
• Since VS Code 1.74, activationEvents are auto-detected for contributed commands and views
• Always test with the Extension Development Host (F5) before packaging

Common Pitfalls

• Problem: Extension not loading Solution: Check activationEvents. Since VS Code 1.74, these are auto-detected for contributed commands/views.

• Problem: Command not found Solution: Match the command ID exactly between package.json and your code.

• Problem: Webview content not displaying Solution: Check your Content Security Policy. Use the webview's cspSource property.

Related Skills

• @test-driven-development - Write tests before implementing extension features
• @debugging-strategies - Systematic troubleshooting for extension issues

Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.