Vscode Extension Guide En V2

---
name: vscode-extension-guide-en-v2
description: "VS Code Extension Guide (English) workflow skill. Use this skill when the user needs Guide for VS Code extension development from scaffolding to Marketplace publication and the operator should preserve the upstream workflow, copied support files, and provenance before merging or handing off."
version: "0.0.1"
category: tools
tags: ["vscode", "extension", "ide", "typescript", "marketplace", "vscode-extension-guide-en-v2", "vscode-extension-guide-en", "guide"]
complexity: beginner
risk: safe
tools: ["cursor", "codex-cli", "claude-code", "gemini-cli", "opencode"]
source: community
author: "lewiswigmore"
date_added: "2026-04-25"
date_updated: "2026-04-25"
---

# VS Code Extension Guide (English)

## Overview

This public intake copy packages `plugins/antigravity-awesome-skills/skills/vscode-extension-guide-en` from `https://github.com/sickn33/antigravity-awesome-skills` into the native Omni Skills editorial shape without hiding its origin.

Use it when the operator needs the upstream workflow, support files, and repository context to stay intact while the public validator and private enhancer continue their normal downstream flow.

This intake keeps the copied upstream files intact and uses the `external_source` block in `metadata.json` plus `ORIGIN.md` as the provenance anchor for review.

# VS Code Extension Guide (English)

Imported source sections that did not map cleanly to the public headings are still preserved below or in the support files. Notable imported sections: How It Works, Common Pitfalls, Limitations.

## When to Use This Skill

Use this section as the trigger filter. It should make the activation boundary explicit before the operator loads files, runs commands, or opens a pull request.

- Use when creating a new VS Code extension from scratch
- Use when adding commands, keybindings or settings to an extension
- Use when building TreeView or Webview UI in an extension
- Use when publishing an extension to the VS Code Marketplace
- Use when troubleshooting extension activation or packaging issues
- Use when the request clearly matches the imported source intent: Guide for VS Code extension development from scaffolding to Marketplace publication.

## Operating Table

| Situation | Start here | Why it matters |
| --- | --- | --- |
| First-time use | `metadata.json` | Confirms repository, branch, commit, and imported path through the `external_source` block before touching the copied workflow |
| Provenance review | `ORIGIN.md` | Gives reviewers a plain-language audit trail for the imported source |
| Workflow execution | `SKILL.md` | Starts with the smallest copied file that materially changes execution |
| Supporting context | `SKILL.md` | Adds the next most relevant copied source file without loading the entire package |
| Handoff decision | `## Related Skills` | Helps the operator switch to a stronger native skill when the task drifts |

## Workflow

This workflow is intentionally editorial and operational at the same time. It keeps the imported source useful to the operator while still satisfying the public intake standards that feed the downstream enhancer flow.

1. For the complete guide with all reference documents: bash npx skills add lewiswigmore/agent-skills --skill vscode-extension-guide-en
2. Confirm the user goal, the scope of the imported workflow, and whether this skill is still the right router for the task.
3. Read the overview and provenance files before loading any copied upstream support files.
4. Load only the references, examples, prompts, or scripts that materially change the outcome for the current request.
5. Execute the upstream workflow while keeping provenance and source boundaries explicit in the working notes.
6. Validate the result against the upstream expectations and the evidence you can point to in the copied files.
7. Escalate or hand off to a related skill when the work moves out of this imported workflow's center of gravity.

### Imported Workflow Notes

#### Imported: Install the Full Skill

For the complete guide with all reference documents:

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

#### Imported: Overview

An English guide for building VS Code extensions, covering the full lifecycle from scaffolding to Marketplace publication. Includes reference material on webview patterns, CSP security, TreeView, testing, packaging and troubleshooting. Updated for VS Code 1.74+ APIs.

Adapted from aktsmm/agent-skills (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0), translated to English with corrections for current VS Code APIs.

#### Imported: How It Works

### Quick Start

```bash
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

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

## Examples

### Example 1: Ask for the upstream workflow directly

```text
Use @vscode-extension-guide-en-v2 to handle <task>. Start from the copied upstream workflow, load only the files that change the outcome, and keep provenance visible in the answer.
```

**Explanation:** This is the safest starting point when the operator needs the imported workflow, but not the entire repository.

### Example 2: Ask for a provenance-grounded review

```text
Review @vscode-extension-guide-en-v2 against metadata.json and ORIGIN.md, then explain which copied upstream files you would load first and why.
```

**Explanation:** Use this before review or troubleshooting when you need a precise, auditable explanation of origin and file selection.

### Example 3: Narrow the copied support files before execution

```text
Use @vscode-extension-guide-en-v2 for <task>. Load only the copied references, examples, or scripts that change the outcome, and name the files explicitly before proceeding.
```

**Explanation:** This keeps the skill aligned with progressive disclosure instead of loading the whole copied package by default.

### Example 4: Build a reviewer packet

```text
Review @vscode-extension-guide-en-v2 using the copied upstream files plus provenance, then summarize any gaps before merge.
```

**Explanation:** This is useful when the PR is waiting for human review and you want a repeatable audit packet.



## Best Practices

Treat the generated public skill as a reviewable packaging layer around the upstream repository. The goal is to keep provenance explicit and load only the copied source material that materially improves execution.

- 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
- Keep the imported skill grounded in the upstream repository; do not invent steps that the source material cannot support.
- Prefer the smallest useful set of support files so the workflow stays auditable and fast to review.
- Keep provenance, source commit, and imported file paths visible in notes and PR descriptions.

### Imported Operating Notes

#### Imported: 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

## Troubleshooting

### Problem: The operator skipped the imported context and answered too generically

**Symptoms:** The result ignores the upstream workflow in `plugins/antigravity-awesome-skills/skills/vscode-extension-guide-en`, fails to mention provenance, or does not use any copied source files at all.
**Solution:** Re-open `metadata.json`, `ORIGIN.md`, and the most relevant copied upstream files. Check the `external_source` block first, then restate the provenance before continuing.

### Problem: The imported workflow feels incomplete during review

**Symptoms:** Reviewers can see the generated `SKILL.md`, but they cannot quickly tell which references, examples, or scripts matter for the current task.
**Solution:** Point at the exact copied references, examples, scripts, or assets that justify the path you took. If the gap is still real, record it in the PR instead of hiding it.

### Problem: The task drifted into a different specialization

**Symptoms:** The imported skill starts in the right place, but the work turns into debugging, architecture, design, security, or release orchestration that a native skill handles better.
**Solution:** Use the related skills section to hand off deliberately. Keep the imported provenance visible so the next skill inherits the right context instead of starting blind.



## Related Skills

- `@00-andruia-consultant` - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.
- `@00-andruia-consultant-v2` - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.
- `@10-andruia-skill-smith` - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.
- `@10-andruia-skill-smith-v2` - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.

## Additional Resources

Use this support matrix and the linked files below as the operator packet for this imported skill. They should reflect real copied source material, not generic scaffolding.

| Resource family | What it gives the reviewer | Example path |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `references` | copied reference notes, guides, or background material from upstream | `references/n/a` |
| `examples` | worked examples or reusable prompts copied from upstream | `examples/n/a` |
| `scripts` | upstream helper scripts that change execution or validation | `scripts/n/a` |
| `agents` | routing or delegation notes that are genuinely part of the imported package | `agents/n/a` |
| `assets` | supporting assets or schemas copied from the source package | `assets/n/a` |



### Imported Reference Notes

#### Imported: 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

#### Imported: 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.

#### Imported: 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.