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

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:

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

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

Examples

Example 1: Ask for the upstream workflow directly

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

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

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

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.

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.