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vscode-ext-commands

Define structured guidelines for creating and validating VS Code extension commands.

37.6k|4.7k|Updated Jun 11, 2025
Search Tags:#vscode#localization#extension#commands#contribute#command-palette#sideBar
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill vscode-ext-commands
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: vscode-ext-commands
Source: https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot/tree/main/skills/vscode-ext-commands
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill vscode-ext-commands

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a structured approach for contributing and validating VS Code extension commands, ensuring consistent metadata, visibility, and localization guidance across commands.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Standardized command metadata: every command must define a title and a category to guarantee discoverability in the Command Palette.
  • Command types and visibility patterns: Regular commands, and Side Bar commands with naming patterns like _extensionId.someCommand#sideBar, which require icons and appropriate enablement/when clauses.
  • Localization and accessibility guidance: covers localization considerations and UI behavior across locales.
  • Use Case: A maintainer adds a new command to a VS Code extension and ensures it is visible in the Command Palette with a proper category, or adds a Side Bar command with an icon and proper visibility rules.

Quick Start

Example: Add a Regular command named 'extension.sayHello' with a title 'Say Hello' and a category 'Utilities' so it appears in the Command Palette.

Frequently Asked Questions about vscode-ext-commands

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I define commands in a VS Code extension?▼

Define commands in your extension's package.json under the contributes.commands section. Each command requires a unique ID, title, and category for Command Palette discoverability. Optionally add an icon and when clause to control visibility based on conditions.

What's the difference between regular commands and side bar commands in VS Code extensions?▼

Regular commands appear in the Command Palette with a title and category. Side bar commands follow the naming pattern extensionId.commandName#sideBar, require an icon, and use when clauses to control visibility in the sidebar view.

How do I make my extension command visible in the Command Palette?▼

Ensure your command specifies both a title and category in contributes.commands. The category groups related commands in the palette. Without these metadata fields, commands won't appear or be discoverable.

Can I localize command titles and categories in VS Code extensions?▼

Yes. VS Code supports localization of command metadata through language-specific package.nls.json files. Structure localization keys to match your command IDs and category names for consistent multi-locale support.

Do side bar commands require icons?▼

Yes. Side bar commands must specify an icon in their contribution metadata. Icons make commands visually identifiable in the sidebar and improve accessibility across different UI themes.

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