CODE-WORKSPACE File – What is .code-workspace file and how to open it?

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CODE-WORKSPACE File Extension

Microsoft Visual Studio Code Multi-root Workspace – file format by Microsoft

The CODE-WORKSPACE file extension is used by Microsoft Visual Studio Code to store multi-root workspace configurations. It allows users to work with multiple folders and projects simultaneously within a single instance of the editor.

CODE-WORKSPACE File Introduction

A .CODE-WORKSPACE file is a workspace configuration file used by Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code), a popular open-source code editor. It defines a multi-root workspace, allowing developers to work with multiple folders and projects simultaneously within a single VS Code instance. The file stores settings and configurations specific to the workspace, facilitating efficient project management and collaboration.

CODE-WORKSPACE File Structure and Content

The .CODE-WORKSPACE file is a JSON-based configuration file that typically contains information such as:

  • folders: An array of paths to the root folders of the workspace.
  • settings: Workspace-specific settings that apply to all folders in the workspace.
  • extensions: A list of extensions that are enabled for the workspace.
  • tasks: A list of tasks that can be run within the workspace.
  • launch: A list of launch configurations for debugging purposes.

The file enables developers to customize their workspace environment by adjusting settings, managing extensions, and creating custom tasks and launch configurations. It provides a central location for workspace-related configurations, simplifying project management and ensuring consistency across different development environments.

Windows

  1. Navigate to the directory containing the .CODE-WORKSPACE file in File Explorer.

  2. Right-click on the .CODE-WORKSPACE file and select “Open with” from the context menu.

  3. Choose “Visual Studio Code” from the list of available programs.

  4. Visual Studio Code will automatically open the workspace and display its contents in the main window.

macOS

  1. Navigate to the directory containing the .CODE-WORKSPACE file in Finder.

  2. Control-click (right-click) on the .CODE-WORKSPACE file and select “Open With” from the context menu.

  3. Choose “Visual Studio Code” from the list of available applications.

  4. Visual Studio Code will start up and open the workspace.

Linux

  1. Open a terminal window and navigate to the directory containing the .CODE-WORKSPACE file.

  2. Enter the following command:


code <path-to-workspace>

  1. Replace <path-to-workspace> with the actual path to the .CODE-WORKSPACE file.

  2. Visual Studio Code will launch and open the workspace.

CODE-WORKSPACE File Format

The CODE-WORKSPACE file format defines the structure of a multi-root workspace in Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VS Code). A multi-root workspace allows developers to work with multiple folders or projects simultaneously within a single VS Code instance. The format is a JSON-based text file that contains an array of workspace folders, each with its own configuration options.

Key fields in the CODE-WORKSPACE file include “folders,” which specify the paths to the root folders of each workspace, and “settings,” which allow for global configuration of editor and user preferences. Additionally, the “exclude” field can be used to specify files or directories that should be excluded from the workspace. This file format provides a convenient way to manage and organize large or complex projects, enabling developers to easily switch between different components and maintain a consistent editing environment.

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