Stories with Tag VS Code

• A CLI to quickly launch VSCode/cursor devcontainers

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  Posted: 2025-02-26 08:25:46

  Verbose tl;dr

  vscli is a command-line interface tool designed to streamline the process of launching Visual Studio Code and Cursor editor devcontainers. It simplifies the often cumbersome process of navigating to a project directory and then opening it in a container, allowing users to quickly open projects in their respective dev environments directly from the command line. The tool supports project-specific configuration, allowing for customized settings and automating common tasks associated with launching devcontainers. This results in a more efficient workflow for developers working with containerized development environments.

  The GitHub repository michidk/vscli introduces a command-line interface (CLI) tool named vscli designed to streamline the process of launching Visual Studio Code (VS Code) and Cursor development containers. Specifically, it aims to eliminate the tedious steps often involved in opening projects within containers, especially when dealing with multiple projects and varying container configurations. vscli achieves this by enabling users to quickly select a project from a list of configured projects and launch it directly into a pre-defined devcontainer environment within VS Code or Cursor. The configuration for these projects, including the path to the project and the associated devcontainer, is stored locally, likely in a configuration file managed by the CLI. This facilitates a rapid and reproducible workflow for developers working with containerized development environments, allowing them to avoid manual navigation and configuration steps each time they wish to open a project. vscli thereby enhances productivity and reduces friction in the development process for projects utilizing VS Code devcontainers or Cursor. The tool is written in Rust, suggesting a focus on performance and reliability. The repository provides instructions for installation and usage, outlining how to configure projects and utilize the CLI to launch them. It aims to be a simple yet effective tool for managing and launching containerized development environments, offering a convenient alternative to manually opening projects within VS Code or Cursor each time.

  • visual studio code
  • VS Code
  • vscode
  • Cursor
  • Devcontainer
  • cli
  • Command Line Interface
  • Development Container
  • Development Environment
  • docker
  • Containerization
  • Open Source
  • GitHub
  • Tooling
  • productivity
  • Software Development

  Summary of Comments ( 2 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43181847

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users generally praised vscli for its simplicity and usefulness in streamlining the devcontainer workflow. Several commenters appreciated the tool's ability to eliminate the need for manually navigating to a project directory before opening it in a container, finding it a significant time-saver. Some discussion revolved around alternative methods, such as using VS Code's built-in remote functionality or shell aliases. However, the consensus leaned towards vscli offering a more convenient and user-friendly experience for managing multiple devcontainer projects. A few users suggested potential improvements, including better handling of projects with spaces in their paths and the addition of features like automatic port forwarding.

  The Hacker News post discussing the "VSCli: A CLI to quickly launch VSCode/cursor devcontainers" has several comments exploring its utility and comparing it to existing solutions.

  One commenter points out that the tool seems redundant, given that VS Code already supports opening folders directly from the command line using the code command. They question the added benefit of vscli over simply typing code . within a project directory. This sparks a discussion about the specific use case of devcontainers, with another user highlighting the convenience vscli offers. They explain that using the code command directly with a devcontainer requires manually specifying the remote container, whereas vscli automates this process, leading to a smoother workflow.

  Another thread focuses on the tool's reliance on the jq command-line JSON processor. While some appreciate the flexibility and power jq provides for parsing configuration files, others express concern about adding another dependency, particularly for a tool aimed at simplifying development setup. They suggest exploring alternative approaches that wouldn't require jq, or at least making it an optional dependency.

  Further discussion revolves around the broader context of devcontainer management. One commenter mentions their current workflow involving a shell script to manage multiple devcontainers. They acknowledge that vscli seems like a more robust and feature-rich solution, potentially offering improvements over their current setup.

  Several users also share alternative tools and approaches for managing devcontainers, including using Docker Compose or dedicated extensions within VS Code. This provides a wider perspective on the available options and highlights the diverse ways developers manage their containerized development environments.

  The general sentiment appears to be one of cautious interest. While acknowledging the potential value of vscli, many commenters emphasize the importance of simplicity and avoiding unnecessary dependencies. The discussion provides valuable insights into the challenges and preferences surrounding devcontainer management within the developer community.

• Material Theme has been pulled from VS Code's marketplace

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  Posted: 2025-02-25 23:24:40

  Verbose tl;dr

  The popular Material Theme extension for Visual Studio Code has been removed from the marketplace due to unresolved trademark issues with Google concerning the "Material Design" name. The developers were requested by Google to rename the theme and all related assets, but after attempting to comply, they encountered further complications. Unable to reach a satisfactory agreement, they've decided to unpublish the extension for the time being. Existing users with the theme already installed will retain it, but it will no longer receive updates or be available for new installs through the marketplace. The developers are still exploring options for the theme's future, including potentially republishing under a different name.

  The Material Theme extension for Visual Studio Code, a popular theme providing a Material Design-inspired visual overhaul for the code editor, has been unexpectedly removed from the Visual Studio Code Marketplace. This removal appears to stem from a rejection by the Marketplace review team due to alleged trademark violations related to the use of the "Material Theme" name and associated iconography. The extension's developers, seemingly surprised by this action, are actively investigating the specific reasons for the rejection and working to resolve the issue with Microsoft. While the precise details of the trademark infringement claims remain unclear, the developers suspect it revolves around the usage of the term "Material" and a diamond-shaped icon, both potentially infringing upon Google's Material Design trademarks. Consequently, the Material Theme extension is currently unavailable for installation directly through the VS Code Marketplace, disrupting the workflow for numerous users who rely on the theme. The developers are exploring alternative solutions, including renaming the extension and altering its iconography to comply with marketplace guidelines, aiming to restore availability as quickly as possible. In the interim, users who already have the theme installed will retain its functionality, and the developers are providing instructions for manual installation from the project's GitHub repository for those who wish to install it on new VS Code instances or update to newer versions. The situation remains fluid, and the developers are committed to communicating updates regarding their progress in resolving the issue and returning the Material Theme extension to the VS Code Marketplace.

  • visual studio code
  • VS Code
  • Material Theme
  • Themes
  • Extensions
  • Marketplace
  • deprecation
  • Software Development
  • IDE
  • Integrated Development Environment
  • Editor

  Summary of Comments ( 224 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43178831

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the removal of the popular Material Theme extension from the VS Code marketplace, speculating on the reasons. Several suspect the developer's frustration with Microsoft's handling of extension updates and their increasingly strict review process. Some suggest the theme's complexity and reliance on numerous dependencies might have contributed to difficulties adhering to new guidelines. Others express disappointment at the removal, praising the theme's aesthetics and customizability, while a few propose alternative themes. The lack of official communication from the developer leaves much of the situation unclear, but the consensus seems to be that the increasingly stringent marketplace rules likely played a role. A few comments also mention potential copyright issues related to bundled icon fonts.

  The Hacker News post titled "Material Theme has been pulled from VS Code's marketplace" sparked a discussion with several comments expressing concern and speculation about the removal of the popular theme.

  Many commenters lamented the theme's disappearance, highlighting its popularity and expressing disappointment with its sudden removal. Some users voiced frustration with the lack of clear communication about the reason for the removal, leading to speculation about potential causes. Several users questioned whether the removal was due to licensing issues, potential malware, or a dispute with the theme's developer. The lack of official information fuelled the uncertainty and frustration.

  Several commenters recommended alternative themes, with Night Owl, One Dark Pro, and Dracula mentioned as popular choices. This suggested that users were actively seeking replacements for Material Theme and the discussion became a platform for sharing alternative options.

  A significant part of the discussion revolved around the importance of open-sourcing themes. Commenters advocated for forking the Material Theme and hosting it on open platforms to prevent similar situations in the future. This highlighted the community's desire for greater control and access to popular tools and resources. The incident seemed to have spurred a renewed interest in open-source alternatives and community-driven development.

  Some commenters delved into the technical aspects of theme development, discussing the relative simplicity of creating and maintaining VS Code themes. This suggests that the community perceived the removal of Material Theme as a preventable issue, potentially caused by negligence or miscommunication rather than insurmountable technical challenges.

  While the exact reason for Material Theme's removal remained unclear within the comments, the discussion revealed the theme's significant user base and sparked a broader conversation about the importance of open-sourcing, community involvement, and clear communication regarding the availability and maintenance of popular development tools. The frustration voiced by many commenters underscored the impact of such removals on developer workflows and the community's desire for more transparency and control over their tools.

• Fake VS Code Extension on NPM Spreads Multi-Stage Malware

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  Posted: 2025-02-07 06:58:10

  Verbose tl;dr

  A malicious VS Code extension masquerading as a legitimate "prettiest-json" package was discovered on the npm registry. This counterfeit extension delivered a multi-stage malware payload. Upon installation, it executed a malicious script that downloaded and ran further malware components. These components collected sensitive information from the infected system, including environment variables, running processes, and potentially even browser data like saved passwords and cookies, ultimately sending this exfiltrated data to a remote server controlled by the attacker.

  A malicious Visual Studio Code extension masquerading as a legitimate package, "LaTeX Workshop," has been discovered on the Node Package Manager (NPM) registry. This counterfeit extension, subtly named "latex-workshop," utilized typosquatting, a technique relying on common spelling errors, to deceive developers into downloading it instead of the genuine "LaTeX Workshop" extension. This malicious package represents a sophisticated multi-stage malware attack, designed to evade detection and compromise affected systems.

  Upon installation, the counterfeit extension executes a preinstall script. This script downloads a password-protected ZIP archive hosted on a Discord server, further obfuscating its malicious intent and making traditional static analysis more difficult. The use of a Discord server for hosting malicious payloads is a notable tactic, leveraging the platform's widespread use and potentially bypassing security measures focused on more typical malware distribution channels.

  The downloaded ZIP archive contains the primary payload, an obfuscated JavaScript file. This obfuscation technique makes it harder for security researchers and automated tools to understand the code’s functionality, thereby delaying detection and analysis. The malware also utilizes techniques to identify the infected machine's operating system, allowing it to download and execute a second-stage payload tailored to either Windows or macOS/Linux environments. This targeted approach increases the effectiveness of the malware and maximizes its potential impact.

  On Windows systems, the second-stage payload attempts to steal sensitive information, including stored browser credentials, system information, and details from cryptocurrency wallets. This data exfiltration targets valuable user data that can be exploited for financial gain or identity theft. On macOS and Linux systems, the second-stage payload employs a Python-based information stealer to achieve a similar goal, highlighting the attacker's cross-platform ambitions and sophistication.

  The discovery of this malicious extension underscores the ongoing risks associated with software supply chain attacks. By infiltrating a trusted repository like NPM, malicious actors can target a large number of developers and potentially compromise a significant number of systems. The use of multi-stage payloads, obfuscation, and typosquatting demonstrates the increasing complexity of these attacks and highlights the need for heightened vigilance and robust security measures within the software development lifecycle. Developers are strongly encouraged to meticulously verify the authenticity of extensions and packages before installation, paying close attention to package names and publisher details to avoid falling victim to these deceptive tactics. Furthermore, utilizing reputable security tools and staying informed about the latest threat landscape is crucial for mitigating the risks posed by such malicious software.

  • npm
  • Malware
  • visual studio code
  • VS Code
  • VS Code extensions
  • Security
  • Cybersecurity
  • software supply chain
  • Supply Chain Security
  • Software Security
  • multi-stage malware
  • malicious code
  • code injection
  • extension security
  • IDE security
  • developer tools security

  Summary of Comments ( 63 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42970169

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters discuss the troubling implications of malicious packages slipping through npm's vetting process, with several expressing surprise that a popular IDE extension like "Prettier" could be so easily imitated and used to distribute malware. Some highlight the difficulty in detecting sophisticated, multi-stage attacks like this one, where the initial payload is relatively benign. Others point to the need for improved security measures within the npm ecosystem, including more robust code review and potentially stricter publishing guidelines. The discussion also touches on the responsibility of developers to carefully vet the extensions they install, emphasizing the importance of checking publisher verification, download counts, and community feedback before adding any extension to their workflow. Several users suggest using the official VS Code Marketplace as a safer alternative to installing extensions directly via npm.

  The Hacker News post "Fake VS Code Extension on NPM Spreads Multi-Stage Malware" has generated a number of comments discussing the incident and its implications.

  Several commenters express concern over the increasing prevalence of malicious packages on npm, highlighting the difficulty in vetting every extension or dependency. They point out that the open-source nature of the ecosystem and the ease of publishing packages make it a prime target for malicious actors. This incident further fuels the ongoing discussion about improving security measures on npm, including better verification and detection mechanisms.

  One commenter mentions the potential effectiveness of sandboxing extensions, suggesting it as a crucial step in mitigating the impact of such malware. This idea resonates with others who advocate for stronger isolation between extensions and the core editor to limit the potential damage.

  Some users discuss the specific tactics used in this attack, like typosquatting (using a slightly misspelled package name) and the multi-stage delivery mechanism of the malware, emphasizing the sophistication and deliberate effort involved. They point to the need for developers to be more vigilant in checking package details before installation, including examining the publisher, download counts, and community feedback.

  The discussion also touches upon the responsibility of repository maintainers like npm to implement more robust security measures. Suggestions include more stringent vetting processes for new packages, enhanced malware detection algorithms, and potentially even reputation systems for publishers.

  One commenter wryly observes that the irony of a malware-laden extension aimed at developers who are, in theory, more security-conscious highlights the insidious nature of these threats.

  A few users share personal anecdotes of encountering suspicious packages and emphasize the importance of community reporting and vigilance in identifying and flagging such malicious activity. The ease with which malicious actors can publish packages is contrasted with the difficulty of fully securing the ecosystem, highlighting the ongoing challenge.

  Finally, some comments delve into technical details of the malware's behavior, discussing the obfuscation techniques used and the potential payload delivered. This contributes to a more technical understanding of the threat and how developers can better protect themselves.