Folder Auto-Collapses After Window Switch In VS Code

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Introduction

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a popular source-code editor developed by Microsoft. It is known for its flexibility, extensibility, and user-friendly interface. However, like any other software, VS Code is not immune to bugs and issues. In this article, we will explore a specific issue where a folder auto-collapses after switching windows in VS Code.

Issue Description

The issue at hand is that a folder created in VS Code auto-collapses after switching windows or minimizing the application. This can be frustrating for developers who rely on the folder structure to navigate their codebase. The issue is not limited to a specific version of VS Code or operating system, as it has been reported to occur on both Windows and macOS.

Steps to Reproduce

To reproduce this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Create a folder: Open VS Code and create a new folder by clicking on the "File" menu and selecting "New Folder" or by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + N (macOS).
  2. Create a folder inside the previous folder: Create a new folder inside the previously created folder by repeating the process in step 1.
  3. It does not collapse: Observe that the folder structure is displayed as expected, with the inner folder visible and not collapsed.
  4. Minimize or switch the window: Minimize the VS Code window or switch to another application.
  5. Return to VS Code: Return to the VS Code window, and observe that the folder is now collapsed.

Additional Information

To help diagnose the issue, we have collected additional information:

  • Does this issue occur when all extensions are disabled?: Yes, the issue persists even when all extensions are disabled.
  • VS Code Version: The issue has been reported on the following versions of VS Code: Image
  • OS Version: The issue has been reported on the following operating systems: Image

Possible Causes

While the exact cause of this issue is unknown, there are several possible explanations:

  • VS Code's folder management system: VS Code's folder management system may be the culprit behind this issue. The system may be designed to collapse folders when the window is minimized or switched, but this behavior is not consistent with user expectations.
  • Extension conflicts: Although the issue persists even when all extensions are disabled, it is possible that an extension is causing the conflict. This could be due to a bug in the extension or a conflict with another extension.
  • Operating system issues: The issue may be related to a problem with the operating system, such as a bug in the window management system.

Workarounds

While we wait for a fix from the VS Code team, there are a few workarounds that can help mitigate the issue:

  • Use the "Explorer" panel: Instead of relying on the folder structure in the editor, use the "Explorer" panel to navigate your codebase. This panel provides a more traditional file explorer experience and is less prone to auto-collapsing.
  • Disable the "Auto Collapse" feature: If you are using the "Explorer" panel, you can disable the "Auto Collapse" feature by clicking on the three dots at the top right corner of the panel and selecting "Settings". In the settings panel, toggle off the "Auto Collapse" feature.
  • Use a third-party extension: There are several third-party extensions available that can help manage folder structure and prevent auto-collapsing. Some popular options include "Folder Manager" and "Explorer Enhancer".

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the issue of folder auto-collapsing after window switching in VS Code. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this issue.

Q: What is the cause of this issue?

A: The exact cause of this issue is unknown, but it is believed to be related to VS Code's folder management system or an extension conflict.

Q: Does this issue occur on all operating systems?

A: No, this issue has been reported on Windows and macOS, but it may occur on other operating systems as well.

Q: Can I disable the auto-collapse feature?

A: Yes, you can disable the auto-collapse feature by clicking on the three dots at the top right corner of the "Explorer" panel and selecting "Settings". In the settings panel, toggle off the "Auto Collapse" feature.

Q: Are there any third-party extensions that can help manage folder structure?

A: Yes, there are several third-party extensions available that can help manage folder structure and prevent auto-collapsing. Some popular options include "Folder Manager" and "Explorer Enhancer".

Q: Can I report this issue to the VS Code team?

A: Yes, you can report this issue to the VS Code team by creating a new issue on the VS Code GitHub repository. Please provide as much detail as possible, including steps to reproduce the issue and any relevant screenshots or logs.

Q: Is there a fix available for this issue?

A: No, there is no fix available for this issue yet. However, the VS Code team is working on a solution, and we will provide updates as soon as a fix is available.

Q: Can I use a different code editor to avoid this issue?

A: Yes, you can use a different code editor to avoid this issue. However, if you are invested in the VS Code ecosystem and have a large collection of extensions and settings, it may be more convenient to stick with VS Code and wait for a fix.

Q: How can I prevent this issue from occurring in the future?

A: To prevent this issue from occurring in the future, you can try the following:

  • Use the "Explorer" panel instead of relying on the folder structure in the editor.
  • Disable the "Auto Collapse" feature in the "Explorer" panel settings.
  • Use a third-party extension to manage folder structure and prevent auto-collapsing.
  • Report any issues or bugs to the VS Code team to help them improve the editor.

Conclusion

The issue of folder auto-collapsing after window switching in VS Code is a frustrating problem that can hinder productivity. By understanding the possible causes, workarounds, and FAQs, developers can continue to work efficiently in VS Code until a fix is available.