I built a VS Code extension that reads your project's mind

Published: (January 14, 2026 at 06:00 AM EST)
2 min read
Source: Dev.to

Source: Dev.to

The Problem: Context Switching Fatigue 😫

You often have to install a specific package and go through these steps:

  1. Open npm.
  2. Search for the package name (e.g., react-router vs. react-router-dom).
  3. Copy the name.
  4. Paste it into the terminal.

It’s a small friction, but it adds up. I wanted to fix that.

Introducing DotCommand v1.4.0 🚀

Instead of giving you a static list of commands, DotCommand now scans your workspace to understand exactly what you are working on.

🎥 See it in action (20 s)

How “Smart Context” Works

File Detection

  • Looks for indicators like package.json, Dockerfile, go.mod, requirements.txt.

Content Parsing

  • Parses the files rather than just checking for their existence.
  • If it sees react in your dependencies, it boosts React‑related commands.
  • If it sees docker-compose.yml, it prioritizes Docker commands.

Dynamic Variables

  • Parses package.json dependencies in real‑time and feeds them into command templates (as shown in the demo).

Key Features ✨

  • Framework Support: Currently supports React, Vue, Angular, Node.js, Python, Go, Rust, and Docker.
  • Native UI: Uses VS Code’s native Quick Pick API—no webviews or custom windows, so it feels built‑in.

Tech Stack 🛠️

  • Architecture: Clean Architecture with strict separation of concerns (Context Detectors vs. Command Runners).
  • Performance: Caching mechanisms ensure the “Smart Scan” doesn’t slow down editor startup.

Try It Out! 🔗

I’m actively looking for feedback! If you find a framework that isn’t supported yet, let me know in the comments or open an issue on GitHub.

Happy Coding! 🚀

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