StackScope

VS Code extension for inspecting debugger-backed memory during a stopped debug session.

What it does

StackScope reads memory through active debug adapter and presents it in virtualized hex and decoded view. Memory and registers have separate VS Code views. It also supports address expressions, register sets, memory presets, byte-change tracking, call-stack navigation, and disassembly navigation.

Requirements

• VS Code version ^1.110.0
• Active, stopped debug session
• Debug adapter supporting DAP readMemory and expression evaluation

Some workflows, including call stack and disassembly, also depend on adapter support for corresponding DAP requests.

Quick start

1. Start debugging and pause execution.
2. Run StackScope: Open Memory View.
3. Enter target such as 0x20000000, $sp, or &myVar.
4. Scroll to load memory pages. Use Settings to change columns, unit size, number format, and total size.
5. Open StackScope: Focus Registers View to inspect registers in its own Activity Bar view.

Commands

• StackScope: Open Memory View
• StackScope: Focus Memory View
• StackScope: Focus Registers View
• StackScope: Open Memory View (Editor Tab)
• StackScope: Open Call Stack (Editor Tab)
• StackScope: Open Disassembly (Editor Tab)

Development

pnpm install
pnpm run compile

Use Run Extension from .vscode/launch.json for an Extension Development Host.

Documentation

• Getting started
• Architecture
• Protocol and host API
• Development
• Testing
• Known constraints
• Documentation index

Limitations

Memory and register reads require stopped session. StackScope can only use DAP capabilities exposed by active debug adapter.

License

MIT