Python Kernel Killer

Python Kernel Killer is a small VS Code/VSCodium extension for Linux that shows running Python Jupyter kernels in a sidebar and lets you terminate stuck kernels directly from the editor.

Features

• Lists running Python Jupyter/IPython kernel processes
• Shows process ID and command line
• Kills selected kernels from the sidebar
• Manual refresh button
• Optional auto-refresh mode
• Useful when VS Code/Jupyter cannot restart or disconnect a stuck kernel

Requirements

This extension currently targets Linux systems.

It uses standard system commands:

• ps
• kill

No Python package installation is required.

Usage

1. Open the Python Kernels sidebar.
2. Review the running kernel processes.
3. Use the refresh button if needed.
4. Select a kernel to terminate it.
5. Confirm the kill action.

Known Issues

• Linux only for now.
• Process detection is based on command-line matching for Jupyter/IPython kernels.
• Remote kernels are only visible if their process runs on the same local machine.

Release Notes

0.0.1

Initial release.

• Added sidebar view for running Python kernels
• Added manual refresh
• Added kernel termination
• Added optional auto-refresh