SymbolicLinksLoader is a VS Code extension that automatically replaces any file containing only a single URL with the content found at that URL. This can be useful when working with symbolic link systems or placeholder files that just point to remote resources.
✨ Features
Detects files that only contain a single line with a valid URL or path
Replaces the file with a symbolic link to the target if the URL is a local path
Works automatically on project open (optional) or via commands
Supports HTTP(S), Unix-style paths, and Windows-style paths
🚀 Usage
Install the extension in VS Code.
Add a file that contains just a single valid URL or file path.
The extension will automatically replace the file with a symbolic link to the target if applicable.
You can also manually trigger the behavior using VS Code commands (via the Command Palette F1 or Ctrl+Shift+P):
🛠 Available Commands
SymbolicLinksLoader: Verify All Files
Runs symbolic link validation on all files in the workspace root and .vscode folder.
SymbolicLinksLoader: Verify Active File
Runs symbolic link validation only on the currently opened file.
⚙️ Configuration
You can configure the extension via VS Code settings (settings.json or Settings UI):
"symbolicLinksLoader.runOnStartup": true
🔧 symbolicLinksLoader.runOnStartup
Type: boolean
Default: false
Description: If enabled, the extension will automatically check and replace eligible files with symbolic links when the project is opened.
⚠️ Limitations
Only processes files that contain exactly one line with a valid URL or path.
No support for HTTP authentication or custom request headers.
Symbolic links creation requires appropriate permissions (may prompt for admin rights on Windows).
Files are replaced using mklink on Windows, which requires administrative privileges.
