CommandDock

CommandDock is a project-specific command scratchpad for Visual Studio Code.

It gives every workspace a local editable command notes file at:

.vscode/commanddock.md

Use it to store terminal commands, setup steps, deployment notes, Git workflows, build commands, machine learning run commands, C++ compile commands, or any project-specific reminder you do not want to keep searching for again.

Why CommandDock exists

Developers often work across many projects with different commands.

One project may need npm commands. Another may need cloud deployment commands. Another may need C++ compile commands. Another may need Python or machine learning training commands.

CommandDock keeps those project-specific commands close to your terminal, inside VS Code, without forcing you into a rigid format.

It is your local project memory map.

Features

• Project-local command scratchpad
• Stores notes in .vscode/commanddock.md
• Editable title for each workspace
• Save, reload, open, clear, and delete file actions
• Starter placeholder guide with sample commands
• Layout help for moving CommandDock to the right Secondary Sidebar
• Local-first design
• No account required
• No cloud sync
• No telemetry
• No external API calls

How to use

1. Open a folder in VS Code.
2. Click the CommandDock icon in the Activity Bar.
3. Add a project title.
4. Write your project commands or notes.
5. Click Save.
6. Use Open File to view the real Markdown file.

CommandDock automatically creates:

.vscode/commanddock.md

Example notes

# npm rules
1. npm run dev --> Test on localhost
2. npm run build --> Build package for production

# git rules
1. git status --> Check changed files
2. git add . --> Stage all changes
3. git commit -m "Update project" --> Commit changes
4. git push --> Push to remote repo

# cloud deploy notes
1. gcloud auth login --> Login to Google Cloud
2. gcloud config set project PROJECT_ID --> Select project
3. gcloud run deploy SERVICE_NAME --source . --region us-west1 --> Deploy to Cloud Run

# cpp rules
1. g++ main.cpp -o main --> Compile C++ file
2. ./main --> Run compiled program

# python rules
1. python -m venv .venv --> Create virtual environment
2. .venv\Scripts\activate --> Activate venv on Windows
3. pip install -r requirements.txt --> Install dependencies
4. python main.py --> Run project

Recommended layout

CommandDock works best on the right side of VS Code.

Recommended setup:

1. Open View → Appearance → Secondary Side Bar.
2. Drag the Project Notes view to the right sidebar.
3. Keep Explorer, Source Control, GitLens, and other project tools on the left.
4. Keep your terminal at the bottom.

Suggested layout:

Left: files and source control
Center: code editor
Bottom: terminal
Right: CommandDock

This keeps your project commands visible while you work in the terminal.

Where notes are stored

CommandDock saves your main notes in:

.vscode/commanddock.md

The project title is stored in VS Code workspace state.

Local-first privacy

CommandDock stores your notes locally inside the open workspace.

It does not send your notes anywhere.

It does not call any external APIs.

It does not collect telemetry.

If your notes contain private commands, tokens, local paths, or machine-specific information, consider adding this file to your project .gitignore:

.vscode/commanddock.md

Known limitations

• CommandDock requires an open workspace folder.
• It does not currently run commands directly in the terminal.
• It does not currently sync notes across machines.
• It does not currently support multiple scratchpad files per workspace.
• It does not automatically force itself into the Secondary Sidebar because VS Code does not allow normal extensions to control that layout. Users can move the view manually.

Future ideas

• Run selected command in terminal
• Copy selected command button
• Multiple command files per workspace
• Markdown preview mode
• Command templates
• Export/import command notes
• Optional command history
• Search inside saved notes

Author

Built by Nikhil Ravichandran.

Source code:

https://github.com/Nikhilr-28/clipboard_extension

Support

For bugs, issues, or feature requests:

https://github.com/Nikhilr-28/clipboard_extension/issues

License

MIT