Apple Container Helper

A VS Code extension designed specifically for Apple's Container CLI, providing a comprehensive graphical interface for managing containers and images on macOS systems.

Features

Container & Image Management

• Tree View Interface: Browse containers and images in an organized, expandable tree structure
• Real-time Status: Live status indicators with color-coded icons (🟢 running, 🔴 stopped)
• Smart Container Details: Click any container to see detailed information including IP addresses, platform info, and connection examples
• Bulk Operations: Start, stop, remove containers with single clicks

Apple Container CLI Integration

• Native IP Networking: Automatically detects and displays container IP addresses from container ls
• Direct Access: No port mapping needed - containers get their own IP addresses
• Platform Information: Shows OS/architecture details (e.g., linux/arm64)

Copyable Connection Information

When you expand a running container, get instant access to copyable connection commands:

And many more! The extension intelligently detects the container type and provides relevant connection examples.

Real-time Log Streaming

• Live Logs: Stream container logs in real-time using dedicated VS Code terminals
• Multiple Containers: Each container gets its own streaming terminal
• Full Terminal Features: Scroll, search, copy text from log output

Installation & Setup

Prerequisites

• macOS: This extension only works on macOS systems
• Apple Container CLI: Must be installed and available in your system PATH
• VS Code: Version 1.104.0 or higher

Quick Start

1. Install the extension from the VS Code marketplace
2. Start container system: The extension automatically runs container system start on activation
3. Access the interface: Look for the "Apple Containers" view in your VS Code sidebar

Usage Guide

Basic Container Management

1. View Containers: Expand the "Containers" section to see all your containers
2. Container Actions: Right-click any container for options:
   • Start/Stop container
   • View streaming logs
   • Remove container
   • Show detailed information
3. Quick Details: Click a container name to open the detailed webview

Creating New Containers

1. Simple Creation: Right-click an image → "Run Container"
2. Advanced Creation: Use the "Advanced Run" button for full configuration options
3. Form Interface: Fill out the comprehensive form with all container options

Managing Images

1. View Images: Browse all available images in the "Images" section
2. Image Actions: Right-click images to:
   • Run containers from image
   • Advanced run with full configuration
   • Inspect image details
   • Remove unused images
3. Prune Images: Use the "Prune Images" button to clean up unused images

Extension Settings

This extension contributes the following settings:

• apple-container-helper.showInExplorer: Show the container view in the Explorer sidebar (default: true)
• apple-container-helper.autoRefresh: Auto-refresh interval in seconds, 0 to disable (default: 30)

Apple Container CLI Compatibility

This extension is specifically designed for Apple's Container CLI and handles its unique characteristics:

• No Port Publishing: Apple Container CLI doesn't support --publish flags - containers get direct IP access
• Automatic IP Assignment: Containers receive their own IP addresses accessible from the host
• JSON + Table Parsing: Combines JSON output for details with table output for IP addresses
• Native Commands: All operations use authentic Apple Container CLI commands

Available Commands

Access these commands through the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P):

• Apple Container Helper: Refresh Containers
• Apple Container Helper: Refresh Images
• Apple Container Helper: Advanced Run
• Apple Container Helper: Prune Images
• Apple Container Helper: Stream Logs
• Apple Container Helper: Show Container Details

Requirements

• macOS (this extension only works on Apple systems)
• Apple Container CLI installed and available in PATH
• VS Code version 1.104.0 or higher

Known Issues

• Extension only supports macOS systems with Apple Container CLI
• IP address detection depends on container ls output format
• Some container types may not have specialized connection examples

Release Notes

0.0.1

Initial release of Apple Container Helper with comprehensive container and image management features.