A Visual Studio Code extension that displays PowerShell localization variable
values as decorations in your editor, making it easier to develop and debug
internationalized PowerShell modules.
Features
Live Decoration Display: View localization variable values as decorations
directly in your PowerShell files during code writing (Error Lens style)
Real-time Updates: Values update automatically when localization files
change
Multi-language Support: Works with all localization files (en-US, fr-FR,
etc.)
PowerShell Integration: Seamlessly integrates with PowerShell module
development workflow
Debug Support: Optional inline values during debugging sessions
How It Works
The extension automatically scans for PowerShell modules (.psm1 files) and
their associated localization data files (.psd1 files in language-specific
folders like en-US/, fr-FR/, etc.). When you reference localization
variables in your PowerShell code using $LocalizedData.VariableName, the
extension will display the actual localized value as a decoration next to your
code.
Requirements
Visual Studio Code 1.102.0 or higher
PowerShell modules with localization data files
Extension Settings
This extension contributes the following settings:
Setting
Description
Default
Options
powershellLocalization.enableDecorations
Enable/disable decoration display of localization variable values during code writing
true
true, false
powershellLocalization.enableInlineValues
Enable/disable inline display of localization variable values during debugging
false
true, false
powershellLocalization.searchExclude
Configure glob patterns for excluding directories and files from PowerShell module scanning
Excludes node_modules, out, dist, and .git directories
Array of glob patterns
powershellLocalization.logLevel
Set the logging level for the extension
info
error, warn, info, debug
powershellLocalization.uiCulture
Specify the UI culture for PowerShell localization data
en-US
Language codes like en-US, fr-FR, de-DE
Installation
Package the extension using the provided scripts
Install the .vsix file in VS Code
Reload VS Code to activate the extension
Development
To build and install this extension:
# Using pwsh (all OS's)
./build.ps1 -Task Test
# Use the -Bootstrap flag to install all the dependancies.
./build.ps1 -Task Test -Bootstrap
# You can also list all the available tasks with -Help
./build.ps1 -Help
# To install a local build
./build.ps1 -Task Install
Usage
Open a PowerShell module (.psm1 file) that uses localization
Ensure you have localization data files in language folders (e.g.,
en-US/ModuleName.psd1)
Reference localization variables in your code: $LocalizedData.MessageText
The extension will display the actual localized values inline
Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit issues and pull requests.
