VS Code Focus Fortress

A VS Code extension that runs a local WebSocket server to broadcast your coding activity status. Designed to work with the companion Chrome extension to block distracting websites when you're actively coding.

Features

• 🚀 Local WebSocket Server: Runs on localhost:9876 (configurable)
• 👁️ Activity Monitoring: Tracks text editor changes, selections, and window focus
• ⏱️ Inactivity Timeout: Automatically deactivates after configurable idle time
• 🔐 Optional Authentication: Secure connections with secret token
• 📊 Status Bar Integration: Real-time server status in VS Code
• ⚙️ Configurable: Extensive settings for customization
• 🔄 Auto-start: Automatically starts server when VS Code launches

Installation

From VS Code Marketplace

Manual Installation

1. Download the .vsix file from GitHub Releases
2. In VS Code: Extensions → ... → Install from VSIX...
3. Select the downloaded file

Build from Source

git clone https://github.com/khatri-rohit/focus-fortress.git
cd focus-fortress/vscode-focus-bridge
npm install
npm run compile
code --install-extension vscode-focus-bridge-*.vsix

Usage

Automatic Operation

The extension starts automatically when VS Code launches (if autoStart is enabled). You'll see the status in the status bar:

• $(plug) FocusBridge: running (9876) - Server is active
• $(debug-disconnect) FocusBridge: stopped - Server is stopped

Manual Control

Use the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) to control the server:

• Focus Fortress: Start server - Start the WebSocket server
• Focus Fortress: Stop server - Stop the WebSocket server
• Focus Fortress: Restart server - Restart the server
• Focus Fortress: Show status - Display current server status

Activity Detection

The extension monitors these user activities:

• Opening/closing text editors
• Text changes in documents
• Text selection changes
• Window focus/unfocus events

When activity is detected, the server broadcasts {"type": "status", "active": true} to connected clients.

Configuration

Access settings via File → Preferences → Settings → search for "focusFortress"

Example Configuration

{
  "focusFortress.port": 8080,
  "focusFortress.inactivityTimeoutSec": 300,
  "focusFortress.secretToken": "my-secret-token",
  "focusFortress.autoStart": false
}

Protocol

WebSocket Messages

The server sends JSON messages to connected clients:

Status Message

{
  "type": "status",
  "active": true
}

Heartbeat Message

{
  "type": "heartbeat",
  "active": true
}

Client Authentication

If secretToken is configured, clients must send an auth message first:

{
  "type": "auth",
  "token": "your-secret-token"
}

Otherwise, clients can request status directly:

{
  "type": "request_status"
}

Companion Extension

This VS Code extension works with the Focus Fortress Chrome Extension to automatically block distracting websites when you're coding.

Development

Prerequisites

• Node.js 16+
• VS Code 1.70+

Setup

npm install
npm run compile
npm run watch  # for development

Testing

Use the included test client:

node out/text-client.js

This connects to ws://127.0.0.1:9876 and logs received messages.

Packaging

npm run package

Generates a .vsix file for installation.

Troubleshooting

Server Won't Start

• Check if port 9876 is already in use
• Try changing the port in settings
• Restart VS Code

Not Detecting Activity

• Ensure you're editing text files
• Check inactivity timeout setting
• Try manual restart

Connection Issues

• Verify firewall allows localhost connections
• Check VS Code status bar for server status
• Use Focus Fortress: Show status command

Privacy

• No external network connections
• No data collection or telemetry
• All communication is local only
• Open source and auditable

Requirements

• VS Code 1.70.0 or higher
• Node.js (for development only)

License

MIT © Rohit Khatri

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Test thoroughly
5. Submit a pull request

Related

• Focus Fortress Chrome Extension
• WebSocket Protocol RFC