Focalize
Work in progress. The extension still changes and you may hit rough edges. Modules are free. Features (code mapping, focus, dimming, and related tools) need a paid license from Lemon Squeezy. The architecture map in the side panel works for both modules and features.
| Preview several modules at once |
Preview Quick Open (Ctrl+Alt+G) |
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Focalize is for large or noisy repos. You define modules (files and folders that matter right now) and features (ranges of code tied to a topic). Turn a module or feature on and the explorer and editor follow that context.
Bugs or questions write to contact.focalize.embargo565@passmail.net
Free and paid
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| Free |
Modules path groups, explorer filtering, panel map, Quick Open (Ctrl+Alt+G), tags. |
| Paid license |
Features line mapping, highlight mapped code, dim the rest, Ctrl+Alt+F for global orange highlight of mapped ranges. |
Why install
- Keep only the slice of the repo you care about on screen.
- Jump to a module or feature fast with Ctrl+Alt+G.
- Add the paid features tier if your workflow needs it.
Local data, Git, and .vscode
Focalize does not upload your code or your module and feature definitions to GitHub or anywhere else. That data lives in VS Code workspace storage for the extension. Git does not see it by default.
What can show up in Git is the .vscode folder when the extension writes explorer exclude rules (often in settings.json) so files hide or show for the active module. Add .vscode to your app repo .gitignore if you do not want those rules committed. If your team already shares launch or task files under .vscode, keep what you need and only ignore the parts Focalize adds.
Getting started with modules
- Open Focalize from the activity bar.
- Create a module and give it a name.
- In the file Explorer, right click a file or folder and use Add to Module or Remove from Module. You can attach many paths to one module.
- To switch the active module or pick a feature, press Ctrl+Alt+G. Use search and Tab to move between All, Modules, and Features. Use the arrow keys to move in the list. The status bar shows the active module or feature.
- Use Show all to widen the explorer again. You may see
.vscode with the exclude rules that drive filtering through the VS Code API.
Features (paid tier)
Paid features tie line ranges in files to a named feature, then focus and style the editor around that mapping. License is a one time purchase through Lemon Squeezy. Key checks go over HTTPS to their servers only. Third party policy Lemon Squeezy privacy.
Screenshot walkthrough
The status bar at the bottom shows the active module or feature when it appears in a shot.
1. Creating several modules at the start of the project data.
2. Sample project with a simple tree.
3. Add to Module for one file, one folder, or many paths.
4. Pick the module you are building.
5. Ctrl+Alt+G opens the picker. Search if you want. Tab cycles All, Modules, Features. Pick a module. Arrow keys move in the list. The status bar confirms the choice.
6. With the module active, the explorer matches that scope. The status bar shows the active module.
7. Show all brings the full tree back. .vscode holds the VS Code exclude rules that show or hide paths for the active module.
8. Another module switch. Status bar updates.
9. New file created under the active module stays part of that module (example texte.css).
10. Architecture map in the panel.
11. Features flow on another project. Banner bottom right to unlock or enter a license if you already bought. You can also click the locked Features entry to buy or paste a key.
12. Paste the license key from the purchase email.
13. Create and manage features after unlock.
14. Select code then Map Code to Feature to attach the range.
15. Feature name and tags (for example frontend, doc) help filter in Ctrl+Alt+G.
16. Pick which feature gets the selected block.
17. Ctrl+Alt+F toggles the orange highlight for already mapped code in the file.
18. Another view with mapped code emphasized.
19. Active feature with several files open. Mapped lines stay normal. Other lines in the file may dim. Status bar shows the active feature.
20. Editing inside a mapped range under the active feature keeps new text in that feature. Status bar still shows context.
21. Deletes do not leave fake gray “ghost” mapping.
22. New code in a dimmed area can be added anytime. To track it, Map Code to Feature again for that range so it joins the active feature.
23. HTML example. Cursor inside a section without selecting everything still maps with a useful expand step. A clear selection works in any language. With no selection, VS Code symbols help when the language and extensions support them. Focalize also expands HTML tag pairs and CSS blocks. If nothing matches, select manually for a safe result.
License
See the LICENSE file shipped with the extension.
Changelog
0.1.0
First public build. Modules, features, Quick Open, tags, explorer filtering, code highlight options.
Focalize by ShortKy
