Sogo Lite

Sogo Lite turns .db.json files into editable databases inside VS Code.

You can use it to manage tasks, projects, CRM records, content plans, or any other structured data without leaving your editor.

What You Get

• Table, Kanban, Calendar, Gallery, and List views
• Inline editing for records and properties
• A Databases sidebar for browsing workspace and global databases
• Schema editing for fields, views, and property settings
• CSV import/export
• Local file-based storage with no server required

Install

From the Marketplace

Search for Sogo Lite in the VS Code Extensions panel.

From a VSIX

In VS Code:

1. Open the Extensions view
2. Click the ... menu
3. Choose Install from VSIX...
4. Select the .vsix file

If you are repeatedly testing a local build, the most reliable install command is:

code --install-extension /path/to/sogo-lite-x.y.z.vsix --force

Getting Started

Option 1: Create a new database

1. Open a folder in VS Code
2. Run Sogo DB: Create Database from the Command Palette
3. Enter a name
4. Open the generated .db.json file

The file opens in the custom Sogo Lite editor automatically.

Option 2: Open an existing database

If you already have a .db.json file in your workspace, open it in VS Code. Sogo Lite will render it as a database editor instead of raw JSON.

How To Use

Databases Sidebar

Open the Databases activity bar view to:

• browse workspace databases
• browse global databases
• create databases
• rename databases
• open a database file
• duplicate, import, export, or delete a database

Editor Basics

When a database is open:

• click a cell to edit it
• click a checkbox to toggle it
• click a record row action to open the record detail panel
• use the view tabs to switch between Table, Kanban, Calendar, Gallery, and List
• use the toolbar to sort, filter, manage fields, and change view settings

Views

• Table: spreadsheet-style editing, column resize, field controls
• Kanban: drag records between status/select groups
• Calendar: view records by date
• Gallery: card-based browsing
• List: compact property-focused layout

Each view stores its own settings such as hidden fields, grouping, sort, and filter.

Record Details

Open a record to:

• edit all properties in one place
• update notes/body content
• manage relation fields
• pin important properties into the record header

Schema and Properties

Use Manage fields to:

• add new fields
• rename fields
• change field types
• configure select/status options
• control which properties appear in each view

Database Files

A Sogo Lite database is a normal .db.json file stored in your filesystem.

That means:

• databases work well with Git
• external edits are picked up by the extension
• there is no separate service to run

Optional: MCP Server

If you want AI tools to read and write the same databases, run the companion MCP server:

npx sogo-mcp-server

This is optional. The extension works without it.

Troubleshooting

A local VSIX install does not seem to update

If you are reinstalling the same extension locally, use:

code --install-extension /path/to/sogo-lite-x.y.z.vsix --force

A .db.json file opens as plain JSON

Right-click the file and choose Reopen With..., then select Sogo Database Editor.