Inceptention – Project-Specific Extension Loader

With Inceptention you can create project-specific extensions. This extension will attempt to load .inceptention/index.js from each workspace folder. If the file changes, Inceptention will automatically reload it, enabling a fast and smooth development loop.

Features

• Automatically loads .inceptention/index.js for every workspace folder.
• Hot-reloads extension code when files change.
• No Marketplace or packaging required, perfect for internal tools or rapid prototyping.
• Supports all standard VS Code contribution points (commands, menus, keybindings, etc.).

Getting Started

1. In your project folder, create an .inceptention directory.
2. Add an index.js file which exports the standard activate and deactivate functions for VS Code extensions:

// .inceptention/index.js
function activate(context) {
  console.log("Inceptention extension activated for this project!");

  const disposable = vscode.commands.registerCommand(
    "inceptention.helloWorld",
    () => {
      vscode.window.showInformationMessage("Hello World from Inceptention!");
    }
  );

  context.subscriptions.push(disposable);
}

function deactivate() {}

module.exports = { activate, deactivate };

Open your workspace in VS Code and Inceptention will detect and load this extension automatically.

Auto-Reload Workflow

• Any changes made to .inceptention/index.js are detected.
• The extension is unloaded and reloaded automatically.
• This allows for rapid iterative development without reinstalling extensions.

Example Project Structure

my-project/
├── .inceptention/
│   └── index.js
├── src/
│   └── main.js
└── package.json

Use Cases

• Create project-specific commands and shortcuts.
• Prototype extension APIs without publishing.
• Bundle development tools per-project (e.g., build scripts, linters, automation).
• Share workspace-specific tools across your team.

Advanced Notes for Developers

• Multiple workspace folders are supported. Inceptention will scan each one for .inceptention/index.js.
• Standard Node.js modules are supported. You can require() external code as long as it is available to the workspace.
• The API surface is exactly the same as a regular published extension, so you can later package and publish your .inceptention code with minimal changes.

Contribution

Contributions are encouraged! Improvements that enhance reload workflow, error diagnostics, or developer experience are especially welcome.