TabSync - Real-time Tab and Cursor Synchronization

TabSync is a VS Code extension that enables real-time synchronization of tabs and cursor positions between multiple VS Code instances. Perfect for collaborative coding, presentations, or working across multiple devices.

Features

• Host/Guest Sessions: One person hosts a session, others join as guests
• Real-time Tab Sync: Automatically sync opened/closed tabs across all connected instances
• Cursor Position Sync: See cursor movements and selections in real-time
• File Structure Validation: Automatically handles missing files with helpful error messages
• Status Bar Integration: Clear visual indication of session status
• Easy Connection: Simple WebSocket-based connection with auto-generated URLs

Quick Start

Starting a Host Session

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P)
2. Run TabSync: Start Host Session
3. The extension will start a local server and display connection details
4. Share the connection URL with guests

Joining as a Guest

1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P)
2. Run TabSync: Join as Guest
3. Enter the host's WebSocket URL (e.g., ws://localhost:8080/tabsync)
4. Your tabs and cursor will now sync with the host

Managing Sessions

• Check Status: Run TabSync: Show Status to see current session details
• Stop Session: Run TabSync: Stop Session to disconnect and stop syncing

How It Works

1. Host Mode: Creates a WebSocket server on an available port (starting from 8080)
2. Guest Mode: Connects to the host's WebSocket server
3. Synchronization:
   • Tab changes (open/close/switch) are broadcast from host to all guests
   • Cursor movements and selections are synced in real-time
   • File paths are resolved relative to workspace root

Requirements

• VS Code 1.105.0 or higher
• Both host and guests must have the same project structure
• Network connectivity between host and guests

Commands

Status Bar Integration

The extension adds a status indicator to your status bar:

• $(broadcast) TabSync Host:8080 - When hosting a session
• $(plug) TabSync Guest - When connected as a guest
• $(circle-large-outline) TabSync - When inactive

File Handling

When a guest cannot find a file that the host is trying to sync:

• An error document is created explaining the missing file
• The relative path and expected location are displayed
• No crashes or data loss occurs

Known Issues

• Only works with file:// scheme documents (not untitled documents)
• Requires same workspace folder structure between host and guests
• Currently one-way sync (host → guests only)

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

• Ensure firewall allows connections on the specified port
• Verify both host and guest are on the same network (for localhost connections)
• Check that the WebSocket URL is correctly formatted

File Not Found Errors

• Ensure both host and guest have identical project structures
• Verify workspace folders are opened at the same level
• Check file permissions and accessibility

Roadmap

• [ ] Bidirectional synchronization
• [ ] Multiple cursor support
• [ ] Remote connection support (beyond localhost)
• [ ] Session authentication
• [ ] Custom port configuration
• [ ] Selective file sync options

Release Notes

0.0.1

Initial release with core synchronization features:

• Host/Guest session management
• Real-time tab synchronization
• Cursor position and selection sync
• WebSocket-based communication
• Status bar integration
• Error handling for missing files

Enjoy collaborative coding with TabSync!