Claude Code Extension for Visual Studio

A Visual Studio extension that provides seamless integration with Claude Code directly within the Visual Studio IDE.

Features

🎯 Integrated Terminal

• Embedded Claude Code terminal within Visual Studio
• Automatic workspace directory detection when loading solutions
• Seamless command execution without leaving the IDE

⌨️ Smart Send Controls

• Send with Enter: Toggle between Enter-to-send and manual send modes
• Shift+Enter or Ctrl+Enter: Create new lines when Send with Enter is enabled
• Manual Send Button: Appears when Send with Enter is disabled

🖼️ Image Support

• Clipboard Paste: Use Ctrl+V to paste images from clipboard in the prompt area
• File Browser: Click "Add Image" to select images from file system
• Image Chips: Visual representation of attached images with remove functionality

🔧 Workspace Intelligence

• Solution Detection: Automatically detects and switches to solution directory
• Dynamic Updates: Terminal restarts when switching between solutions
• Fallback Handling: Smart directory resolution when no solution is open

💾 Persistent Settings

• JSON Configuration: Settings stored in %LocalAppData%\..\Local\ClaudeCodeExtension\claudecode-settings.json
• Send with Enter State: Remembers your preferred input mode
• Splitter Position: Maintains your preferred layout between sessions

🎨 Visual Studio Integration

• Dark/Light Theme: Consistent with Visual Studio's dark/light theme
• Resizable Layout: Adjustable splitter between prompt and terminal areas
• Native Controls: Follows Visual Studio UI conventions

System Requirements

• Visual Studio 2022 17.14 or later
• Claude Pro or better paid subscription
• Claude Code CLI installed and accessible via claude.cmd in path. Refer to https://docs.claude.com/en/docs/claude-code/setup for Claude Code installation
• Windows operating system

Installation

1. Download the latest VSIX package
2. Double-click the VSIX file to install
3. Restart Visual Studio
4. Open the extension via View → Other Windows → Claude Code Extension

Quick Start

• First Time Setup: Ensure Claude Code CLI is installed and accessible
• Open Tool Window: View → Other Windows → Claude Code Extension
• Start Chatting: Type your prompt and press Enter
• Add Images: Use Ctrl+V to paste or click "Add Image" button
• Customize: Toggle "Send with Enter" and adjust layout as needed

Usage

1. Open the Tool Window: Navigate to View → Other Windows → Claude Code Extension
2. Enter Prompts: Type your questions or requests in the prompt area
3. Add Images: Drag & drop, paste, or use the "Add Image" button
4. Send Messages: Press Enter (if enabled) or click the Send button
5. View Responses: See Claude's responses in the embedded terminal below and also interact with it directly

Customization

• Send with Enter: Check/uncheck the checkbox to toggle sending behavior
• Layout: Drag the splitter to adjust the prompt/terminal ratio
• Settings persist automatically between Visual Studio sessions

Version History

Version 1.1

• Dynamic dark/light theme according to Visual Studio theme (except for Claude Code terminal because in white does not look good at all)
• Fixed icon in View -> Other Windows -> Claude Code Extension menu
• If Claude Code claude.cmd is not found in path, show a message box with instructions and open URL for installation if user requests
• Fix issues pasting images in prompt area

Version 1.0

• Initial release
• Embedded Claude Code terminal
• Send with Enter functionality with Shift+Enter and Ctrl+Enter for new lines
• Image drag & drop, paste, and file selection support
• Automatic workspace directory detection
• Solution event monitoring for dynamic directory switching
• Persistent JSON settings storage
• Resizable layout with splitter position memory
• Dark theme integration

License & Usage

** IMPORTANT NOTICE**

This extension is proprietary software. Unauthorized cloning, copying, modification, or distribution is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from the author.

Restrictions

• No cloning or forking of source code
• No modification or derivative works
• No redistribution or commercial use
• No reverse engineering

Permissions

For licensing inquiries or permission requests, please contact the author.

Claude Code Extension for Visual Studio - Enhancing your AI-assisted development workflow

Build with the help of Claude Opus 4.1, Claude Code and GPT-5