texpand-vscode is a VSCode extension that expands all local #include dependencies in C/C++ source files into a single, self-contained file. It optionally performs token-level code compression while preserving semantics.
The extension runs the core Rust logic via WebAssembly (WASI) — no local CLI tool or Rust toolchain required.
Features
One-click expansion: Expand all local #include headers directly in the editor — via the editor title button, context menu, or command palette.
Safe code compression: Optionally strip comments and unnecessary whitespace with semantic-aware token merging that won't break your code.
Zero external dependency: The WASM engine is bundled with the extension. No binary tools or Rust environment needed.
Remote development ready: Works seamlessly with Remote-SSH, Dev Containers, and VSCode for Web via the virtual file system.
Flexible output: Copy expanded code to clipboard, or write to a .expanded.cpp file alongside the original.
Usage
After installing, open any C/C++ file and:
Editor title bar — click the file icon button in the top-right corner to expand and copy to clipboard.
Context menu — right-click the editor, choose an action from the Texpand submenu.
Command palette — press Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P and type Texpand.
Status bar — click the Texpand button at the bottom-right to toggle compression or output mode.
Extension Settings
Search for texpand in VSCode settings:
Setting
Type
Default
Description
texpand.includePaths
string[]
["./"]
Header search paths. Supports workspace-relative or absolute paths.
texpand.defaultCompression
boolean
false
Whether to enable code compression by default.
texpand.outputMode
"clipboard" / "newFile"
"clipboard"
Output destination: clipboard, or a new .expanded.cpp file.
Commands
Command
Description
Texpand: Expand Current File (Default)
Expand using the configured output mode.
Texpand: Expand and Copy to Clipboard
Expand and copy the result to clipboard.
Texpand: Expand to New File
Expand and write the result to a new file.
Known Issues
None yet.
Release Notes
0.1.0
Initial release. Basic expansion, compression, clipboard and file output.
