Hook Studio
Validate and inspect VS Code Copilot hook configuration files, including the current multi-file hooks layout.
Why Hook Studio?
Hook Studio helps you inspect and draft hook configurations inside VS Code. It provides static validation for the current .github/hooks/*.json layout and keeps compatibility with the legacy .github/hooks.json file.
Features
| Feature |
Description |
| Rule Builder |
Edit hooks.json with syntax highlighting, validation, and save |
| Workspace validation |
Check current and legacy hook files for JSON, event, action type, and command issues |
| Legacy migration |
Copy a legacy hook document into a reviewable .github/hooks/migrated.json file without changing the original |
| Recipe starters |
Create reviewed starter files for formatting, testing, or audit workflows |
| Static dry run |
Inspect commands and OS overrides for one lifecycle event without executing hooks |
| Rule Builder |
Edit a hook JSON document with syntax validation and save |
| Activity output |
Review Hook Studio editor and file-watch activity; VS Code does not expose hook execution telemetry to extensions |
| File Watch |
Detect changes in .github/hooks/*.json and legacy .github/hooks.json |
| Right-click menus |
Right-click any hooks.json in Explorer or Editor to access all commands directly |
Requirements
- VS Code 1.109 or later
- A workspace with
.github/hooks/*.json or legacy .github/hooks.json
Usage
- Open the Command Palette (
Ctrl+Shift+P)
- Run Hook Studio: Open — or right-click any
hooks.json file and select from the context menu
- Run Hook Studio: Validate Workspace Hooks to check lifecycle event names and command actions
- Use the Rule Builder tab to edit hook JSON
- Click Validate to check JSON syntax before saving
Migration and Recipes
- Migrate Legacy hooks.json creates
.github/hooks/migrated.json and leaves the legacy file untouched. Review and validate the new file before removing the legacy configuration.
- Create Hook Recipe writes an additive starter file under
.github/hooks/. Review every generated command for your repository and operating system before relying on it.
{
"hooks": {
"PreToolUse": [
{
"type": "command",
"command": "echo 'Before tool use'"
}
]
}
}
Commands
| Command |
Where |
Description |
Hook Studio: Open |
Palette · Right-click hooks.json |
Open the visual editor panel |
Hook Studio: Static Dry Run |
Palette · Right-click hooks.json |
Inspect configured actions for one lifecycle event without executing them |
Hook Studio: Open Legacy Workspace hooks.json |
Palette |
Load the legacy single-file workspace configuration |
Hook Studio: Export hooks.json |
Palette · Right-click hooks.json |
Export to a custom path |
Hook Studio: Open Execution Log |
Palette · Right-click hooks.json |
Show log view in Explorer sidebar |
Hook Studio: Validate Workspace Hooks |
Palette · Right-click hooks.json |
Validate current and legacy workspace hook files |
Hook Studio: Migrate Legacy hooks.json |
Palette · Right-click hooks.json |
Create a reviewable current-layout migration file |
Hook Studio: Create Hook Recipe |
Palette |
Create an additive starter recipe under .github/hooks/ |
Extension Settings
No configuration required. Hook Studio auto-activates when a hook file exists in .github/hooks/.
From the extension author: Loop Engineering: A Better Way to Think, Create, and Work with AI explores controls, independent checks, and proportional autonomy for AI-assisted workflows.
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License
MIT
| |
