ContextRecall
A lightweight session memory layer for VS Code (and VS Code–based editors such as Cursor). It keeps a small, local snapshot of your workspace so you can pick up work after closing the editor or switching projects.
Extension ID: context-recall · Display name: ContextRecall (see package.json).
Why
When you reopen a project, you often ask:
“What was I working on again?”
You re-read files, re-open tabs, and rebuild context. This extension stores task + notes (what you type), which files are open, a working set of files you recently focused or saved, and Git working-tree paths — all in one JSON file under the workspace.
What it does (and does not)
|
|
| Does |
Persist currentTask, notes, openFiles, recentFiles (working set), gitModified to .context-recall/state.json at the workspace root (not under .workspace/). |
| Does |
Optionally re-open up to N editor tabs from the last snapshot when you open the folder (autoRestore + maxRestoreEditors). |
| Does |
Export a plain-text summary to the clipboard (task, open tabs, working set, Git list, notes). |
| Does not |
Sync to the cloud, read Cursor Chat, or call external analytics APIs. |
| Does not |
Replace Git history or show full git log — only a path list derived from git status (see below). |
Key features
Persistent workspace memory
File: <workspace-root>/.context-recall/state.json
Fields:
currentTask — your text (sidebar); not auto-filled from AI chat.notes — your text.openFiles — workspace-relative paths currently open in editor tabs (within this workspace folder).recentFiles — working set: files you focused or saved recently (capped by settings); not “every tab ever opened”.gitModified — paths reported by simple-git git.status() (includes staged, modified, untracked/not_added, created, deleted, renamed, conflicted).
Smart working set
Tracks meaningfully activated or saved files — not every open tab merged into history on each sync.
Git awareness
Uses local simple-git + git.status() for paths listed above. This is a flat path list, not a full diff viewer.
Session restore
When enabled, opens editors from saved paths (working set first, then open tabs), up to contextRecall.maxRestoreEditors.
It does not restore full VS Code UI layout, terminals, or breakpoints — only tries to open files.
AI context export (clipboard)
Command contextRecall.exportAIContext builds English-labelled sections (task, open files, working set, Git paths, notes) and copies to the clipboard. Paste into ChatGPT, Claude, another Cursor chat, etc.
Activity bar: ContextRecall
View: Session & Context — edit task/notes, lists, click a path to open the file.
Commands
Use Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P). Command IDs (for keybindings.json) are:
| Command ID |
Purpose |
contextRecall.exportAIContext |
Copy AI-ready workspace summary to clipboard. |
contextRecall.saveStateNow |
Flush current tabs + Git state to disk immediately. |
contextRecall.restoreSession |
Open editors again from the saved snapshot (same rules as restore). |
Configuration
All keys are under the contextRecall namespace:
| Setting |
Default |
Description |
contextRecall.autoRestoreOnOpen |
true |
After opening the workspace, auto-open editors from the last snapshot. |
contextRecall.maxRestoreEditors |
8 |
Max editors to open (0 = do not auto-open on startup). |
contextRecall.workingSetMaxFiles |
40 |
Max paths kept in the working set (recentFiles). |
Migration from older builds
If you previously used .project-recall/state.json, rename the folder to .context-recall and move state.json inside (or copy its contents into a new .context-recall/state.json). Command IDs and settings keys changed from projectRecall.* to contextRecall.* — update Keyboard Shortcuts / settings.json if you customized them.
Installation
From VSIX
Extensions → ⋯ → Install from VSIX… → reload the window.
From source
git clone <repository-url>
cd <your-repo-folder> # e.g. sessionrecall
npm install
npm run compile
Press F5 to run in the Extension Development Host.
Package
npm run compile
npx @vscode/vsce package
Requirements
- Open a folder workspace (File → Open Folder). A single-file window has no workspace root; the extension cannot write state meaningfully.
- VS Code engine:
^1.85.0 (see package.json).
Privacy
Data stays under <workspace-root>/.context-recall/. This repository’s extension code does not add telemetry or intentional outbound network calls for session data.
Project structure
src/
├── extension.ts
├── scanner/
│ ├── workspaceScanner.ts
│ └── gitScanner.ts
├── state/
│ ├── stateManager.ts
│ └── recovery.ts
├── ui/
│ └── sidebarProvider.ts
└── types/
└── state.ts
Contributing
PRs welcome. Run npm run compile before submitting.
License
MIT License. Copyright (c) 2026 frankleeeeeee-labs.
(Update the GitHub URL in package.json → repository / homepage if your fork lives elsewhere; match the default branch name in this link if not main.)
