Encrypted real-time coding for teams that do not want editor lock-in.
Shadow lets you start or join a live coding session from VS Code while keeping the same underlying workflow as the Shadow CLI. Hosts can start a session, get the full join command copied automatically, and send that handoff to a teammate using the CLI or the extension.
What it does
Starts a Shadow session from your current workspace
Starts a read-only host session when you want teammates to view without syncing edits back
Joins an existing session from a full shadow join 'https://...#key' command or a raw URL
Copies the teammate join command for you when a host session is ready
Uses the Shadow status bar item as the main start/join/invite flow
Shows session status and details in the Activity Bar
Prompts to install or upgrade the Shadow CLI when needed
How to use it
Install the extension.
Open a project folder in VS Code.
Click the Shadow item in the bottom status bar.
Choose one of these:
Start Session to host a normal collaborative session
Start Read-Only Session to host without accepting teammate edits
Join Session to paste a Shadow URL or full shadow join '...' command
If you start a session, Shadow copies the full join command for you automatically.
Send that command to your teammate. They can join from the CLI or the VS Code extension.
Quick reference
Invite Others (Copy Link) copies the full join command again
Session Details shows the current session summary
Stop Collaboration Session ends a hosted session
Leave Collaboration Session leaves a joined session
Quick start
Install the extension
Open a project folder in VS Code
Click the Shadow status bar item or run Shadow: Start Session
Send the copied join command to your teammate
They join from VS Code or the CLI and edit live
Requirements
The extension uses the Shadow CLI for the actual encrypted sync session. If the CLI is missing, the extension offers to install it for you on macOS and Linux.
