Need to quickly convert copied values between lines, CSV, quoted strings, or prefixed formats?
Data Split-Join adds a Format Data submenu in the editor right-click menu so you can reformat selected text in one step.

What is Data Split-Join?

Data Split-Join is a VS Code extension for transforming selected text lists:

• lines -> comma/semicolon separated
• comma/semicolon list -> lines
• unquoted -> single/double quoted
• add prefix/suffix per item
• run reusable custom templates (project/global scope)

It works for both saved and unsaved files because it only operates on editor selections.

Why Use It?

• Fast context-menu workflow: Right-click selected text and apply a format
• Common defaults built in: No setup required for popular transformations
• Reusable custom templates: Save your own transforms in workspace or user scope
• Multi-selection support: Apply to each selected block in one command
• Data cleanup controls: Trim items, remove empties, de-duplicate, and sort

Getting Started

Installation

1. Open VS Code or Cursor
2. Go to the Extensions view
3. Search for Data Split-Join
4. Click Install

First Steps

1. Select some text in an editor, for example:

1
2
3

2. Right-click in the editor and open Format Data
3. Choose a built-in formatter like Join With Comma
4. Result becomes:

1,2,3

Default Built-in Actions

• Join With Comma: 1\n2\n3 -> 1,2,3
• Join With Semicolon: 1\n2\n3 -> 1;2;3
• Join As Single-Quoted CSV: 1\n2 -> '1','2'
• Join As Double-Quoted Semicolon: 1\n2 -> "1";"2"
• Split To New Lines: 1,2,3,4 -> multiline
• Add Prefix/Suffix...: e.g. 1,2 -> file-1,file-2

More Useful Combinations

• SQL IN helper: ('a','b','c')
• JSON-like string array: ["a","b","c"]
• Parenthesized output: (1),(2),(3)
• ID/value patterns: id=1,id=2
• Markdown bullets or numbered output
• Normalize mixed delimiters (1, 2; 3\n4) into one target format

Commands

• Data Split-Join: Run Formatter - Open a picker for built-in and custom templates
• Manage Templates... - Create, edit, and delete templates
• Context menu path - Right-click editor -> Format Data

If no text is selected, the extension prompts you to select text first.

Custom Templates

Template schema supports:

• inputMode: auto | lines | delimited
• split.delimiters: e.g. ,, ;, \\n, \\t
• trimItems, dropEmpty, dedupe, sort
• output delimiter, quote, prefix, suffix, wrapStart, wrapEnd

Store templates in:

• Project (Workspace) scope
• Global (User) scope

How It Works

Input Handling

• Saved and unsaved files: Uses current editor buffer selections
• Input modes: auto, lines, delimited
• Delimiter parsing: Supports comma, semicolon, newline, tab (and custom delimiters)

Settings

Configure custom templates with:

• quickListFormat.customTemplates - Template definitions saved to user or workspace settings target

Press F5 to launch the Extension Development Host.

Development

npm install
npm run compile
npm test

Press F5 in VS Code/Cursor to launch the Extension Development Host.

Support the Project

If Data Split-Join helps your workflow, you can support the project (no pressure):

Need Help?

• Issues: Found a bug or have an idea? Open an issue on GitHub
• Repository: github.com/iNandi/data-split-join

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

Made with ❤️ by Gobinda Nandi