Code Reference Copier

Copy file references with line ranges using the standard CLI format. Auto-paste to terminal applications on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Features

• Copy current file reference: /absolute/path/to/file.js
• Copy file reference with single line: /absolute/path/to/file.js:15
• Copy file reference with line range: /absolute/path/to/file.js:10-25
• Copy code reference with selected text attached
• Auto-paste to terminal applications (Linux, macOS, Windows)
• Works with any file type in VS Code
• Uses absolute paths with OS-appropriate separators
• Four commands with dedicated keyboard shortcuts:
  • Send to Terminal (auto-paste): Ctrl+Alt+K / Cmd+Alt+K - Send reference to terminal
  • Send with Text to Terminal (auto-paste): Ctrl+Alt+T / Cmd+Alt+T - Send reference with selected text to terminal
  • Copy to Clipboard: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+K / Cmd+Shift+Alt+K - Copy reference only
  • Copy with Text to Clipboard: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+T / Cmd+Shift+Alt+T - Copy reference with selected text

Great for AI CLI Coders

The auto-paste feature is particularly useful when working with AI coding assistants like Claude, Kiro, and GitHub Copilot in the terminal. Instead of manually copying references, select code in VS Code and press Ctrl+Alt+K to instantly paste it into your AI CLI tool. Configure your preferred terminal applications in settings to enable this streamlined workflow.

Usage

Basic Usage

1. Open any file in VS Code
2. Optionally select text (single or multiple lines)
3. Use one of these commands:
   • Send to Terminal (auto-paste): Ctrl+Alt+K / Cmd+Alt+K OR Command Palette → "Send Code Reference to Terminal"
   • Send with Text to Terminal (auto-paste): Ctrl+Alt+T / Cmd+Alt+T OR Command Palette → "Send Code Reference with Text to Terminal"
   • Copy to Clipboard: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+K / Cmd+Shift+Alt+K OR Command Palette → "Copy Code Reference to Clipboard Only"
   • Copy with Text to Clipboard: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+T / Cmd+Shift+Alt+T OR Command Palette → "Copy Code Reference with Text to Clipboard Only"
4. Reference is either auto-pasted to the terminal or copied to clipboard, depending on the command

Auto-Paste Configuration

Configure terminal applications for auto-paste functionality:

1. Open VS Code Settings (Ctrl+, / Cmd+,)
2. Search for "Code Reference Copier"
3. Add terminal application names to "Auto Paste Applications"

Example configuration:

{
  "codeReferenceCopier.autoPasteApplications": ["claude", "kiro-cli", "copilot", "edit.exe"]
}

When auto-paste is enabled and a matching terminal is found, the reference will be pasted directly to the terminal instead of copied to clipboard.

Custom Format Templates

Customize the output format using template variables:

1. Open VS Code Settings (Ctrl+, / Cmd+,)
2. Search for "Code Reference Copier"
3. Configure template options

Base reference settings:

• codeReferenceCopier.templatePath - Format for file without selection

  • Default: {PATH}
  • Variables: {PATH}

• codeReferenceCopier.templateSingleLine - Format for single line selection

  • Default: {PATH}:{LINE1}
  • Variables: {PATH}, {LINE1}

• codeReferenceCopier.templateMultiLine - Format for multi-line selection

  • Default: {PATH}:{LINE1}-{LINE2}
  • Variables: {PATH}, {LINE1}, {LINE2}

Text-append settings:

• codeReferenceCopier.templateWithText - Appended when using "Copy with Text" command
  • Default: \n\n{TEXT}\n\n
  • Variables: {TEXT}
  • This template is appended to the base reference format (not a replacement)

Example custom configuration:

{
  "codeReferenceCopier.templatePath": "{PATH}",
  "codeReferenceCopier.templateSingleLine": "{PATH}@{LINE1}",
  "codeReferenceCopier.templateMultiLine": "{PATH}#{LINE1}:{LINE2}",
  "codeReferenceCopier.templateWithText": "\n\n{TEXT}\n\n"
}

Examples

No selection (entire file):

/home/user/project/src/main.js

Single line selected:

/home/user/project/src/main.js:15

Multiple lines selected:

/home/user/project/src/main.js:10-25

With selected text appended (default template):

/home/user/project/src/main.js:15

const value = calculate();

Note: References include a trailing space by default for immediate typing convenience.

Platform Support

• All platforms: Copy-to-clipboard and auto-paste to terminal applications
• Linux/macOS: Uses ps + pure shell for process detection (zero external dependencies)
• Windows: Uses PowerShell for process detection (built-in since Windows 10)

Requirements

• VS Code 1.60.0 or higher

Installation

Install from the VS Code Marketplace or download the .vsix file for manual installation.

License

MIT