Java Var Type Hints
Author: Rhama Krisner
Category: Programming Languages
Description
Java Var Type Hints helps you read Java code that uses var by showing the actual type inferred by the compiler directly in the editor.
Perfect for:
- Developers reviewing “lazy” code that relies heavily on
var.
- Teams that want clarity in complex Java projects.
- Learning variable types in Java, especially with generics.
⚡ Key feature: the plugin does not modify your source code while displaying types.
Features
- Displays inferred types for
var inline or via hover.
- Supports basic types, arrays, custom classes, and simple generics (
List<String>, Map<K,V>).
- Automatically updates when the document changes or plugin settings are modified.
- Command to replace
var with the inferred type manually (Ctrl+Shift+P → Java Var Type Hints: Replace Var With Type).
- Fully configurable:
- Hint color
- Prefix (
:, ->, ::)
- Font size
- Hover information
Commands
| Command |
Description |
Java Var Type Hints: Reload Hints |
Refreshes all type hints in the active editor. |
Java Var Type Hints: Replace Var With Type |
Manually replaces the var keyword with the inferred type from hover. |
Settings
All settings can be accessed under Settings → Extensions → Java Var Type Hints:
| Setting |
Type |
Default |
Description |
javaVarTypeHints.enabled |
boolean |
true |
Enable or disable type hints for var variables. |
javaVarTypeHints.color |
string |
#888888 |
Color of the type hint (hex, rgb, etc.). |
javaVarTypeHints.style |
string (inline/end-of-line) |
inline |
Position of the hint: after the variable name or at the end of the line. |
javaVarTypeHints.prefix |
string |
: |
Prefix displayed before the inferred type. |
javaVarTypeHints.showOnHover |
boolean |
true |
Show detailed type info on hover. |
javaVarTypeHints.fontSize |
string |
inherit |
Font size of the hint text. |
Visual Example
Original Code
var person = new Person();
var ages = List.of(10, 20, 30);
Visual representation in editor
Person person = new Person();
var ages: List<Integer> = List.of(10, 20, 30);
The actual file still uses var; the plugin only visually replaces it in the editor.
Release Notes
v0.0.1
Initial release:
Basic and simple generic type support.
Inline decoration with inferred type.
Manual var replacement command.
Configurable color, prefix, style, and hover settings.
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## Privacy / Data Policy
Java Var Type Hints does not collect, store, or transmit any data from its users.
This plugin:
- Does not track your usage or send telemetry.
- Does not collect or distribute any personal or project data.
- Operates entirely locally within VS Code.
You can use this plugin with confidence that your data remains private and fully under your control.
