VS Code Extension: OptiDev Terminals
This VS Code extension has been completely redesigned with a modern and intuitive interface while maintaining full compatibility with existing configurations. It provides powerful terminal management features through a dedicated sidebar view and streamlined interactions.
The extension preserves all your existing terminal configurations and settings, ensuring a seamless transition to the new interface. Whether you're an existing user or new to the extension, you'll find it easier than ever to configure and manage your terminals across workspaces.

Features
- Dedicated Side Bar View: Quick access to all your configured terminals
- Quick Actions:
- ▶️ Start terminal
- ⏹️ Stop terminal
- ✏️ Edit configuration
- 🗑️ Delete terminal
- Multi-terminal Management: Create and edit multiple terminals simultaneously
- Persistent Configuration: Automatic saving of your settings
- Auto-start: Option to launch terminals automatically on startup
Usage
Terminals View
- Click on the terminal icon in the activity bar to open the OptiDev Terminals view
- Use the "+" button to create a new terminal
- Each terminal displays quick actions on hover:
- Start: runs the terminal with configured command
- Stop: terminates the terminal
- Edit: opens the modification form
- Delete: removes the configuration (with confirmation)
Creating/Editing a Terminal
- A modern form opens in a tab
- Fill in:
- Terminal name
- Command to execute
- Auto-start option
- Multiple terminals can be edited simultaneously
- Changes are applied immediately
Default Configuration
- terminals:
[]
(array of terminal configurations)
{
"optiDev.terminals": [
{
"name": "Dev Server",
"command": "npm run dev",
"start": true
},
{
"name": "Tests",
"command": "npm run test",
"start": false
}
]
}
Migration
If you were using a previous version of the extension, you don't need to do anything special - your configurations will be automatically migrated to the new format on next startup. The extension will preserve:
- All your terminal configurations
- Auto-start settings
- Command definitions
- Workspace-specific settings
This ensures a zero-configuration transition to the new interface while maintaining all your existing workflows.
What's New
This redesign brings several improvements to enhance your terminal management experience:
- Streamlined Interface: New sidebar view with all terminals and actions in one place
- Quick Actions: Directly accessible controls for each terminal (start, stop, edit, delete)
- Multi-Terminal Management: Edit multiple terminals simultaneously in separate tabs
- Modern Forms: Enhanced terminal configuration interface
- Improved Feedback: Clear visual indicators and confirmations for all actions
All these improvements come without breaking changes to your existing configurations or workflows.
Initial Setup
If no terminals are configured, the extension will prompt you to create one at startup. You can also:
- Open the OptiDev Terminals view
- Click the "+" button to create a new terminal
- Configure your terminals as needed
Notes
- Each workspace can have its own configuration
- Settings are saved in workspace settings
- Interface adapts to VS Code theme
- Terminal actions are context-aware and accessible
- Multiple terminal configurations can be managed simultaneously