Screen Sync - VS Code Extension

A powerful VS Code extension that seamlessly synchronizes GNU screen sessions with VS Code terminal tabs, providing live updates and automatic cleanup. Perfect for developers working with remote servers, AI MCP tools, and complex terminal workflows.

🚀 Key Features

Core Functionality

Live Synchronization: Real-time monitoring and syncing of GNU screen sessions
Automatic Cleanup: Removes terminal tabs when screen sessions end
Cross-Platform Support: Works on Linux, macOS, and Unix-like systems
Zero Configuration: Works out of the box with intelligent defaults
No Manual Refresh: Automatic detection of session changes

AI MCP Integration

Seamless WCGW Integration: Perfect companion for AI MCP tools that use 'screen' sessions
Enhanced Workflow: Automatically manages terminal tabs created by AI agents
Smart Session Handling: Intelligently tracks AI-generated screen sessions
Productivity Boost: Eliminates manual terminal management when working with AI tools

🔧 Installation

From VS Code Marketplace

Open VS Code
Go to Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X)
Search for "Screen Sync"
Click Install

From Source

git clone https://github.com/ThinkFar/vscode-screen-sync.git
cd vscode-screen-sync/screen-sync
npm install
npm run compile
# Install the extension in VS Code
code --install-extension .

📖 Usage

Basic Usage

Start the extension: The extension activates automatically when VS Code starts
Create screen sessions: Use screen -S session_name in your terminal
Watch the magic: VS Code terminal tabs automatically sync with your screen sessions
End sessions: When you exit screen sessions, corresponding tabs are automatically removed

With AI MCP Tools (WCGW)

Screen Sync is designed to work seamlessly with AI MCP tools like WCGW:

# WCGW creates screen sessions automatically
# Screen Sync detects and manages these sessions in VS Code
# No manual intervention required

Configuration

The extension works with intelligent defaults, but you can customize behavior:

Sync Interval: How often to check for screen session changes
Auto Cleanup: Whether to automatically remove tabs for ended sessions
Session Filtering: Which screen sessions to track

🔄 How It Works

Session Detection: Monitors GNU screen sessions using screen -list
Tab Management: Creates/removes VS Code terminal tabs to match active sessions
Live Updates: Continuously syncs without manual intervention
Smart Cleanup: Removes tabs only when sessions actually end

🤖 AI MCP Integration Details

WCGW Compatibility

Screen Sync is specifically designed to enhance workflows with AI MCP tools:

Automatic Detection: Recognizes screen sessions created by WCGW and other MCP tools
Session Persistence: Maintains terminal tabs for ongoing AI operations
Clean Termination: Properly cleans up when AI tasks complete
Multi-Session Support: Handles multiple concurrent AI workflows

Benefits for AI Workflows

Visual Clarity: See all active AI sessions at a glance
Easy Access: Jump between different AI tasks instantly
Automatic Management: No need to manually create/close terminal tabs
Enhanced Productivity: Focus on AI interactions, not terminal management

📋 Requirements

VS Code: Version 1.100.0 or higher
GNU Screen: Must be installed and accessible via command line
Operating System: Linux, macOS, or Unix-like system
Permissions: Ability to execute screen commands

🛠️ Development

Building from Source

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/ThinkFar/vscode-screen-sync.git
cd vscode-screen-sync/screen-sync

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Compile TypeScript
npm run compile

# Watch for changes during development
npm run watch

# Package the extension
npm run package

Testing

# Run tests
npm test

# Run with coverage
npm run test:coverage

📄 Licensing

Screen Sync uses a dual licensing strategy:

Community License (AGPL v3)

Free for open source projects
Free for personal use
Free for educational use
Requires source code disclosure for derivative works
See LICENSE for full terms

Commercial License

For proprietary/commercial use
No copyleft requirements
Includes commercial support
See LICENSE-COMMERCIAL for details

🤝 Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please see our Contributing Guidelines for details.

Development Setup

Fork the repository
Create a feature branch
Make your changes
Add tests if applicable
Submit a pull request

📞 Support

Issues: GitHub Issues
Discussions: GitHub Discussions
Commercial Support: Available with commercial license

🏷️ Version History

See CHANGELOG.md for detailed version history.

📜 License

This project is dual-licensed:

AGPL v3 for open source use
Commercial License for proprietary use

See the LICENSE and LICENSE-COMMERCIAL files for details.

Made with ❤️ by ThinkFar

📦 Publisher

Visual Studio Marketplace

Publisher Manage URL: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/manage/publishers/thinkable

Enhance your terminal workflow with intelligent screen session management.

Screen Sync

thinkable