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VirtualTabs - Custom File Groups

VirtualTabs - Custom File Groups

winterdrive

|
13 installs
| (0) | Free
Create custom file groups independent of folder structure. Organize open files by extension, project context, or any criteria in a convenient sidebar tree view.
Installation
Launch VS Code Quick Open (Ctrl+P), paste the following command, and press enter.
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VirtualTabs – Custom File Grouping Beyond Folder Limitations

Break free from directory structure constraints. Organize files by logic or rules to boost development productivity.

🔍 Project Overview

VirtualTabs is a VS Code extension that enables you to create temporary file groups based on logical relationships—independent of the original folder structure. Organize files by type, module, development phase, or custom rules. A tree view in the sidebar helps you build a flexible and efficient workflow.

🎯 Use Cases

  • Cross-directory management: Group related files scattered across different folders (e.g., config, styles, source code).
  • Feature-based grouping: Group files by module or functionality for focused development.
  • Project task switching: Create quick-access file sets for specific tasks or sprints.
  • Code review: Centralize files for review to improve efficiency.
  • Teaching & reference: Build curated examples or materials without folder interference.

✨ Key Features

📁 Group Management

  • Add, delete, rename, and duplicate custom groups
  • Built-in "Currently Open Files" group auto-syncs with VS Code tabs
  • Auto-group files by extension (requires group selection)

🖱️ User Interface

  • Multi-file selection and batch actions (open / close / remove)
  • Drag and drop files into or between groups
  • Smart click: single-click to select only, avoiding accidental file opening
  • Flexible file removal (via icon or context menu)

📄 UI Example

Feature Screenshot

🛠️ Utilities

  • Copy filename, relative path, or absolute path
  • Open containing folder
  • Auto-save group state (saved in workspaceState)

🌍 Multilingual Support

  • Supports Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and English
  • Automatically switches based on VS Code locale
  • Community contributions for new languages are welcome

🔄 Workflow Diagram

graph TD
    A["Original Directory Files"] --> B["VirtualTabs Groups"]
    B --> C["Custom Groups"]
    C --> D["Quick Switching & Actions"]

🚀 Why Choose VirtualTabs?

🧩 Solves Common Workflow Issues

In large projects, related files are often scattered:

  • Config files → root directory
  • Styles → styles
  • Logic → src / components
  • Tests → tests / __tests__

With VirtualTabs, you can: ✅ Create logical groups instantly ✅ Avoid changing original file locations ✅ Switch file sets based on task or context


📦 Installation & Usage

Installation

  1. Open VS Code
  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+X (or Cmd+Shift+X)
  3. Search for VirtualTabs and install

Basic Usage

  • Click the "Virtual Tabs" icon in the Activity Bar to open the view
  • Right-click to create a new group
  • Drag files into the group
  • Right-click group → Auto-group by extension
  • Change VS Code locale to switch language

🌍 Language Support

Supported languages:

  • Traditional Chinese (zh-tw)
  • Simplified Chinese (zh-cn)
  • English (en)

❓ FAQ

Q1: I don’t see the Virtual Tabs view?

Please check:

  • The extension is enabled
  • Your VS Code version is above 1.75
  • VirtualTabs has its own icon in the Activity Bar—look for it on the left

Q2: How does Auto Group by Extension work?

  1. Select a group to activate it
  2. Right-click and choose "Auto Group by Extension"
  3. The system will create sub-groups based on file extensions (e.g., .js, .css)

🔧 Developer Section

Interested in contributing? Check out DEVELOPMENT.md, which includes:

  • Environment setup
  • Debugging & publishing guide
  • Module structure & data flow diagrams
  • Common error troubleshooting

🤝 Contributing

We welcome community contributions:

  • 🐞 Bug reports → GitHub Issues
  • ✨ Feature requests and UI suggestions
  • 🔧 Code contributions (please fork and submit a PR)

📅 Roadmap

  • 🔍 Support custom grouping rules (by file path / keyword / regex)
  • ⚙️ Visual configuration interface (group logic visualization)
  • 🔁 Group setting save/restore feature

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