possible solution to resolve --user-data-dir and --extensions-dir (#869, #411, #331, and etc)

[jjangga0214]

Hi, while using vscode as root on Kali linux with --user-data-dir (e.g. code --user-data-dir /root/.config/vscode), I faced an issue that code-settings-sync does not install extensions.

It seems the problem is caused from the fact that there's no vscode API for an extenstion to detect --user-data-dir and --extensions-dir. I could also found issues like #869 and #411.

And if so, we don't know whether and when the API are to be provided. Therefore, I suggests a (possibly temporary) workaround.

The idea is user provides environment variables like $CODE_USER_DATA_DIR or $CODE_EXTENSIONS_DIR. For instance, I could run CODE_USER_DATA_DIR=/root/.config/vscode code --user-data-dir /root/.config/vscode.

To achieve that, we might abandon using vscode.commands.executeCommand, and replace it with cli.

src/service/pluginService.ts

v3.3.0 (line 221)

const name = ext.publisher + "." + ext.name; //extension identifier
await vscode.commands.executeCommand(
            "workbench.extensions.installExtension", name);

Suggestion (concept code) based on master (line 301)

const name = missExt.publisher + "." + missExt.name;
const extensionCli = `${myExt} 
${process.env.CODE_USER_DATA_DIR ? 
"--user-data-dir " + process.env.CODE_USER_DATA_DIR : "" } 
${process.env.CODE_EXTENSIONS_DIR ? 
"--extensions-dir " + process.env.CODE_EXTENSIONS_DIR : "" } 
--install-extension ${name}`;
exec(extensionCli, (err, stdout, stderr) => {
...
})

How do you think of the idea?

[auxves]

@jjangga0214 The changes in v3.3.0 were necessary to support all versions of VSCode. Also, using the API to install extensions should completely fix this issue. Have you tried installing a build of v3.3.0 and trying that out?

[jjangga0214]

@arnohovhannisyan Thanks for letting me know!
I currently use v3.2.9, and due to a strange bug ( photo below ), couldn't run v3.3.0 locally.

It'd be great anyway if I really can use it as you mentioned on my Kali when v3.3.0 becomes the official.

[auxves]

@jjangga0214 Try installing this VSIX: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/549007146868539408/587599453708353566/code-settings-sync-3.2.9.vsix

If you don't know how: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/extension-gallery#_install-from-a-vsix

[jjangga0214]

@arnohovhannisyan Happy to see it works even on today!
So, I guess #411 can be closed (if it's tested on windows 10).
Thank you :)

[shanalikhan]

Duplicate of #411