diff --git a/src/content/blog/2026/introducing-the-launchybar-visual-studio-extension/cover.png b/src/content/blog/2026/introducing-the-launchybar-visual-studio-extension/cover.png new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5b06495 Binary files /dev/null and b/src/content/blog/2026/introducing-the-launchybar-visual-studio-extension/cover.png differ diff --git a/src/content/blog/2026/introducing-the-launchybar-visual-studio-extension/index.md b/src/content/blog/2026/introducing-the-launchybar-visual-studio-extension/index.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4998302 --- /dev/null +++ b/src/content/blog/2026/introducing-the-launchybar-visual-studio-extension/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,36 @@ +--- +title: 'Introducing the "LaunchyBar" Visual Studio extension!' +date: "2026-02-05T12:00:00-05:00" +categories: [dotnet, csharp, extensibility, visualstudio] +description: "Miss VS Code's Activity Bar? LaunchyBar brings that same quick-access toolbar experience to Visual Studio!" +subtitle: "Quick access to your favorite tools!" +--- + +Introducing "[LaunchyBar](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=CodingWithCalvin.VS-LaunchyBar)", an extension for Visual Studio 2022 (and 2026!) that brings the beloved Activity Bar concept from VS Code and JetBrains IDEs right into your Visual Studio workflow. + +If you've spent any time in VS Code, you're probably familiar with that narrow vertical strip of icons on the left side - the Activity Bar. It gives you quick, single-click access to common tools like the file explorer, search, source control, and more. I always missed that when switching back to Visual Studio, so I decided to build it myself. + +## A Word of Warning + +Before you get too excited, I need to be upfront: **this extension is entirely experimental**. I'm doing some things that aren't exactly "supported" by the Visual Studio extensibility APIs - specifically, injecting the toolbar into Visual Studio's main window shell. It works, but it's definitely pushing the boundaries of what extensions are supposed to do. + +What does that mean for you? It means this extension could break at any moment - a Visual Studio update, a theme change, or just the stars aligning wrong could cause issues. If you're okay with that and want to live on the edge, keep reading! + +## What Does It Do? + +LaunchyBar docks to the left side of Visual Studio and gives you instant access to frequently used tools and commands. Out of the box, it comes pre-configured with some essentials: + +- **Solution Explorer** - Jump straight to your project structure +- **Find in Files** - Quick search access +- **Git Changes** - Check your source control status +- **Debug** - Start or stop debugging with a single click (it even changes the icon based on the current debugger state!) +- **Terminal** - Pop open the integrated terminal +- **Settings** - Jump into Visual Studio settings + +The best part? Tool windows like Solution Explorer and Terminal toggle on each click - click once to show, click again to hide. No more hunting through menus. + +![LaunchyBar in action](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/CodingWithCalvin/VS-LaunchyBar/main/resources/1-launchy-bar.png) + +Feel free to check it out, and let me know if you have any suggestions for it - I have some ideas for making the bar customizable in the future, but I'd love to hear what features you'd find useful! + +And, of course, [it's open source](https://github.com/CodingWithCalvin/VS-LaunchyBar) and issues / PRs are happily accepted, if you're into that sort of thing.