How to make vscode aware of user modules

When working with Julia in Visual Studio Code (VSCode), it is important to make sure that the editor is aware of the user modules. This allows for better code completion, linting, and overall development experience. In this article, we will explore three different ways to make vscode aware of user modules in Julia.

Option 1: Using the Julia extension

The first option is to use the Julia extension for VSCode. This extension provides a seamless integration with Julia and allows for easy management of user modules. To make vscode aware of user modules using this extension, follow these steps:

1. Install the Julia extension from the VSCode marketplace.
2. Open the command palette in VSCode by pressing Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac).
3. Type “Julia: Initialize Project” and select the option to initialize a new Julia project.
4. Specify the project directory and name.
5. Open the project folder in VSCode.
6. Create a new file named Project.toml in the project folder.
7. Add the following lines to the Project.toml file:

[deps]

Save the file and restart VSCode. The editor should now be aware of user modules in the project.

Option 2: Using the Julia REPL

If you prefer to work with the Julia REPL instead of the VSCode extension, you can make vscode aware of user modules by following these steps:

1. Open a terminal in VSCode by selecting View > Terminal.
2. Start the Julia REPL by typing julia in the terminal.
3. Enter the following commands in the Julia REPL:

using Pkg
Pkg.activate(".")
Pkg.instantiate()

These commands activate the current project and install the required packages. Once the commands are executed, vscode should be aware of user modules in the project.

Option 3: Using a Julia environment file

Another way to make vscode aware of user modules is by using a Julia environment file. This file specifies the project dependencies and allows for easy management of user modules. To use a Julia environment file, follow these steps:

1. Create a new file named Project.toml in the project folder.
2. Add the following lines to the Project.toml file:

[deps]

Save the file and open a terminal in VSCode.

3. Start the Julia REPL by typing julia in the terminal.
4. Enter the following commands in the Julia REPL:

using Pkg
Pkg.activate(".")
Pkg.instantiate()

These commands activate the current project and install the required packages. Once the commands are executed, vscode should be aware of user modules in the project.

After exploring these three options, it is clear that using the Julia extension for VSCode provides the most seamless and integrated experience. It automates the process of making vscode aware of user modules and simplifies project management. Therefore, the first option of using the Julia extension is the recommended approach.