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VS Code Extension Installation

VS Code Extension installation provides HVE-Core directly through the VS Code Marketplace. This is the simplest zero-configuration method that works across all environments.

When to Use This Method​

✅ Use this when:

  • You want the simplest possible setup
  • You don't need to customize HVE-Core components
  • You work across different machines and environments
  • You want automatic updates through VS Code
  • You prefer marketplace-managed extensions
  • You want a clean, zero-configuration setup

❌ Consider alternatives when:

How It Works​

The extension packages all HVE-Core components (chat agents, prompts, instructions) as a standard VS Code extension. Once installed, all components are immediately available without any additional configuration.

VS Code Extension System
├── Extension installed via marketplace
│   ├── .github/agents/         # All chat agents
│   ├── .github/prompts/        # All prompt templates
│   ├── .github/instructions/   # All coding guidelines
│   └── .github/skills/         # All skill packages
└── Only optional workspace configuration needed!

Quick Start​

  1. Open VS Code
  2. Go to Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X)
  3. Search for "HVE Core"
  4. Click Install

Or click here: Install HVE Core Extension

Option 2: Install from Command Line​

code --install-extension ise-hve-essentials.hve-core

Option 3: Install Using VS Code Insiders​

code-insiders --install-extension ise-hve-essentials.hve-core

Verification​

After installation, verify everything works:

  1. Open GitHub Copilot Chat (Ctrl+Alt+I)
  2. Click the agent picker dropdown
  3. Verify HVE-Core agents appear:
    • task-planner
    • task-researcher
    • task-implementor
    • pr-review
    • adr-creation

Post-Installation (Optional)​

These optional configurations enhance your HVE-Core experience but are not required for basic functionality.

Update Your .gitignore​

HVE-Core agents create ephemeral workflow artifacts in a .copilot-tracking/ folder within your project. Add this line to your project's .gitignore:

.copilot-tracking/

This applies even when using the extension. The folder is created in your project directory when you use agents like task-researcher or pr-review. See the installation guide for details on what gets stored there.

What's Included​

The extension provides all HVE-Core components:

ComponentExamples
Chat Agentstask-planner, pr-review, adr-creation
Promptsgit-commit, pull-request, ado-create-pr
Instructionsmarkdown, python-script, commit-message
Skillspr-reference, video-to-gif

Updating​

The extension updates automatically through VS Code's extension system:

  • Extensions update automatically when new versions are released (default)
  • Open Extensions view → find "HVE Core" → click Update for manual updates
  • Right-click the extension → "Switch to Pre-Release Version" for pre-release access

Comparison with Other Methods​

Pros ✅​

AdvantageDetail
Zero configurationNo workspace settings or file cloning required
Works everywhereLocal, devcontainers, Codespaces, any environment
Automatic updatesVS Code manages updates automatically
No repository pollutionNothing added to your project
Instant availabilityWorks immediately after installation
No manual setupNo scripts to run or paths to configure
Marketplace managedCentralized distribution and versioning

Cons ❌​

LimitationDetail
No customizationCan't modify custom agents, prompts, or instructions
Extension updates onlyTesting development versions requires extra setup
No version pinningUses latest version (or opt into pre-release)
No team controlCan't enforce specific versions across team
Limited flexibilityCan't combine with custom local modifications

Common Scenarios​

Scenario 1: Quick Personal Use​

Goal: Start using HVE-Core immediately without setup

Solution: Install the extension from marketplace

Steps​

  1. Install extension from marketplace
  2. Start using task-planner and other agents
  3. That's it!

Scenario 2: Multi-Machine Developer​

Goal: Use HVE-Core consistently across laptop, desktop, and Codespaces

Solution: Install extension on all machines via Settings Sync

Steps​

  1. Enable Settings Sync in VS Code
  2. Install extension on one machine
  3. Extensions automatically sync to other devices

Scenario 3: Team Adoption​

Goal: Get entire team using HVE-Core quickly

Solution: Share extension link and install instructions

Steps​

  1. Share marketplace link with team
  2. Team members install extension
  3. Everyone has consistent experience immediately

Scenario 4: Want to Customize Later​

Goal: Start with extension, later switch to customization

Solution: Use extension initially, migrate to Peer Clone when needed

Steps​

  1. Start with extension for quick setup
  2. When customization needed, uninstall extension
  3. Follow Peer Clone method for local modifications

Troubleshooting​

Extension Not Appearing​

Check extension is installed​

  1. Open Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X)
  2. Search "HVE Core"
  3. Verify "Installed" badge appears

Reload VS Code​

  1. Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P)
  2. "Developer: Reload Window"

Agents Not Showing in Copilot Chat​

Verify GitHub Copilot is active​

  1. Check Copilot icon in status bar
  2. Sign in if needed

Check extension status​

  1. Extensions view → "HVE Core"
  2. Verify no errors shown
  3. Click "Show Extension Output" if issues

Conflicting Installation Methods​

If you have both extension and manual installation (like Peer Clone):

Problem: Duplicate agents appearing

Solution: Choose one method:

  • Keep extension: Remove manual installation (delete cloned folder, remove workspace settings)
  • Keep manual: Uninstall extension

Update Not Appearing​

Force check for updates​

  1. Extensions view → ⋯ (More Actions)
  2. "Check for Extension Updates"

Manually update​

  1. Extensions view → Find "HVE Core"
  2. Click "Update" button

Migration Guide​

From Manual Installation to Extension​

If you're currently using manual methods like Peer Clone:

  1. Delete HVE-Core paths from .vscode/settings.json
  2. Optionally remove the hve-core clone if no longer needed
  3. Install the extension following the Quick Start above
  4. Verify agents appear in Copilot Chat

From Extension to Manual Installation​

If you need customization:

  1. Uninstall the extension from Extensions view
  2. Follow a manual method such as Peer Clone for local customization
  3. Customize agents, prompts, or instructions as needed

Limitations​

AspectStatus
Customization❌ Cannot modify components
Version control⚠️ Extension updates only, no git control
Team enforcement⚠️ Each member installs independently
Dev/testing⚠️ Pre-release channel only, not custom branches
Portable paths✅ Works everywhere
Setup complexity✅ Simplest possible
Disk usage✅ Single installation across all projects

Next Steps​

🤖 Crafted with precision by ✨Copilot following brilliant human instruction, then carefully refined by our team of discerning human reviewers.