How to Open Multiple Folders in VS Code

Do you wish to code faster and more efficiently? Working with multiple folders at the same time in Visual Studio (VS) Code might come in handy. The well-known code editor provides developers with plenty of valuable features, including multi-root workspaces that can open multiple folders at once.

This article will show you how to use this option correctly. We’ll explain how to open multiple folders in VS Code, what advantages multi-root workspaces bring, and some top tips for fluidly managing projects.

Opening Multiple Folders in VS Code

To open multiple folders in VS Code, follow these steps:

1. Open and Launch Visual Studio Code.
   
2. Click on the “Explorer” icon in the VS Code sidebar or press “Ctrl + Shift + E” – either way will open File Explorer.
   
3. Select the “Open Folder” button or go to “File” and “Open Folder” in the menu bar.
   
4. Look for the first folder you want to open and click “Select Folder.”
   
5. To add another folder, press “Add Folder to Workspace” in the File Explorer, or go to “File” and click “Add Folder to Workspace” in the menu bar.
   
6. Find the next folder you want to open and click “Add.”
   

Repeat steps 5 and 6 to add more folders to the same workspace. You can also add folders to the workspace if you drag and drop them from your operating system folder window into File Explorer.

Multi-Root Workspaces – A Closer Look

Multi-root workspaces are a convenient VS Code feature that enables you to work with multiple project folders. These workspaces have several benefits:

Simplified Project Management

Multi-root workspaces make it simple to navigate between all the different parts of your projects, so you don’t need to switch back and forth between multiple windows or instances. This type of workspace is also a great way to share configurations across folders and keep an overview of your entire project in one space. So multi-root workspaces can help you stay on top of everything much easier if you’re working on something large or complex.

Folder-Specific Settings

You can tailor the editor to each project with granular control over settings. This ensures your coding environment is fine-tuned to the project’s specifications – whether it be its dependencies, styling, or other specific configurations.

Streamlined Debugging

You can simultaneously use debug configurations from separate folders for complex projects with multiple components. This is incredibly handy for developers dealing with microservices, plugins, or any other modular architecture, as different pieces may interact and rely on one another. With multi-root workspaces, a developer can effortlessly locate issues and apply debugging techniques across components – potentially saving time and avoiding errors.

Enhanced Collaboration

Gathering multiple projects into one workspace simplifies development for teams. In addition to making it easier to access resources and settings, it minimizes conflicts among members, giving them a consistent environment that encourages collaboration. Tasks can flow faster as everyone is on the same page.

Dealing With Workspace Files

Adding multiple folders to a workspace in VS Code will generate a .code-workspace file that records the configuration’s essential information – like folder paths and global settings. You can save this file at any permanent location you desire, share it with your team, or push it to a version control platform.

To save the workspace file:

1. Click “File” and “Save Workspace As…” in the menu bar.
   
2. Choose a location for the .code-workspace file and type in a name.
   
3. Click “Save.”
   

You can also open a workspace by clicking “File” and “Open Workspace” and selecting the .code-workspace file.

Multi-Root Workspaces Boost Productivity

Multi-root workspaces offer several features that help you work efficiently:

• Use the global search tool (“Ctrl + Shift + F”) to quickly look up files, functions, and variables from one place. This nifty feature will save you time by not having to sift through multiple folders manually to find what you need.
• If your projects use version control like Git, VS Code integrates flawlessly. You don’t need to switch between tools and can keep everything in the same place, so you can concentrate on writing and testing code without jumping around various applications.
• VS Code provides many extensions to assist you when working on projects in multi-root workspaces. These extensions ensure the different tasks are performed consistently across all your projects. This includes maintaining the quality of the code, enforcing coding standards, and automating tedious processes.
• With VS Code’s built-in task runner, you can use multi-root workspaces to create custom tasks and scripts for each project. This flexibility lets you automate almost any development aspect, from building and testing to deployment.

Tips to Better Organize Workspaces

To make the most of multi-root workspaces, try some of the following tips in your projects:

Group Related Projects

Stay focused and reduce mental clutter when you organize your working environment into dedicated project or component spaces. This will enable you to switch between related tasks quickly, allowing for greater clarity of everything in the project. Allocating a physical space to each task could also reduce stress caused by disorganization.

Use Workspace Settings

Personalizing your workspace settings for each task you’re working on is a great idea. Personalization will help you have the most productive coding experience possible since it’s adapted to the needs of that specific project. Things like highlighting, indentation rules, etc., can all make a surprisingly big difference.

Make Use of Workspace Extensions

Employ extensions that offer multi-root workspace assistance to make your coding work a breeze. Check out popular tools like ESLint and Prettier, which effortlessly integrate with multi-root workspaces, guaranteeing coding uniformity across all your various projects. Also, explore other, possibly lesser-known extensions that complement the multi-root workspaces. It may take some digging, but you can find the right extension for any task.

Learn Keyboard Shortcuts

Muscle memory is your express ticket to an efficient workflow. To become a more productive coder, memorize some of the most helpful keyboard shortcuts. For instance, “Ctrl + P” instantly opens any file, and “Ctrl + Shift + K” lets you delete a line. Once you get used to these shortcuts, it’ll be like second nature – no more wasted time digging through folders or clicking around to edit text.

Keep Workspaces Neat

Set aside some time to go through your workspace folders now and then and delete any unnecessary or outdated files and folders. It’ll help you stay organized and make it easier to find the most important information quickly. With fewer distractions, you can concentrate better on the project at hand. This way, you also reduce the risk of mistakenly using outdated code or information.

More Folders Please

If you want to manage complex projects better and collaborate, multi-root workspaces in VS Code may be the tool you’ll never want to code without again. It can make you more productive while at the same time reducing stressful annoyances that may take the joy out of programming. With this feature, you can open multiple folders simultaneously and gain insights into how to work with them.

Have you already experimented with multiple folders in VS Code? How do multi-root workspaces benefit your projects? Tell us all about it in the comment section.