OutputChannel-Based Debugging

Purpose

This skill captures logging and diagnostics through a VS Code OutputChannel for extension behavior tracing. It supports telemetry-free debugging of rename decisions and event handling.

When to Use

• •When diagnosing rename behavior.
• •When checking event availability and execution flow.
• •When validating anti-loop/guard conditions.

Inputs

• •OutputChannel messages from the extension.
• •Debug logging setting state.
• •Event handling paths and state transitions.

Outputs

• •Readable operational traces for extension behavior.
• •Faster root-cause analysis for naming/regression issues.

Procedure

1. •Initialize and use a dedicated OutputChannel.
2. •Log key lifecycle points (activation, capability checks, start/end handling, rename decisions).
3. •Keep logs concise and suppress unnecessary duplicates.
4. •Use logs to verify behavior against expected scenarios.

Constraints

• •Must:
  • •Use OutputChannel-based diagnostics for extension behavior.
  • •Keep logs useful and telemetry-free.
• •Must Not:
  • •Depend on external telemetry systems for required debugging visibility.
• •Avoid:
  • •Noisy logs that obscure state transitions.

Examples

• •Example 1:
  • •Context: Rename behavior appears inconsistent across terminals.
  • •Steps:
    • •Enable debug logging.
    • •Reproduce command sequence.
    • •Inspect OutputChannel sequence for terminal-specific decisions.
  • •Expected result:
    • •Clear trace of why rename/revert happened or was skipped.

Verification

• •Confirm OutputChannel contains expected lifecycle entries for test scenarios.