[ICYMI] VS Code updates February 2026
Welcome to the monthly recap of updates and releases to VS Code and InterSystems-related extensions relevant to IRIS developers.
If you're migrating from InterSystems Studio to VS Code, or want to deepen your knowledge check out the VS Code training courses from George James Software: georgejames.com/vscode-training.
VS Code version 1.110
Kitty graphics protocol in the Terminal - The integrated terminal now supports the Kitty graphics protocol, allowing for high-fidelity image rendering directly in the terminal pane.
Try this feature if you use Embedded Python to generate data visualizations, charts or image previews. You can now see them directly within your VS Code terminal without switching to an external window.
Agentic Browser Tools - VS Code has introduced tools that allow AI agents to interact with the integrated browser - opening pages, clicking elements and capturing screenshots.
Use this for testing web applications. You can now use automation to 'drive' a browser session within VS Code to verify UI changes or REST API responses in real-time, helping to catch frontend regressions without leaving the editor.
Session Forking for Exploration - You can now 'fork' a chat or automation session into a new, independent window that inherits the previous history.
If you are using AI to help scaffold a complex class structure or write a unit test, you can 'fork' the conversation to try two different implementation patterns simultaneously without losing the context of your original plan.
This release also includes contributions from our very own @John Murray through pull requests that address open issues.
View the full release notes > https://code.visualstudio.com/updates/v1_110
InterSystems extensions
There have been some major updates this month to core tools. These updates require VS Code v1.109 or higher.
InterSystems ObjectScript - Key updates include:
- Integrated BPL Editor: You can now view and edit BPL files directly within VS Code - closing the gap for developers migrating from Studio to VS Code.
- File Sync: When folders are deleted locally on your client, the corresponding documents are automatically deleted on the server, keeping your environment clean.
- Export Project Contents: This command has moved to the Command Palette for quicker access, and there is improved logic for naming new classes and routines based on your folder structure.
- You can now launch Management Portal pages directly within the VS Code Integrated Browser, enabling you to check your System Dashboard or view a SQL table in the Portal without leaving your code environment.
Our Marketplace pick
gj:: locate - Error messages give the location in terms of the compiled .int code, not your source code. Using gj :: locate, you can locate the correct source of your error, just copy and paste any IRIS error message into gj :: locate and it will take you directly to the corresponding source line.
Let us know if you try any of these new features. Happy coding!