Code Licenses

A Visual Studio Code extension that analyzes and displays license information for project dependencies across multiple programming languages and package managers.

⚠️ Beta Notice: This extension is currently in beta. Always validate license information independently and use at your own risk. This tool provides guidance but should not be the sole source for legal compliance decisions.

🚀 Key Features

🔍 Multi-language support

Automatically detects and analyzes dependencies across several programming languages:

Language	File detection	Registry source	Status
JavaScript	package.json	npm registry	✅ Full Support
TypeScript	package.json + tsconfig.json	npm registry	✅ Full Support
C#	.csproj, packages.config	NuGet Gallery	🚧 Basic Support
Rust	Cargo.toml	crates.io	🚧 Basic Support
Go	go.mod	pkg.go.dev	✅ Full Support
Python	requirements.txt	PyPI	🚧 Basic Support

Interactive dashboard

• Realtime statistics: Project count, dependency totals, license distribution
• Clean styling: Clean, VS Code-themed interface
• Multiple export formats: JSON, CSV, HTML

Smart tree view

• Simple organization mode: Projects → Dependencies → License info
• Interactive elements: Click dependencies for detailed information
• Context actions: Right-click for license text

License compatibility analysis

• Smart risk assessment: Automatic risk level calculation (Low/Medium/High)
• Visual compatibility matrix: Interactive grid showing license interactions
• Issue detection: Identifies potential licensing conflicts with explanations
• Export capabilities: Save compatibility reports in JSON, CSV, or HTML

Commands & Controls

Command	Description
Code Licenses: Scan Project Licenses	Scan workspace for dependencies
Code Licenses: Open License Report Viewer	Launch interactive dashboard
Code Licenses: Show License Compatibility Matrix	Analyze license compatibility
Code Licenses: View License Text	Display full license text
Code Licenses: Export License Report	Export to file formats
Code Licenses: Show Cache Overview	Manage license cache
Code Licenses: Open Settings	Access extension settings

Caching & Performance

• Smart caching: Configurable cache duration (default: 24 hours)
• Performance optimization: Reduces API calls and improves response times
• Cache management: Overview window with statistics, export, and clear options
• Persistent storage: Cache survives VS Code restarts

Installation & Quick start

Installation options

1. VS Code marketplace: Install directly from VS Code Extensions panel
2. Command line: code --install-extension RustyDaemon.code-licenses
3. Manual installation: Download .vsix from GitHub releases

Getting started

1. Open a project: Launch VS Code with a project containing dependency files
2. Auto-detection: Extension automatically detects supported project types
3. Manual scan: Use Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) → "Code Licenses: Scan Project Licenses"
4. Explore results: Check "Project Licenses" panel in Explorer sidebar
5. Generate reports: Use "Open License Report Viewer" for comprehensive analysis

Configuration

Extension settings

Setting	Description	Default	Type
codeLicenses.cache.enabled	Enable license caching	true	boolean
codeLicenses.cache.maxAge	Cache duration in hours	24	number
codeLicenses.cache.maxSize	Maximum cache entries	1000	number
codeLicenses.display.groupByLicense	Default tree view mode	false	boolean
codeLicenses.display.showDescriptions	Show package descriptions	true	boolean
codeLicenses.fetching.timeout	API request timeout (ms)	10000	number
codeLicenses.fetching.retryAttempts	Failed request retries	3	number

Workspace configuration

Create .vscode/settings.json in your workspace:

{
	"codeLicenses.display.groupByLicense": true,
	"codeLicenses.cache.maxAge": 48,
	"codeLicenses.fetching.timeout": 15000
}

Important legal notice

This extension is provided for informational purposes only. While I strive for accuracy:

• Verify independently: Always validate license information through official sources
• Legal consultation: Consult legal professionals for compliance decisions
• No warranty: Extension provided "as-is" without warranties
• User responsibility: Users assume full responsibility for license compliance

License

This extension is licensed under the MIT License.