Extension installation fails with "Signature verification was not executed" error

[omkarchandra]

Environment

• OS: macOS 14.5.0 (Darwin 24.5.0)
• VS Code/Cursor Version: Cursor (VS Code fork)
• Extension Version: Latest available on marketplace
• Installation Method: Command line (code --install-extension)

Problem Description

The R Syntax extension cannot be installed due to a signature verification error. This prevents the main R extension from activating properly since it depends on this syntax extension.

Error Message

Installing extensions...
Installing extension 'reditorsupport.r-syntax'...
Error while installing extension reditorsupport.r-syntax: Signature verification was not executed.
Failed Installing Extensions: reditorsupport.r-syntax

Steps to Reproduce

1. Attempt to install the R Syntax extension via command line:

   code --install-extension REditorSupport.r-syntax

2. Observe the signature verification error

3. Try with force flag:

   code --install-extension REditorSupport.r-syntax --force

4. Same error persists

Impact

This issue prevents the main R extension (REditorSupport.r) from functioning properly because:

1. The main R extension shows dependency error:

   Cannot activate the 'R' extension because it depends on the 'R Syntax' extension from 'REditorSupport', which is not installed.
   

2. R syntax highlighting is not available

3. R language features are disabled

4. Users cannot use Cmd+Enter to execute R code

Expected Behavior

• Extension should install without signature verification errors
• Should be available as a dependency for the main R extension
• Should provide R syntax highlighting functionality

Additional Context

• This appears to be a recent issue, possibly related to VS Code marketplace signature verification requirements
• The main R extension (REditorSupport.r) installs successfully
• Other extensions install without issues
• The issue affects both direct installation and automatic dependency installation

Possible Causes

1. Extension Signing: The extension package may not be properly signed for the VS Code marketplace
2. Marketplace Changes: Recent changes to VS Code marketplace signature verification requirements
3. Package Corruption: The extension package may be corrupted during upload/distribution

Suggested Solutions

1. Re-sign Extension: Ensure the extension is properly signed according to current VS Code marketplace requirements
2. Bundle with Main Extension: Consider bundling R syntax directly with the main R extension to avoid dependency issues
3. Alternative Distribution: Provide alternative installation methods (e.g., manual installation from GitHub releases)

Workaround

Currently, users must work without syntax highlighting and use terminal-based R execution instead of integrated extension features.

Related Issues

This issue is blocking the main R extension functionality and affects all users trying to set up R development environment in VS Code/Cursor.