FileSmith ⚒️

FileSmith is a lightweight VS Code extension that helps you quickly insert language-specific boilerplate code using a fast, keyboard-driven workflow.

It’s built for developers who frequently start from the same skeletons — competitive programmers, script writers, and anyone bootstrapping projects.

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What it does

• Detects the language of the active file automatically
• Shows relevant boilerplate templates via a QuickPick menu
• Inserts templates as interactive snippets (tab through placeholders)
• Lets you create new templates directly from real code files

No snippet JSON pain. No escaping newlines.

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Key features

• Single command: Filesmith: Insert Boilerplate
• Keyboard-first: bind it to a shortcut and stay in flow
• Language aware: templates are scoped per languageId
• Multiple templates per language
• Workspace or user-level templates
• Graceful UX with friendly error handling

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Creating templates (recommended workflow)

1. Write your boilerplate in a normal source file (.cpp, .py, etc.)
2. Run Filesmith: Insert Boilerplate
3. Choose Create new template from current file…
4. Give it a name

That’s it — the file becomes a reusable template for that language.

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Snippet support

Templates use VS Code’s snippet syntax:

${1:first placeholder}
${2:next placeholder}

After insertion, press Tab to jump between placeholders.

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Configuration

Templates are stored in settings:

"filesmith.templates": {
  "cpp": {
    "Default main": "/* code */",
    "My CP Template": "/* code */"
  },
  "python": {
    "Default script": "/* code */"
  }
}

They can live in:

• User settings (global)
• Workspace settings (.vscode/settings.json)

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Built with

• VS Code Extension API
• vscode.SnippetString
• QuickPick-based UI

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FileSmith focuses on speed, simplicity, and working with real code, not configuration gymnastics.