What is the difference between VS Code workspace and multi-root workspaces?

VS Code Workspace and Multi-root Workspaces

VS Code workspace refers to the currently opened folder or project. VS Code supports multi-root workspace feature, allowing multiple folders to be opened simultaneously and managed within a single workspace.

Single-root Workspace

Single-root workspace is the most common way of working, opening one folder as the workspace root directory.

Features

• All files are under the same root directory
• Configuration file .vscode/settings.json is stored in the workspace root
• Suitable for single project development

Multi-root Workspace

Multi-root workspace allows opening multiple unrelated folders simultaneously.

Creating Multi-root Workspace

1. Through menu: File > Add Folder to Workspace
2. Through command palette: Ctrl+Shift+P > "Add Folder to Workspace"
3. Save workspace: File > Save Workspace As...

Configuration File

Multi-root workspace configuration is stored in .code-workspace file:

json
{
  "folders": [
    {
      "path": "/path/to/project1"
    },
    {
      "path": "/path/to/project2"
    }
  ],
  "settings": {
    "editor.fontSize": 14
  }
}

Workspace API

Get Workspace Folders

typescript
const workspaceFolders = vscode.workspace.workspaceFolders;
if (workspaceFolders) {
  workspaceFolders.forEach(folder => {
    console.log(folder.name, folder.uri.fsPath);
  });
}

Listen to Workspace Changes

typescript
vscode.workspace.onDidChangeWorkspaceFolders(event => {
  console.log('Workspace folders changed');
});

Use Cases

• Microservices Architecture: Manage multiple service projects simultaneously
• Frontend-Backend Separation: Open both frontend and backend projects at the same time
• Multi-project Development: Quickly switch between different projects
• Library Development: Develop library and example projects simultaneously

Important Notes

• Multi-root workspace configuration is global and doesn't affect individual project configurations
• Each folder can have its own .vscode configuration
• Extensions need to properly handle multi-root workspace scenarios
• Workspace settings priority: User settings > Remote settings > Workspace settings > Folder settings