> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.poshtools.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.poshtools.com/open-source-tools/visual-studio-code.md).

# PoshTools VSC

The [PowerShell Pro Tools extension for Visual Studio Code](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ironmansoftware.powershellprotools) adds packaging, form design, refactoring, explorers, profiling, and automation tools to PowerShell development in VS Code.

Use this tool when you want lightweight editor workflows with command palette commands, editor toolbar actions, and a dedicated PowerShell Pro Tools activity bar.

## Features

* Script Packaging
* Windows Form Designer
* Variable Explorer
* History Explorer
* Module Explorer
* Provider Explorer
* Session and Job Explorer
* Form Generator
* One-Click Attach
* Code Conversion
* Profiling
* RapidSense
* DLL Decompilation
* Refactoring

PowerShell Pro Tools provides an activity bar icon to access many of the tools.

![](/files/-MLI_IyUBCUo50PFucpw)

Within the activity bar, you'll find tools like the AST explorer, the module explorer and the variable explorer.

![](/files/-MLI_VymTBW8vdAfqmd8)

{% hint style="info" %}
Features available from the right-click Context Menu (e.g. Refactoring) require that the PowerShell script being edited is not in an unsaved state.
{% endhint %}

## Quick Examples

Package a script by right-clicking a `.ps1` file in the Explorer and selecting **Package Script as Exe**, or by running the `PowerShell Pro Tools: Package Script as Exe` command.

Open the Windows Forms designer from a `.ps1` file with `PowerShell Pro Tools: Show Form Designer`.

Attach to a running PowerShell host from the **Host Processes** view and then select a runspace.

## More Information

* [Changelog](https://github.com/ironmansoftware/powershell-pro-tools/releases)
* [Installation](/open-source-tools/visual-studio-code/installation.md)
* [System Requirements](/open-source-tools/visual-studio-code/system-requirements.md)
* [Packaging in Visual Studio Code](/open-source-tools/visual-studio-code/packaging-in-visual-studio-code.md)
* [Windows Forms Designer](/open-source-tools/visual-studio-code/windows-forms-designer.md)