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name: code-pointer description: Use the VSCode CLI to open files at specific line and column positions when explaining code, debugging, pointing to TODOs, or guiding users to specific locations in files. Automatically invoked when Claude needs to show users exactly where in a file to look. allowed-tools: Bash

Code Pointer

Overview

Open files in VSCode at precise line (and optionally column) positions using the code CLI. Use this skill whenever pointing users to specific locations in code, configuration files, documentation, or any text file.

When to Use

Invoke this skill automatically when:

• Explaining code: Showing specific lines when discussing implementation
• Debugging: Pointing to error locations or problematic code sections
• Code reviews: Highlighting lines that need attention
• TODO navigation: Opening files at TODO(human) or other task markers
• Documentation references: Showing specific sections in config files or docs
• Teaching: Guiding users to exact locations for hands-on work

How to Use

Basic Syntax

Open file at specific line:

Copycode -g path/to/file.js:42

Open file at line and column:

Copycode -g path/to/file.js:42:10

Best Practices

1. Always validate file exists first:

Copyif [[ -f "path/to/file.js" ]]; then
    code -g path/to/file.js:42
else
    echo "File not found: path/to/file.js"
fi

2. Use absolute paths for reliability:

Copy# Convert to absolute path
ABS_PATH="$(cd "$(dirname "path/to/file.js")" && pwd)/$(basename "path/to/file.js")"
code -g "$ABS_PATH:42"

3. Quote paths with spaces:

Copycode -g "my project/src/app.js:100"

4. Provide context to user:

Copyecho "Opening publisher.py at line 36 (MQTT connection TODO)"
code -g PiPico/publisher.py:36

Common Patterns

Opening Multiple Locations

Copy# Open several related files at their relevant sections
code -g src/publisher.py:36 -g src/subscriber.py:45

Window Control

Copy# Open in new window (avoid disturbing current work)
code -n -g file.js:10

# Reuse existing window (add as new tab)
code -r -g file.js:10

Finding and Opening TODOs

Copy# Search for TODOs, then open at found location
grep -n "TODO(human)" *.py
# Publisher has TODO at line 36
code -g publisher.py:36

Important Notes

Line and Column Numbering:

• Lines are 1-indexed (line 1 is the first line)
• Columns are 0-indexed (column 0 is the first character)

Path Resolution:

• Relative paths resolve from current working directory
• Absolute paths are more reliable for skills
• Paths with spaces must be quoted

Non-existent Files:

• VSCode will create empty file if path doesn't exist
• Position will be applied when user starts editing

Technical Reference

For detailed documentation, see:

• references/cli_basics.md - Core syntax, line/column numbering, path handling
• references/advanced_usage.md - Window control, multiple files, diff/merge
• references/troubleshooting.md - Common errors and solutions
• references/integration_patterns.md - Best practices for scripts and automation