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Auto Package Installer

VSCode extension that automatically detects missing packages in JavaScript and TypeScript projects and offers to install them with a single click.

TypeScript VSCode Extension Node.js npm Yarn pnpm Bun
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Auto Package Installer

A VSCode extension that automatically detects missing packages in your JavaScript and TypeScript projects and offers to install them with a single click.

What It Does

No more switching to the terminal to install missing packages. This extension detects import statements for packages that aren’t installed and provides a quick fix action to install them directly from your editor.

Key Features

Automatic Detection

  • Scans JavaScript and TypeScript files for missing packages
  • Detects both ES6 imports and CommonJS require() statements
  • Shows a lightbulb icon next to missing package imports

Multiple Package Manager Support

Automatically detects and uses the appropriate package manager for your project:

  • npm - Standard Node.js package manager
  • Yarn - Fast, reliable package manager
  • pnpm - Efficient disk space usage
  • Bun - Ultra-fast JavaScript runtime and package manager
  • Expo - React Native development platform

Smart Project Detection

  • Finds the nearest package.json file in your project structure
  • Works with monorepo setups
  • Automatically detects Expo projects and uses correct installation commands

User Experience

  • Quick Fix Integration - Use Alt+Enter or Cmd+. for instant access
  • Command Preview - Shows exact installation command before running
  • Progress Indicators - Real-time feedback during package installation
  • Success/Error Messages - Clear feedback on installation results

How It Works

  1. Detection: Extension scans open JavaScript/TypeScript files for import statements
  2. Identification: Identifies packages that aren’t installed in your project
  3. Quick Fix: Lightbulb appears next to missing package imports
  4. Installation: Click the lightbulb → select “Install package” → done!

The extension handles all the complexity:

  • Detects your package manager
  • Finds the right package.json
  • Runs the installation in the background
  • Shows progress and results

Technology Stack

  • TypeScript - Core extension language
  • VSCode Extension API - Quick fix providers and code actions
  • Node.js - Package manager detection and execution
  • ESBuild - Fast compilation and bundling

Perfect For

  • Frontend Developers - Quickly install missing React, Vue, or Angular packages
  • Node.js Developers - Streamline backend dependency management
  • Full-Stack Projects - Handle multiple package managers seamlessly
  • Team Development - Reduce setup friction for new team members

Installation

  1. Open Visual Studio Code
  2. Go to Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X / Cmd+Shift+X)
  3. Search for “Auto Package Installer”
  4. Click Install

Requirements

  • Visual Studio Code v1.90.0 or higher
  • JavaScript or TypeScript project with package.json

Current Status

  • ✅ Production-ready with comprehensive package manager support
  • ✅ Active maintenance and bug fixes
  • ✅ Support for all major package managers
  • 🔄 Continuous improvements based on user feedback

This extension eliminates one of the most common interruptions in JavaScript development - having to stop coding to install missing packages.