aws / aws/aws-toolkit-vscode

How to diff two .asl.json files?

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Description

## System details (run `AWS: About` and/or `Amazon Q: About`)

```
Extension Version: 3.78.0

VS Code Version: 1.104.1
Commit: 0f0d87fa9e96c856c5212fc86db137ac0d783365
Date: 2025-09-17T23:36:24.973Z (2 wks ago)
Electron: 37.3.1
ElectronBuildId: 12404162
Chromium: 138.0.7204.235
Node.js: 22.18.0
V8: 13.8.258.31-electron.0

OS: Darwin arm64 23.1.0
```

## Question

When I want to compare lines of two .asl.json files, AWS Toolkit overrides the default VS Code behavior of side-by-side colored diff. With a single file, I can right-click "Open with..." and choose "Built-in text editor" and all is well.

Currently I have to disable the extension to diff the lines of two files, but this gets annoying with the reload of VS Code being required, because I have setup scripts and Remote SSH extension enabled.

Any tips for a better way are appreciated!

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

Reproduce the comparison of two .asl.json files in VS Code with AWS Toolkit 3.78.0 enabled, then compare it with the built-in text editor behavior. Investigate the extension's editor association or diff entry point; done means users can open a colored side-by-side diff without disabling the extension or reloading VS Code.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
aws, vscode
Domain
developer-experience, tooling
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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