mathworks / mathworks/MATLAB-extension-for-vscode

Support double‑clicking MATLAB-related files in VS Code Explorer

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#352 3 comments 1 reaction 0 assignees View on GitHub

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enhancement
Dominant language
TypeScript
Stars
435
Forks
40
PR merge metrics
No merged PRs in 30d

Description

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
Currently, MATLAB‑related files (.mat, .fig, .slx, .mdl, .mlapp, .mlx, and other extensions) cannot be opened in the same way as in MATLAB Desktop’s File → Workspace. In VS Code Explorer, double‑clicking these files only shows them as binary files and they cannot be opened.

Describe the solution you'd like
I would like the behavior to be similar to MATLAB Desktop:

  • Double‑clicking a .mat file should directly import the data into the MATLAB Workspace.

  • Double‑clicking a .fig file should open the figure window.

  • Double‑clicking a .mlapp file should open the App Designer interface.

  • … and so on.

Describe alternatives you've considered
At present, I can only open these files by explicitly calling MATLAB built‑in functions such as load or open, alternative, I install another mathworks' extension https://github.com/mathworks/data-explorer-vscode

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First steps

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  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

The issue names no files or tests; begin by locating how the extension handles VS Code Explorer file opening and review the listed MATLAB extensions. Done means the requested double-click behaviors work for .mat, .fig, and .mlapp files, with equivalent handling for the remaining supported formats.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
matlab, typescript, vscode
Domain
devtools
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Active
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
45/100

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