[VS Code] Make file edit notifications non-disruptive
User Problem to Solve
Currently, when the Duo Agent Platform: Chat performs file edits (refactoring, code changes, etc.), the edited files automatically pop up to the forefront of the user's editor, interrupting their current workflow. This creates a disruptive experience for developers who are:
- Multitasking between different files or tasks
- In the middle of reviewing other code
- Navigating through their codebase
- Working on unrelated features
The forced file switching breaks the developer's flow and forces them to context-switch, which reduces productivity and creates a jarring user experience.
Proposal
Primary Goal: Show file edit notifications as simple links in the chat instead of forcing files to open, allowing users to review changes when they're ready.
Success Metrics:
- Zero forced file switching during Duo-initiated edits
- Users can continue their current task without interruption
- Clear visibility of what files have been modified
- Easy navigation to review changes when the user is ready
Proposed Solution: When a file is edited by Duo, show a simple link to the edited file in the chat view instead of forcing the file to open. The user can click the link when they're ready to review the changes.
User Experience Flow:
- User requests an edit/refactor from Duo
- Duo performs the changes in the background
- Chat shows a link to the edited file
- User clicks the link when ready to review changes
Technical Considerations:
- Maintain current diff visualization capabilities
- Ensure file change detection works reliably
- Consider adding a "pending changes" indicator in the UI
- Preserve all existing edit functionality while changing only the notification behavior