Scope VS Code search to a single git submodule in two clicks.
Working in a repository with many git submodules? Searching the whole workspace returns matches from every submodule at once. Submodule Search lets you pick a submodule and instantly scopes the built-in search to that folder by setting the files to include filter — so you only see results from the code you care about.
Features
- 🔍 One-click scoping — pick a submodule and the global search files to include filter is set for you.
- 📁 Submodule detection — reads paths from
.gitmodules, falling back togit submodule status --recursive. - ⚡ Searchable Quick Pick — type to filter when you have a long list of submodules.
- 🧭 Dedicated side panel — the Submodule Search activity-bar view with clickable include targets, recent filters, and quick actions.
- 📌 Status bar memory — your last selected filter is remembered and shown in the status bar.
- 🧹 Clear anytime — select All Files to reset the include filter and search the full workspace again.
Usage
Quick Pick
- Open the Command Palette (
Cmd+Shift+P/Ctrl+Shift+P). - Run Submodule Search: Pick Folder Include Filter.
- Type to filter, then pick a submodule path — it is applied to files to include in global search.
Select All Files at any time to clear the filter.
Side panel
- Open the Submodule Search icon in the activity bar.
- Use the top Search input to filter submodules.
- Use the Active chip actions (
Apply,Clear) for the current include. - Use Quick Actions (
Refresh,Open Search,Show All). - Re-apply a recent filter from Recent, or click any entry under Folder Includes.
Commands
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
Submodule Search: Pick Folder Include Filter |
Open the searchable submodule picker. |
Submodule Search: Apply Current Include Filter |
Re-apply the last selected filter. |
Submodule Search: Refresh Side Panel |
Re-scan submodules and refresh the side panel. |
Requirements
- VS Code
^1.109.0. - A workspace with git submodules declared in
.gitmodules(or discoverable viagit submodule status).
How it works
VS Code does not expose an API to inject a custom dropdown directly into the built-in Search view's filter row. Submodule Search instead provides a command, a searchable Quick Pick, and a side panel, then applies your selection to the Search panel state via workbench.action.findInFiles.
License
MIT © KGE