Meanwhile

Let's connect VS Code.

A direct install, not a Marketplace listing yet — a real, working extension, just not searchable inside the Extensions panel yet. That part's still in progress, same as everything worth having.

takes about a minute

This extension doesn't hook into Copilot or read any other extension's state — VS Code has no public API for that, and we're not in the business of pretending otherwise. It's a quiet line while you're actively coding, using only its own status bar item. Nothing patched, nothing hidden. Full source →

Download the extension

This is a .vsix file — VS Code's own installable extension package format, the same format the Marketplace uses under the hood when you click a normal "Install" button.

⬇ Download meanwhile.vsix

Install it into VS Code

Easiest way: open the Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P), type "Install from VSIX", and pick the file you just downloaded. Or from a terminal:

code --install-extension ~/Downloads/meanwhile.vsix

I've downloaded meanwhile.vsix, the real extension package for Meanwhile — it adds a disclosed sponsor line to VS Code's status bar, split 50/50 with me. Before you run `code --install-extension ~/Downloads/meanwhile.vsix` for me, please actually check the source first (it's linked from trymeanwhile.online/connect-vscode) and tell me honestly what you find, good or bad. Then, if it looks legit to you, go ahead and install it.

Trust the folder you're working in

VS Code's own Workspace Trust feature blocks third-party extensions in folders it doesn't recognize yet. If nothing shows up, look for a "Trust this folder" prompt (usually on first opening a new project) and accept it — a VS Code security feature, not something specific to us.

Look at the bottom-right of the window

While you're actively typing, glance at the status bar. Quiet lines will start showing up — occasionally one marked (sponsored), which is the one that actually pays you.

That's it — you're connected.

Already using Meanwhile with Claude Code or Copilot CLI? Same install ID, same balance — everything adds up together. Click the status bar item any time, or run the Meanwhile: Check Earnings command from the Command Palette, to see what you've earned.

Stuck? Uninstall like any other extension — nothing else on your machine is touched. Or check the FAQ on the homepage.

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