Code Pointer

code-pointer Plugin

Enables Claude to open files at specific lines in VSCode when explaining code, debugging, or guiding users to exact locations.

Overview

This is a Claude-only skill that automatically activates when Claude needs to show you exactly where to look in a file. No slash commands—Claude invokes it automatically using the VSCode CLI.

Auto-invoked when:

• Explaining code at specific lines
• Debugging errors at particular locations
• Pointing to TODO sections or task markers
• Guiding through code reviews
• Referencing specific sections in config files or documentation
• Teaching with hands-on code examples

Installation

# From within Claude Code
/mcp install code-pointer@cadrianmae-claude-marketplace

How It Works

When Claude needs to show you a specific location in a file, it automatically runs:

code -g path/to/file.js:42

This opens VSCode with the cursor positioned exactly at line 42. Column positions are also supported:

code -g path/to/file.js:42:10  # Line 42, column 10

Use Cases

Explaining Code

User: "How does the MQTT publisher work?"

Claude: "The publisher connects to the broker at line 36. Let me open that for you:"

code -g PiPico/publisher.py:36

Debugging

User: "I'm getting an error in main.py at line 100"

Claude: "Let's look at that line:"

code -g main.py:100

TODO Navigation

User: "Show me the next TODO I need to implement"

Claude: "The next TODO is in the publisher at line 65:"

code -g PiPico/publisher.py:65

Code Reviews

User: "Review my authentication logic"

Claude: "I notice a potential security issue at line 42. Opening it now:"

code -g src/auth.js:42

Requirements

VSCode CLI (code command) must be installed:

1. Open VSCode
2. Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P)
3. Run: "Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH"

Technical Details

Line and Column Numbering

• Lines: 1-indexed (line 1 is the first line)
• Columns: 0-indexed (column 0 is the first character)

Path Handling

• Relative paths work from current working directory
• Absolute paths are more reliable
• Paths with spaces must be quoted

Window Behavior

By default, files open in the existing VSCode window. The skill handles this automatically based on context.

Skill Structure

This plugin provides a skill that Claude loads when needed:

skills/code-pointer/
├── SKILL.md              # Core usage patterns for Claude
└── references/
    └── vscode_cli.md     # Complete technical documentation

The skill uses progressive disclosure:

1. Metadata - Always in context (when to use the skill)
2. SKILL.md - Loaded when skill activates (essential patterns)
3. references/ - Loaded by Claude when needed (detailed docs)

Benefits

• Reduces friction: No manual file navigation
• Precise guidance: Exact line and column positioning
• Context-aware: Claude uses it automatically when relevant
• Time-saving: Jump directly to relevant code sections
• Teaching-friendly: Perfect for Learning mode and hands-on tutorials

Examples from Real Usage

Learning Mode (from original use case):

User: "Open first step in code using code with line number"
Claude: *Opens file at exact TODO(human) location*
code -g /path/to/publisher.py:36

Code Explanation:

User: "Explain how the error handling works"
Claude: "The try-catch block starts at line 88. Let me show you:"
code -g src/app.js:88

Multiple Locations:

Claude: "There are TODO sections in both files. Opening them now:"
code -g publisher.py:36 -g subscriber.py:45

Author

Created by Mae Capacite for the cadrianmae-claude-marketplace.

License

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.