asynchronous incremental proof checking with continuous mode
VsCoq communicates with the Coq proof assistant via Language Server Protocol (LSP) to perform real-time, asynchronous proof validation as the user edits or scrolls through `.v` files. In 'Continuous' mode, the extension sends document changes to the `vscoqtop` language server, which incrementally re-checks only affected proof segments rather than re-processing the entire file. This non-blocking approach allows the editor to remain responsive while proof state updates appear in the goal panel.
Unique: Uses LSP-based client-server architecture with incremental re-checking rather than full-file re-validation, enabling asynchronous proof state updates without blocking the editor UI. The 'Continuous' mode specifically leverages the language server's ability to track document changes and re-process only affected proof segments.
vs alternatives: Provides non-blocking, real-time proof feedback integrated into VS Code's editor loop, whereas standalone CoqIDE and step-by-step mode require explicit user actions to advance proof checking.
step-by-step proof checking with top-down processing
VsCoq's default mode processes Coq files sequentially from top to bottom, checking each proof definition and tactic step on demand. The extension sends cursor position or explicit step commands to `vscoqtop`, which returns the proof state (goals, context, hypotheses) for display in the goal panel. This mode gives users explicit control over proof progression and is suitable for understanding proof structure incrementally.
Unique: Implements explicit top-down proof processing where the language server maintains a cursor position in the proof file and returns proof state only for the current step, enabling deterministic, user-controlled proof advancement without background re-checking.
vs alternatives: Offers more predictable and controllable proof stepping than continuous mode, making it better for learning and debugging; differs from CoqIDE by integrating into VS Code's editor UI rather than a separate window.
opam-based language server installation and lifecycle management
VsCoq depends on the `vscoq-language-server` package, which must be installed via opam (OCaml package manager) in a Coq-enabled opam switch. The extension expects the `vscoqtop` executable to be discoverable in the system PATH or configured via the 'Vscoq: Path' setting. The extension manages the language server lifecycle (startup, shutdown, error recovery) through LSP, but does not manage opam or package installation; users must manually set up the opam environment.
Unique: Delegates language server installation and management to opam, requiring users to manually set up the Coq environment and configure the vscoqtop path. This design separates the extension from package management but places responsibility on users for environment setup.
vs alternatives: Leverages opam's package management for reproducible Coq environments, whereas monolithic IDEs bundle the proof assistant; enables flexibility in Coq version selection and library management at the cost of manual setup.
goal panel display with customizable layout
VsCoq renders the current proof state (goals, context, hypotheses) in a dedicated goal panel within VS Code's sidebar or editor area. The panel supports two display modes: accordion lists (collapsible goal sections) and tabs (one goal per tab). The extension receives goal data from `vscoqtop` via LSP and formats it for display, allowing users to inspect proof state without leaving the editor.
Unique: Integrates proof state visualization directly into VS Code's sidebar/panel system with LSP-driven updates, supporting dual layout modes (accordion/tabs) for flexible goal organization. This differs from CoqIDE's monolithic goal window by leveraging VS Code's extensible panel architecture.
vs alternatives: Provides integrated goal visualization within the editor UI, eliminating the need to switch between separate windows like CoqIDE; supports customizable layout modes for different proof-reading preferences.
query panel with search, check, and proof exploration commands
VsCoq provides a dedicated query panel that accepts Coq commands (Search, Check, About, Locate, Print) and sends them to `vscoqtop` for execution. The panel displays results and maintains a session-scoped history of queries, allowing users to explore the proof environment, inspect definitions, and search for theorems without leaving the editor. Queries are executed asynchronously and results appear inline in the query panel.
Unique: Implements a dedicated query panel with session-scoped history that sends Coq commands to the language server and displays results inline, integrating proof environment exploration into the editor UI without requiring separate REPL windows.
vs alternatives: Provides integrated query execution and history within VS Code, whereas CoqIDE requires switching to a separate query window; eliminates the need for external command-line tools to explore the proof environment.
syntax highlighting for coq language
VsCoq provides TextMate-based syntax highlighting for Coq source code (`.v` files), colorizing keywords, tactics, types, comments, and identifiers according to Coq language grammar. The extension integrates with VS Code's syntax highlighting engine to apply color schemes and font styles based on token classification, enabling visual distinction between proof constructs and improving code readability.
Unique: Uses VS Code's built-in TextMate grammar engine to apply Coq-specific syntax highlighting, integrating seamlessly with VS Code's color themes and font styling system.
vs alternatives: Provides native VS Code syntax highlighting for Coq, matching user expectations from other language extensions; differs from CoqIDE by leveraging VS Code's extensible theme system.
language server protocol (lsp) communication with vscoqtop
VsCoq acts as an LSP client that communicates with the `vscoqtop` language server (a separate OCaml/Coq package) via JSON-RPC over stdio. The extension sends document changes, cursor positions, and query commands to the language server, which invokes the Coq proof assistant and returns proof state, diagnostics, and query results. This client-server architecture decouples the editor from the proof assistant, enabling responsive UI and background proof checking.
Unique: Implements a full LSP client that communicates with a separate `vscoqtop` language server process, enabling asynchronous proof checking and decoupling the editor UI from the Coq proof assistant. This architecture allows background proof validation without blocking the editor.
vs alternatives: Provides responsive editor UI through asynchronous LSP communication, whereas CoqIDE uses direct in-process proof checking; enables easier integration with VS Code's ecosystem and future language server improvements.
project-aware proof context with coq module system
VsCoq respects the Coq module system and project structure, allowing the language server to resolve imports and dependencies across multiple `.v` files in a workspace. The extension maintains awareness of the current project's Coq modules, enabling queries and proof checking to access definitions from imported libraries and dependencies. This is managed through the opam switch and Coq's library path configuration.
Unique: Leverages Coq's native module system and opam-managed library paths to provide project-aware proof context, enabling the language server to resolve imports and access definitions across multiple files without explicit path configuration in the extension.
vs alternatives: Provides seamless multi-file proof development by respecting Coq's module system, whereas standalone proof checkers require manual path configuration; integrates with opam to manage dependencies automatically.
+3 more capabilities