Extension Manager not available in Positron IDE while visible in VS Code Marketplace

[Liu499-create]

Description: I noticed that some extensions like "Extension Manager" are searchable and available in VS Code Marketplace but cannot be found in Positron IDE's extension marketplace.

Specifically, I'm looking for solutions to:

1. Understand why certain extensions are missing in Positron IDE
2. Find alternative ways to install/manage these extensions in Positron
3. Implement extension grouping/categorization with functional descriptions (e.g., create groups like "Python Development" with notes about each extension's purpose)

Additional context:

• I need advanced extension management features like:

  • Grouping extensions by category/function
  • Adding descriptive notes for each extension
  • Bulk enable/disable extensions by group

Would appreciate any guidance on:

1. Technical reasons for the extension availability difference
2. Recommended workarounds or alternative extensions
3. Best practices for extension management in Positron IDE

[juliasilge]

We explain a good about this at https://positron.posit.co/extensions.

I'll highlight a few points from that documentation for you:

• Positron uses OpenVSX instead of the proprietary Microsoft marketplace; this is for licensing reasons and is the same marketplace that other forks like Cursor use.
• The reason the extension you mention (is it this one?) is not on OpenVSX is that the extension author has only published to the proprietary Microsoft marketplace. The best option here is for that author to also publish to OpenVSX; there is a suggested template which you could use to open an issue on that extension's repo.
• You can install extensions manually via the command Extensions: Install from VSIX..., although please be aware of any licensing issues with that extension involved.

[Liu499-create]

I think your answer perfectly answers my doubts. This IDE is very easy to use. I am still exploring it. Thank you very much for your professional and detailed answer!