VS Code extension

The TextToScratch extension lets you build a whole Scratch game inside VS Code: write the code, see errors, and play the game in a panel next to it.

Install

The extension isn't on the Marketplace yet. Build the .vsix from the repository:

cd vscode
npm install
npm run package        # writes texttoscratch-0.1.0.vsix
code --install-extension texttoscratch-0.1.0.vsix

You can also use Extensions → … → Install from VSIX… in VS Code.

Start a project

• TextToScratch: New Project creates an empty project (a stage and a starter sprite) or a copy of one of the example games.
• TextToScratch: Import Scratch Project (.sb3) takes a .sb3 file or a link to a shared project such as https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1387527973:
  • Every sprite is decompiled to src/<Sprite>.ts.
  • Every costume and sound is saved in src/<Sprite>/ under its original name.
  • The original is kept as project.sb3.
  • Decompiler warnings appear in the Problems panel.
  • The project is then built and opened in the game viewer.

When no project is open, the TextToScratch sidebar has the same buttons. Any folder with a src/Stage.ts counts as a project.

While you code

• IntelliSense. Opening a project creates tsconfig.json and .tts/ (the typings) if they're missing. Adding or removing a sprite, costume or sound updates the SpriteName, CostumeName and SoundName unions right away. Hovering over a block shows its docs.
• Errors. TypeScript shows type errors as you type. Each save also runs the TextToScratch compiler and adds errors for code Scratch can't run, such as destructuring.
• Snippets. Type whenFlag, forever, onMessage, onClone, arrowmove or spawner and press Tab.
• Status bar. Shows ✓ when the build is OK, or the number of errors. Click it to open the viewer.

Game viewer

TextToScratch: Run in Viewer (▶ in the editor title bar) builds the project and plays it with the real Scratch engine. The viewer has:

• Green flag, stop, turbo mode and an FPS counter.
• Stage size options (small, normal, large, fit) and full screen.
• Variable and list monitors, keyboard and mouse input, askAndWait, sounds, and bitmap and SVG costumes.
• Auto-reload: the game reloads after each save. With Keep running on, it presses the green flag again if the game was running.
• 2 players: two copies of the game side by side, sharing cloud variables through a simulated local server. Use it to test multiplayer games. Click a stage to control that player.

Sharing

• Build writes dist/<project>.sb3.
• Export .sb3 saves it wherever you choose.
• Open in Scratch / TurboWarp builds the project, copies the file path, and opens the editor. There, use File → Load from your computer.