Prompt users to start vscode from anaconda prompt when we detect conda env was selected

[luabud]

One way to work around many of our conda issues is to start VS Code from the Anaconda Prompt (e.g. #10444). Maybe we can add a prompt to ask users to start VS Code from Anaconda Prompt when we noticed they have a conda environment selected. (we may want to add a modal window for this)

[luabud]

Related to #5344 and #10668

[thomsentner]

If I am correct, this would be impossible in case VSCode is used in combination with an SSH remote (extension: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-vscode-remote.remote-ssh). I am myself often confronted with #5559, it would be nice if another workaround would be possible to solve this issue. The solution proposed in that bug report has been closed in favour of this solution.

[luabud]

@thomsentner that is a good point. This wouldn't work for remote scenarios. FWIW this is one proposed solution for multiple conda issues (#5344), but not for all of them.

[iutlu]

Hello, would this solution work in conjunction with terminal.integrated.inheritEnv = false?

[luabud]

good point, @iutlu. For remote scenarios we'll need a different solution. This may be covered by #11039, like you pointed out there 😊

[karrtikr]

Workaround for remote scenarios

In scenarios where it's not possible to launch VSCode via an activated environment, I have captured the instructions in a GIF:

Here're step by step instructions for the example:

• Consider the conda environment is "hello".
• Create a new terminal profile for the particular conda environment you intend to work with.
• Use Open User Settings (JSON) to open user settings, and append the profile created with:

"args": ["-c", "source <path_to_conda_install>/bin/activate hello;$SHELL"]

• You can use the $PATH environment variable to figure out the path to conda install. For eg. it could be ~/miniconda3 or /opt/conda in my case.
• Select the default profile for the terminal to be the one you configured.
• Verify that for any new terminals you create, conda environment hello is already activated.

cc/ @thomsentner

[karrtikr]

This should no longer be needed with #11039.