Feature spec: work item process/schema inspector

[CompN3rd]

Summary

Evaluate a read-only Work Item Process / schema inspector for debugging custom work item fields and states.

Product rationale

Process customization APIs are mostly admin-focused and should not become a core ADOExt area. However, a read-only inspector could help developers understand custom work item types, states, fields, and icons when diagnosing display/filter issues.

Proposed UX

Prefer a command or diagnostic panel over a permanent sidebar view.

Show:

• Work item types available in a project/process
• State names and categories
• Field reference names and display names
• Type icons/colors where available
• Process metadata relevant to existing Work Items/Planning views

Suggested actions

• Open process settings in browser
• Copy field reference name
• Copy diagnostic summary for bug reports

Integration with existing core features

• Support troubleshooting for Work Items, Backlog, Sprint, and Board views.
• Help validate custom process icon/state handling.

MVP scope

• Read-only project/process schema diagnostic panel.
• No default activity bar view.

Non-goals

• Editing processes.
• Creating work item types or fields.
• Managing backlog behaviors.
• Replacing Azure DevOps process administration.

Acceptance criteria

• The inspector can show custom work item type/state/field metadata for the selected project.
• It is discoverable through a command palette command or troubleshooting entry point.
• It does not require admin permissions beyond readable metadata.
• npm run compile passes.
• npm run lint passes or reports only existing unrelated warnings.