Problem
The VS Code extension's graphical panel only shows the context indicator at 80% usage. However, common guidance suggests keeping context below 50% for optimal performance.
By the time the indicator appears, users have already exceeded the recommended threshold. The indicator functions as an emergency "almost out of space" warning rather than a context management tool.
Current behavior
- Context indicator appears at 80% (changed from 60% per changelog)
- No way to see current context % without running
/context
/context output is verbose - includes detailed breakdowns when users often just want the percentage- The CLI statusline shows context % always, but this isn't available in the graphical panel
Requested features (any of these would help)
-
Setting to always show context % - Add a VS Code setting like claudeCode.alwaysShowContextIndicator to display the percentage in the prompt box at all times
-
Configurable threshold - Allow users to set when the indicator appears (e.g., 50% instead of 80%)
-
Simple /c command - A minimal command that just outputs something like "Context: 42%" without the full breakdown
Use case
Users who want to proactively manage context (per best practices) need visibility into usage before it becomes a problem. The current design only alerts users when it's too late to maintain the recommended <50% threshold.
Environment
- VS Code extension (graphical panel mode, not terminal mode)
- Windows 11
Problem
The VS Code extension's graphical panel only shows the context indicator at 80% usage. However, common guidance suggests keeping context below 50% for optimal performance.
By the time the indicator appears, users have already exceeded the recommended threshold. The indicator functions as an emergency "almost out of space" warning rather than a context management tool.
Current behavior
/context/contextoutput is verbose - includes detailed breakdowns when users often just want the percentageRequested features (any of these would help)
Setting to always show context % - Add a VS Code setting like
claudeCode.alwaysShowContextIndicatorto display the percentage in the prompt box at all timesConfigurable threshold - Allow users to set when the indicator appears (e.g., 50% instead of 80%)
Simple
/ccommand - A minimal command that just outputs something like "Context: 42%" without the full breakdownUse case
Users who want to proactively manage context (per best practices) need visibility into usage before it becomes a problem. The current design only alerts users when it's too late to maintain the recommended <50% threshold.
Environment