Add new file encoding

[BMBurstein]

Is there a way to write an extension that adds a new file encoding? I have a bunch of data files for a very old program that are encoded in DOS-862, which is not available in the encodings list. I didn't find mention of such an option, but I have never written an extension so maybe I am using the docs wrong

[alefragnani]

Hi @BMBurstein ,

I guess you should look for Custom Editor API, as you would be responsible for providing the write/read feature for your custom encoded files. Take a look at their sample in https://github.com/microsoft/vscode-extension-samples/tree/main/custom-editor-sample for more details.

On the other hand, I found an old issue, which seems to ask exactly what you need. But it still open, with no ETA.

Hope this helps

[BMBurstein]

Thank you. I am not looking to add a new file type. I want to add a new file encoding to the list that comes built-in with vscode

[alefragnani]

You first asked for an API to write your an extension to support DOS-862 encoding. In this case, you will have to wait for that old issue. The Custom Editor API idea was an alternative solution, in the case you can't wait for that issue to be completed.

On the other hand, your latest comment describes about built-in encoding list. In this case, it wouldn't be an extension, but a new feature in VS Code itself. If that's your idea, you must open a new issue in VS Code repo and ask the team to add built-in support for DOS-862 encoding. Maybe they add it by themselves, maybe they ask for contribution (and you could create a PR) and maybe they reject it.

Hope this helps