[FEATURE] VS Code extension: Stream bash command output in real-time

[BenNewman100]

Preflight Checklist

• I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
• This is a single feature request (not multiple features)

Problem Statement

When Claude runs bash commands in the VS Code extension's graphical panel, the output is buffered and only displayed after the command completes. This makes it difficult to:

• Monitor progress of long-running commands (builds, tests, installations)
• Know if a command is stuck or still working
• See incremental output that might inform whether to cancel early

The CLI/TUI has related requests (#2221, #4346), but those don't address the VS Code extension's graphical panel specifically.

Proposed Solution

Stream bash command output in real-time within the VS Code extension panel, similar to how a normal terminal works. The output could still be collapsed by default (with Ctrl+O to expand), but the content should update live as the command produces output.

Ideally:

• Output streams incrementally as the command runs
• A visual indicator shows the command is still running (spinner, elapsed time, etc.)
• User can expand to watch live output or leave collapsed and check when done

Alternative Solutions

• Current workaround: Switch to terminal mode or run claude in the integrated terminal. However, this defeats the purpose of using the VS Code extension - the graphical UI is significantly cleaner with expandable panes, inline diffs, and better visual organization. Telling users to "just use the terminal" isn't a real solution when the GUI is the reason they chose the extension.
• No practical alternative exists for getting real-time output while keeping the benefits of the graphical interface.

Priority

Medium - Would be very helpful

Feature Category

VS Code - Extension

Use Case Example

1. I ask Claude to run a build command for a large project
2. The command takes several minutes to complete
3. Currently I see nothing until it finishes - no way to know if it's working or frozen
4. With this feature, I could watch build progress and catch errors as they happen
5. If I notice an error mid-stream, I could cancel early instead of waiting for completion

Additional Context

• Related CLI/TUI issues: [FEATURE] Ability to stream bash command output #2221, Live Streaming Text Output for CLI Conversations #4346
• Related collapsed output issue: Feature Request: Configurable line limit for bash output display before expansion required #10636 (configurable line limit before collapse)
• The Ctrl+O expand functionality already exists - this request is about when output appears, not how it's displayed

[github-actions]

This issue has been inactive for 30 days. If the issue is still occurring, please comment to let us know. Otherwise, this issue will be automatically closed in 30 days for housekeeping purposes.

[themylogin]

+1

[nhjelle]

+1

[deiansp]

+1