VS Code Chat Undo Bug Undoing Changes In Wrong File

Jul 11, 2025 by gitftunila 52 views

Chat Undo Bug in VS Code Undoing Changes in the Wrong File

Introduction

This article addresses a critical bug encountered in the latest VS Code Insider version, specifically related to the chat undo functionality. The bug causes the undo operation to revert changes in the wrong file, leading to potential data loss and workflow disruptions. This issue was observed when using Agent mode to modify multiple files and then attempting to undo the changes. Understanding the nuances of this bug is crucial for developers relying on VS Code for their daily coding tasks. This article will delve into the specifics of the bug, the steps to reproduce it, and its potential impact on users. We will also explore the technical details provided, including the VS Code version, commit hash, and other relevant environment information. Furthermore, we will discuss the implications of this bug on user experience and productivity, highlighting the importance of addressing it promptly. By providing a comprehensive overview, this article aims to inform developers about the issue and contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve VS Code's stability and reliability.

The Issue: Undoing Changes in the Wrong File

The core of the problem lies in the chat undo functionality within VS Code. When a user makes changes to multiple files using Agent mode and then attempts to undo these changes, the undo operation incorrectly reverts changes in a file different from the one the user expects. Specifically, the bug report indicates that after modifying A.ts and B.ts using Agent mode, pressing undo results in changes in A.ts being undone instead of the most recent changes in B.ts. This behavior deviates from the expected undo functionality, which should revert the most recent action performed by the user. This misdirection can lead to confusion and potentially overwrite intended changes, making it a significant usability concern. The impact of this bug is particularly pronounced in complex projects where developers frequently switch between files and rely on the undo function to correct mistakes or revert unwanted changes. The inaccurate undo behavior not only disrupts the workflow but also increases the risk of losing important modifications, as developers may unknowingly undo changes in files they did not intend to modify. Therefore, understanding the steps that trigger this bug is essential for developers to avoid unexpected data loss and maintain a smooth coding process. The following sections will detail how to reproduce this bug, providing a clear understanding of the conditions under which it occurs.

Steps to Reproduce the Bug

To accurately replicate and understand the chat undo bug, follow these precise steps. First, ensure you are using a VS Code version that exhibits this issue, specifically Version 1.102.0-insider. This version, identified by the commit hash 7631de29bf9a2e31020ab93d3d1611965dc5b62e, is known to manifest the problematic behavior. To begin, open VS Code and create or open two TypeScript files named A.ts and B.ts. These files will serve as the subjects for our reproduction process. Next, activate Agent mode within VS Code. Agent mode is a crucial component in triggering the bug, as it seems to interact with the undo functionality in an unexpected way. Once in Agent mode, make a change to A.ts. This change can be as simple as adding a line of code or modifying an existing one. The specific nature of the change is not critical; the key is that a modification is made while in Agent mode. After making the change to A.ts, switch to B.ts and similarly make a change in Agent mode. Again, the specific change is not important, but it should be a distinct modification from the one made in A.ts. With both files now modified in Agent mode, the conditions are set to trigger the bug. Now, press the undo command (typically Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z). Instead of undoing the changes in B.ts, which was the most recent modification, VS Code will incorrectly undo the changes in A.ts. This unexpected behavior confirms the presence of the bug. By meticulously following these steps, developers can consistently reproduce the bug and gain a firsthand understanding of its behavior. This replication is essential for both users encountering the issue and developers working to resolve it. The next section will delve into the specific version information and environmental details, providing a deeper context for the bug.

Version Information and Environment Details

Understanding the environment in which a bug occurs is crucial for effective diagnosis and resolution. The bug report provides detailed information about the specific VS Code version and environment where the chat undo issue was observed. The VS Code version in question is 1.102.0-insider, an insider build that often contains the latest features and bug fixes, but also potentially new issues. The commit hash associated with this version is 7631de29bf9a2e31020ab93d3d1611965dc5b62e. This commit hash is a unique identifier that points to the exact state of the VS Code codebase at the time the build was created. This level of specificity is invaluable for developers as it allows them to pinpoint the exact code changes that might have introduced the bug. The date of the build is also provided as 2025-07-07T22:41:41.902Z, offering a temporal context for when the bug was introduced. Beyond the VS Code specific details, the report also includes information about the underlying Electron framework and its components. Electron version 35.6.0 is being used, along with ElectronBuildId 11847422. Electron is the framework that allows VS Code to run as a desktop application, and its version can influence the behavior of VS Code. The Chromium version, which is the rendering engine used by Electron, is 134.0.6998.205. The Node.js version is 22.15.1, and the V8 JavaScript engine version is 13.4.114.21-electron.0. These components play a crucial role in the execution of VS Code and its extensions. Finally, the operating system is identified as Darwin arm64 24.5.0, indicating that the bug was observed on a macOS system running on an ARM64 architecture. This comprehensive environmental information paints a clear picture of the conditions under which the bug occurs, enabling developers to narrow down the potential causes and implement effective solutions. The next section will discuss the potential impact of this bug on user experience and productivity.

Impact on User Experience and Productivity

The chat undo bug in VS Code, which incorrectly reverts changes in the wrong file, poses a significant threat to user experience and productivity. This issue can be particularly frustrating for developers who rely on the undo functionality to quickly correct mistakes or revert unwanted modifications. When the undo operation behaves unpredictably, it undermines the user's confidence in the editor and disrupts their workflow. Imagine a scenario where a developer is working on a complex feature, making changes across multiple files. They make a mistake in one file and instinctively press Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on macOS) to undo the last action. However, instead of reverting the change in the intended file, VS Code undoes a change in a different file, potentially introducing new errors or reverting important modifications. This unexpected behavior forces the developer to spend extra time identifying and correcting the unintended changes, which can be time-consuming and mentally taxing. Furthermore, the unreliable undo functionality can lead to data loss. If a developer unknowingly undoes changes in the wrong file and continues working, they may not realize the mistake until much later. This can result in significant rework and frustration, especially if the changes are complex or involve multiple files. The impact on productivity is also considerable. Developers often use the undo function dozens or even hundreds of times a day. A malfunctioning undo feature adds friction to the development process, slowing down the pace of work and reducing overall efficiency. The mental overhead of constantly verifying that the undo operation has worked correctly can also be draining, leading to decreased focus and increased error rates. In summary, the chat undo bug has the potential to significantly degrade the user experience and hinder productivity. It is crucial for the VS Code team to address this issue promptly to restore confidence in the editor and ensure a smooth and efficient development workflow. The following section will summarize the key findings and emphasize the importance of resolving this bug.

Conclusion: The Importance of Addressing the Chat Undo Bug

In conclusion, the chat undo bug identified in VS Code version 1.102.0-insider represents a significant issue that demands prompt attention. This bug, which causes the undo operation to revert changes in the wrong file, disrupts the expected behavior of a fundamental editing function. The ability to reliably undo actions is crucial for maintaining a smooth and efficient development workflow. When the undo functionality behaves unpredictably, it undermines user confidence in the editor and can lead to frustration, data loss, and reduced productivity. The steps to reproduce the bug are clear and consistent, involving the use of Agent mode to modify multiple files and then attempting to undo the changes. The bug report provides detailed information about the specific VS Code version, commit hash, and environment details, enabling developers to pinpoint the exact conditions under which the issue occurs. The impact of this bug on user experience and productivity is substantial. Developers rely on the undo function to quickly correct mistakes and revert unwanted modifications. An unreliable undo feature adds friction to the development process, slowing down the pace of work and increasing the risk of errors. Furthermore, the potential for data loss due to unintended undo operations is a serious concern. Addressing this bug is essential to restore confidence in VS Code's editing capabilities and ensure a seamless development experience. The VS Code team should prioritize investigating and resolving this issue to prevent further disruption to users' workflows. By fixing this bug, the VS Code team will reaffirm its commitment to providing a stable and reliable development environment. This, in turn, will enhance user satisfaction and contribute to the continued success of VS Code as a leading code editor. The resolution of this bug will not only improve the immediate experience for users encountering the issue but also reinforce the importance of robust testing and quality assurance in software development.