Solving the Slow File Tree Expansion Issue in VSCode

# Resolving Slow File Tree Expansion in VSCode

The sluggish expansion of the file tree in VSCode can be attributed to several factors, primarily归纳为以下几个方面：

- **Excessive File Count:** VSCode needs to index and monitor each file, and the more files there are, the greater the overhead for indexing and monitoring.
- **Suboptimal File Indexing:** The default file indexing settings in VSCode may not suit certain projects, leading to inefficiencies in indexing.
- **Insufficient Hardware Performance:** Insufficient memory or slow solid-state drive (SSD) speeds can affect VSCode's overall performance, including the speed of file tree expansion.

# Optimizing VSCode File Tree Expansion Performance

The sluggishness of VSCode's file tree expansion may stem from various causes, such as an excessive number of files, suboptimal indexing, or inadequate hardware performance. This section will introduce effective methods to optimize VSCode's file tree expansion performance.

### 2.1 Reducing File Count

#### 2.1.1 Excluding Unnecessary Folders

By default, VSCode indexes files in all opened folders. If there are many unnecessary folders, they can be excluded from the VSCode workspace.

// Adding exclusions in settings
"files.exclude": {
    "**/node_modules": true,
    "**/.git": true,
    "**/.cache": true
}

#### 2.1.2 Using Symbolic Links

For files or folders that need to be accessed but do not need to be indexed, symbolic links can be used. A symbolic link is a special type of file that points to another file or folder. VSCode does not index the files or folders pointed to by symbolic links, thereby reducing the number of indexed items.

// Creating a symbolic link
ln -s /path/to/large_folder /path/to/workspace/symbolic_link

### 2.2 Optimizing File Indexing

#### 2.2.1 Adjusting Indexing Settings

VSCode offers various indexing settings that can be adjusted according to need.

// Adjusting indexing settings
"files.watcherExclude": {
    "**/*.log": true,
    "**/*.tmp": true
}

#### 2.2.2 Using File Exclusion Patterns

File exclusion patterns allow specifying certain file types or patterns that VSCode will not index.

// Adding file exclusion patterns
"files.watcherExclude": {
    "**/*.log": true,
    "**/*.tmp": true
}

### 2.3 Enhancing Hardware Performance

#### 2.3.1 Increasing Memory

Indexing files in VSCode requires memory. Increasing memory can improve indexing speed.

#### 2.3.2 Upgrading to an SSD

Solid-state drives (SSDs) are much faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). Upgrading to an SSD can significantly enhance VSCode's file tree expansion performance.

# Alternative Solutions for Slow VSCode File Tree Expansion

### 3.1 Using an External File Manager

#### 3.1.1 Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is the built-in file manager in the Windows operating system. It provides an intuitive interface for users to browse, manage, ***pared to VSCode's file tree, Windows Explorer has the following a