nrf Connect v2023.9.169 Extension for VS Code - how to restore Sidebar to "old" layout!?

[GerardB]

Hi,

I am using nrf SDK v2.3.0 with nrf Connect extension of VS Code on MacOS

The nrf Connect Extension was automatically upgraded to v2023.9.169 last week.

I noticed that the "nrf Connect Sidebar" is now quite different & I find it has missing "sections" (fast shortcuts) that I used to use a LOT on the older versions of nrf Connect Extension.

The older versions sidebar looked like this:

Notice the separate (expandable) "sections for "Sensor_Firmware" (for quick access to source, etc) and the "Actions" section.

My new sidebar (v2023.9.169) now looks like this:

I can live with the new "Explorer" tree of the Application in the new version (it is good BUT it would be "nice" to have a more obvious toggle/section to "show Application in Explorer")
BUT I REALLY would like to get the "Actions" section back on my sidebar!? How do I do that...!?

Is there a way to get that "Actions" section back in the new nrfConnect Extension Sidebar?
I can't figure out how to "get that back"! :)

Of course I like the new expanded "Welcome" section showing the SDK's installed & currently selected or in use.

Thanks!

Gerard 

[khelmutlord]

Hello Gerard,

The actions panel should show up again once you create a build configuration for your current project.

Thanks,

Helmut Lord

[GerardB]

Hi Helmut

Thanks for your super-fast response!
BUT I already had done a build and still didn't see that Actions Section.

I have just created and executed a new build configuration and I STILL don't see the Actions Section.

See new screenshot below.

Any other ideas how to get it back!? :) 

Thanks!

Gerard

[khelmutlord]

Could you try right clicking on one of the tabs (i.e. Connected Devices) to see if a drop down appears.

You should then be able to click "Actions" and enable it again.

Thanks,

Helmut Lord

[GerardB]

OK - did that & even did a 'recover' and a 'reset' on my connected board but I still don't see that elusive Actions section..! :) 

New screenshot below

Which means I can no longer flash my boards using the VS Code UI!! :( 

edit/updated answer after more testing:

I just tried to go back to the previous nrf Connect Extension (by installing the previous version) & everything works as before - in other words the "Actions" panel is back & works fine!

I also noticed that I "only" had v10.22.0 of the nrf Command line tools installed. So I downloaded & installed v10.23.0 (latest) version of the command line tools as well. 

After that I "updated" to the latest nrf Connect Extension (v2023.9.169) again & the Actions Panel is STILL no longer available - see my latest screenshot above. You will see there that the "Actions" panel is not even "listed" in the "nrf Connect" drop-down Panel menu (clicking on "three dots" at top right of nrf Connect Sidebar) in VS Code.

So this seems lile a "bug" or at least some "configurations" issue ..?

So now reverting back to previous version (v2023.7.129)  - until I hear this is solved.. :( 

Gerard

Heeeelp! :) 

[Marte Myrvold]

Hi Gerard,

This can happen if you move any of the sections to the secondary side bar (normally on the right sight). Can you try going to View > Appearance and enabling Secondary Side Bar?

If you have moved it to the secondary side bar, then the section should show up on the right side like this:

You can move it back to the primary side bar by clicking on the nRF Connect icon on the right side and dragging it back to the primary side bar on the left.

Best regards,
Marte

[truefalse]

I am having the same problem. Actions do not appear in dropdown list.

[truefalse]

I tried your suggestion before you replied to me. My secondary sidebar was empty. The problem remains unfixed.

In addition a co-worker of mine has the same problem, In fact, I found that I have the problem from trying to help him solve the problem. We had not exchanged any files recently to cause the problem. He is thousands of miles away also.

I shut down my computer a few hours ago. When I turned it on again nRF Connect for Desktop will not run giving the following error.

 

[truefalse]

I tried again seven hours later and the java script error above went away.

The problem with "Actions" missing from drop down list still remains.

[GerardB]

Hi Marte

OK - I tried that BUT my Secondary Sidebar is empty. Below is a screenshot that shows:
- The Primary & Secondary Sidebars (left & right)
AND
- The drop-down "Panels" menu from the Primary Sidebar

You can see that the "Actions" panel is no longer "available"...! :( 

Definitely seems like a bug to me as the previous version still works OK.

Regards

Gerard