Configure and log in to P4 Server

You can configure how the P4 for Visual Studio Code extension connects and authenticates with the P4 Server.

Configure the P4 VS Code extension connection to P4 Server

The P4 VS Code extension supports configuring your P4 Server connection using a P4CONFIG file or using Visual Studio Code settings. Choose one method and the extension uses it exclusively.

Method 1: Use a P4CONFIG file

By default, the P4 VS Code extension reads connection details from a P4CONFIG file.

When Enable P4 Config Scan on Startup option is enabled, the extension reads connection details from a P4CONFIG file by searching upward from the workspace root through parent directories. It combines values found at different directory levels to determine the effective configuration. In very large workspaces, this directory search can increase start-up time. When this option is enabled, any P4 Server connection values set in Visual Studio Code settings are ignored.

Login using P4CONFIG

To get the extension to read connection details from a P4CONFIG file on disk:

  1. Select the Settings Settings icon icon from the Activity bar and then select Settings.

  2. Expand Extensions in the left pane, or search for P4 VS Code.

  3. Under P4 Connection, ensure Enable P4 Config Scan on Startup is selected.

If a valid ticket is available, the extension uses it automatically. If no valid ticket is found, the extension prompts you for a password.

Method 2: Use Visual Studio Code settings

Configure the extension by specifying P4 Server connection details directly in Visual Studio Code settings. Any P4CONFIG files on disk are ignored.

Login using Visual Studio Code settings

  1. Select the Settings Settings icon icon and then select Settings.

  2. Expand Extensions in the left pane or search for P4 VS Code.

  3. Under P4 Connection, clear Enable P4 Config Scan on Startup.

  4. Set the following values in Visual Studio Code settings:

    • p4.port: Specify the P4 Server port number.

    • p4.user: Specify the user name.

    • p4.client: Specify the workspace or client name.

    • (Optional) p4.charset: Specify the setting for unicode or UTF-16 files. If not specified, the system default is used.

    If a valid ticket is available, the extension uses it automatically. If no valid ticket is found, the extension prompts you for a password.

Log in to P4 Server

To authenticate with the P4 Server from Visual Studio Code:

  1. Select Source Control in the Activity bar.

  2. In the Changes view, select More Actions (More Actions button).

  3. Select Log in to P4.

  4. Follow the prompts to authenticate, if required.

After a successful login, the extension connects to the P4 Server and displays the client workspace directory name under Repositories in the Source Control view. You can view all changelists associated with that client, see pending file changes, and search changelists using available filters.

View connection status

When the P4 VS Code extension is installed and you open Visual Studio Code from the root of a client workspace, connection information is available in the Visual Studio Code status area.

Connection status

  • Notifications appear in the lower‑right corner of Visual Studio Code.

  • Hover over the status bar to view:

    • P4CLIENT

    • P4USER

    • P4PORT

    • Current connection status

These indicators help you confirm that Visual Studio Code is connected to the expected P4 Server, user, and client workspace.